How many BTUs per pound does H2O in the vapor state contain?

Water in its vapor state, often referred to as steam, contains approximately 970 BTUs per pound. This value is critical in thermodynamics and energy management because it represents the latent heat of vaporization.

When water transitions from liquid to vapor, it absorbs a significant amount of energy without a change in temperature, which is captured in the 970 BTUs. This energy is essential in processes such as steam heating systems, power generation, and various industrial applications where steam is used for heating or as a working fluid.

Understanding the energy content of water vapor helps engineers and energy managers design efficient systems that utilize this state effectively, maximizing energy transfer and minimizing losses. Hence, knowing that water vapor contains about 970 BTUs per pound is foundational for effective energy calculations in systems involving steam and heat transfer.