Final answer:
Burning one pound of propane releases approximately 21,500 British Thermal Units (Btu), which is a significant amount of energy used for heating and as fuel.
Step-by-step explanation:
When one pound of propane burns, it releases a significant amount of energy. Propane, also known by its chemical formula C3H8, is a hydrocarbon that undergoes combustion in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water while releasing energy. The energy content of propane is measured in British Thermal Units (Btu) or Therms. One gallon of liquid propane contains approximately 91,500 Btu, which equates to about 0.915 Therms. Since there are roughly 4.24 pounds in a gallon, one pound of propane contains approximately 21,500 Btu. This amount of energy is significant for heating purposes and is used in various applications such as home heating and as a fuel for engines and portable stoves.