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Which is the best fuel?

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Using enthalpies of combustion to compare fuels:                             PS1-4  Inquiry-based activity

 

Study this general equation

 

"hydrocarbon fuel" + __O2(g) --> __CO2(g) + __H2O(g)

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What types of reaction are occurring?

1. Research the molar heat of combustion for each fuel in the list below

2. Write a fully balanced chemical equation for each reaction

3. Calculate the molar mass of each fuel

 

Copy the table below and add the required information

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After all fuel data is listed, choose the "best" fuel describing the criterion you use for your choice.

 

Hydrocarbon fuels to compare

            Methane         (Bunsen burner fuel)

            Ethane

            Propane           (barbeque gas)

            Butane            (disposable lighter fuel)

            Octane            (gasoline-main component)

 

Other fuels

            Ethanol            (“alcohol”)

            Propan-2-ol     (rubbing alcohol)

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    If time, research diesel fuel

 

           

Fuel              Formula                 Formula mass                Molar heat of combustion          Heat liberated from burning 100.0 g

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Methane

 

Ethane

 

Propane

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Butane

 

Octane

 

Ethanol

 

Propan-2-ol

 

Diesel

 

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Are any of these used for rocket fuels?  Why/why not?