Approximately how many BTU's does it take to convert 1 pound of liquid water at 212° F to steam at 212°F?

The conversion of liquid water to steam at its boiling point, which is 212°F at atmospheric pressure, requires a specific amount of energy known as the latent heat of vaporization. This energy is needed to overcome the intermolecular forces that hold the liquid water molecules together, allowing them to transition into the gaseous state without any change in temperature.

In scientific terms, the latent heat of vaporization for water is approximately 970 BTUs per pound. This figure is significant because it reflects the amount of energy required for this phase change specifically at the boiling point.

Thus, the correct answer of 970 BTUs is accurate for the conversion of 1 pound of liquid water at 212°F to steam at the same temperature. Understanding this concept is crucial in industrial refrigeration and heating applications, where energy transfer during phase changes can significantly impact system efficiency and performance.