How many BTUs are required to raise one pound of water by 10°F?

To determine the number of BTUs (British Thermal Units) required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by a certain amount, it is essential to understand the fundamental definition of a BTU. One BTU is defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. Consequently, if you are raising the temperature of one pound of water by 10°F, you would require 10 BTUs, as it takes one BTU for each degree increase.

Selecting the correct response reflects an understanding that to raise the temperature of water, you multiply the temperature increase (10°F) by the energy needed for each degree (1 BTU), leading to a total of 10 BTUs. In essence, to raise one pound of water by 10°F, you need a cumulative total of 10 BTUs, which validates why that number is essential for calculations involving heat transfer in various applications, particularly in commercial food equipment settings.