Which measurement indicates the energy content of natural gas?

The measurement that indicates the energy content of natural gas is the BTU, or British Thermal Unit. A BTU is defined as the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. It is a standard unit of measure used to quantify the heat energy produced by natural gas when it is burned.

Natural gas is typically sold and traded based on its energy content, which is commonly expressed in BTUs. This helps consumers and businesses compare the energy potential of different fuels and understand the efficiency of their heating systems when utilizing natural gas.

Gigajoule, calorie, and watt each have specific applications in energy measurement but are not used as commonly for expressing the energy content of natural gas. A gigajoule measures a larger quantity of energy and is often used for electrical energy or larger industrial applications. A calorie is more commonly associated with the energy content in food. A watt measures power or the rate at which energy is used, rather than energy content. Therefore, BTU stands out as the correct choice for indicating the energy content specifically in the context of natural gas.