Which term describes the ratio of heat absorbed by water to the heat provided by fuel?

The term that describes the ratio of heat absorbed by water to the heat provided by fuel is thermal efficiency. This concept measures how effectively a system converts the energy in fuel into usable heat energy, illustrating the performance of heating equipment. In practical terms, thermal efficiency provides insight into how much of the energy content of the fuel is being successfully utilized for heating, as opposed to being wasted through other means like flue gases.

Understanding thermal efficiency is crucial for optimizing energy use and improving systems in engineering applications, especially in heating systems such as boilers and furnaces. The higher the thermal efficiency, the more effectively a system operates.

The other terms do not define the ratio of heat absorption to fuel heat input. Boiler capacity refers to the maximum amount of steam or hot water the boiler can produce per unit time. Furnace volume indicates the physical dimensions of the furnace, affecting how much fuel can be burned. Heat transfer rate is focused on the speed at which heat moves from one medium to another, not the efficiency of energy conversion.