The conversion of BTU/lbF to J/kgK requires an understanding of both the energy and temperature scales involved. Specifically, 1 BTU equals 1055 J, 1 lb equals 1/2.2046 kg, and the conversion factor for temperature differences is 5/9 when comparing Fahrenheit to Kelvin. The correct formula for converting BTU/lbF to J/kgK is 1055/(1/2.2046) * (5/9), which yields the specific heat of water as 4186 J/kgK. Misunderstanding the temperature difference versus temperature value led to initial confusion in the calculations.
PREREQUISITESStudents in physics or engineering, professionals in thermodynamics, and anyone involved in energy calculations or conversions will benefit from this discussion.
You've made a goofy mistake here. You're confusing a 1 degree F temperature difference with a temperature of 1° F.jamesfirst said:I know 1BTU = 1055J
1lb = 1/2.2046 kg
1 F = 255.928 K
then 1 BTU/lbF should be 1055/(1.2046)*255.928. But I get 9 plugging this in
the value is suppose to be 4186 J/kgK. this is the specific heat of water