What is the latent heat of vaporization per gallon at boiling point?

The latent heat of vaporization is a critical concept in thermodynamics, particularly for substances such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that transition from liquid to gas. For LPG, the latent heat of vaporization at the boiling point quantifies the amount of thermal energy needed to convert a gallon of liquid into gas without changing its temperature.

The value of 773 BTU per gallon at boiling point is widely referenced for propane. This figure indicates that to vaporize a gallon of propane at its boiling point, one must provide approximately 773 BTUs of energy. This energy input enables the molecules to overcome intermolecular forces, allowing them to move into a gaseous state.

Understanding this property is important for practical applications, such as calculating the energy requirements for vaporizing LPG in various appliances and systems, ensuring safety and efficiency in their operation. This knowledge also aids in designing equipment and evaluating performance, especially in heating systems or engines that use propane as fuel.