Converting kinetic energy into BTUs?

In summary, the conversation discusses determining the change in kinetic energy in BTUs for a body with a mass of 2lb experiencing an increase in velocity from 20 ft/s to 50 ft/s. The solution involves converting the mass and velocities into units of kg and m/s, respectively, in order to calculate the change in kinetic energy in Joules. A conversion factor is needed to convert from Joules to BTUs.
  • #1
dillonmhudson
49
0

Homework Statement


"A body whose mass is 2lb experiences an increase in velocity from 20 ft/s to 50 ft/s.
Determine the change in kinetic energy in BTUs"


Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution



As of right now I have [tex]\Delta[/tex]KE=2100 lb_m ft^2/s^2

I don't know how to change that into BTUs. I don't even know what BTUs are.
For example a joule is a kg*m/s^2, so what is a BTU in terms of pounds mass?

Thanks for any help
 
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  • #2
You could just try converting the 2 lb. mass into kg. and the two velocities given into m/s so that solving for the change in kinetic energy would be in Joules. Should be pretty easy to find those three conversion factors.
 
  • #3
ok, yeah i guess i could do that.
Thanks!
 

1. How is kinetic energy converted into BTUs?

The conversion of kinetic energy into BTUs (British Thermal Units) is a two-step process. First, the kinetic energy must be converted into a more usable form, such as heat or electricity. This can be done using various mechanical or chemical methods. The second step is to calculate the amount of heat energy produced in BTUs by using the formula: 1 BTU = 1,055 joules.

2. What is the formula for converting kinetic energy into BTUs?

The formula for converting kinetic energy into BTUs is: 1 BTU = 1,055 joules. This means that the amount of energy in BTUs is equal to the amount of energy in joules divided by 1,055.

3. Can all types of kinetic energy be converted into BTUs?

In theory, all forms of kinetic energy can be converted into BTUs. However, the efficiency of the conversion may vary depending on the type of energy and the method used to convert it. For example, converting the kinetic energy of wind into BTUs through a wind turbine may be more efficient than converting the kinetic energy of a moving vehicle through friction.

4. What factors affect the conversion of kinetic energy into BTUs?

The efficiency of the conversion of kinetic energy into BTUs can be affected by several factors, including the type of energy being converted, the method used for conversion, and any losses in the process. For example, converting the kinetic energy of water into electricity through a hydroelectric dam may be more efficient than converting the kinetic energy of a moving vehicle through friction and heat loss.

5. How is the conversion of kinetic energy into BTUs used in real-world applications?

The conversion of kinetic energy into BTUs has many practical applications. Some common examples include using wind turbines to convert the kinetic energy of wind into electricity, using friction to convert the kinetic energy of moving vehicles into heat for heating systems, and using hydroelectric dams to convert the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity. This process is also used in many industrial processes, such as converting the kinetic energy of steam into electricity in power plants.

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