Converting kinetic energy into BTUs?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on converting kinetic energy from foot-pounds to British Thermal Units (BTUs) for a mass of 2 pounds experiencing a velocity change from 20 ft/s to 50 ft/s. The calculated change in kinetic energy is 2100 lb_m ft²/s². To convert this value into BTUs, participants suggest first converting the mass to kilograms and the velocities to meters per second, allowing for the calculation of kinetic energy in Joules, which can then be converted to BTUs using established conversion factors.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy calculations
  • Familiarity with unit conversions, specifically between imperial and metric systems
  • Knowledge of British Thermal Units (BTUs) and their significance
  • Basic physics concepts related to mass and velocity
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  • Learn how to convert foot-pounds to Joules
  • Study the conversion factors for BTUs from Joules
  • Explore kinetic energy formulas and their applications in physics
  • Research unit conversion techniques for mass and velocity
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Students in physics, engineers working with energy calculations, and anyone interested in understanding energy conversion between different units.

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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 \DeltaKE=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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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.
 
ok, yeah i guess i could do that.
Thanks!
 

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