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Energy Content

Reference data and engineering information about energy content for dynamics applications.

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Overview

Engineering reference data for Energy Content in dynamics.

Key Formulas

Newton's Second Law

F=maF = ma

Force = mass × acceleration.

Kinetic Energy

Ek=12mv2E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2

Energy of motion.

Momentum

p=mvp = mv

Mass × velocity.

Work

W=FdcosθW = Fd\cos\theta

Force × displacement × cos(angle).

Variables

SymbolDescriptionUnit
FFForceN
mmMasskg
aaAccelerationm/s²
vvVelocitym/s
EkE_kKinetic energyJ

Energy Content Reference Table

21 rows
Energy content of commonly used fuels and energy sources
Energy Source
Unit
Energy Content(Btu)
Electricity1 Kilowatt-hour3412
Butane1 Cubic Foot3200
Coal1 Ton28000000
Crude Oil1 Barrel (42 gal)5800000
Fuel Oil No.11 Gallon137400
Fuel Oil No.21 Gallon139600
Fuel Oil No.31 Gallon141800
Fuel Oil No.41 Gallon145100
Fuel Oil No.51 Gallon148800
Fuel Oil No.61 Gallon152400
Diesel Fuel1 Gallon139000
Gasoline1 Gallon124000
Natural Gas1 Cubic Foot950–1150
Heating Oil1 Gallon139000
Kerosene1 Gallon135000
Pellets1 Ton16500000
Propane (LPG)1 Gallon91330
Propane Gas1 Cubic Foot (60°F)2550
Residual Fuel Oil1 Barrel (42 gal)6287000
Wood (air dried)1 Cord20000000
Wood (air dried)1 Pound8000

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

Unit Conversion Factors

Volume Conversions:

FromTo SIEquivalent
1 Gallon (US)3.785×103 m33.785 \times 10^{-3} \text{ m}^33.785 dm33.785 \text{ dm}^3 (liters)
1 Cubic Foot0.02832 m30.02832 \text{ m}^3
1 Barrel (US, oil)158.987 liters158.987 \text{ liters}42 gallons42 \text{ gallons}

Mass Conversions:

FromTo SI
1 lbm1 \text{ lb}_m0.4536 kg0.4536 \text{ kg}
1 ton (short)1 \text{ ton (short)}2000 lbs=907 kg2000 \text{ lbs} = 907 \text{ kg}

BTU Definition and Equivalents

The British Thermal Unit (BTU) is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by 1°F1°F (from 58.5°F58.5°F to 59.5°F59.5°F) at sea level (30 inches of mercury).

BTU Conversion Factors:

1 Btu=1055.06 J=0.293 Wh=2.931×104 kWh1 \text{ Btu} = 1055.06 \text{ J} = 0.293 \text{ Wh} = 2.931 \times 10^{-4} \text{ kWh}

1 Btu=252 cal=0.252 kcal=778.16 ft⋅lbf1 \text{ Btu} = 252 \text{ cal} = 0.252 \text{ kcal} = 778.16 \text{ ft·lbf}

Electricity to Heat:

1 kWh=3412 Btu1 \text{ kWh} = 3412 \text{ Btu}

References