Chem 9.3 Choosing fuels

Question 1

What is fuel?

Answer 1

Fuel is a substance that releases useful heat when it burns.

Question 2

What are examples of fuels?

Answer 2

Ethanol
Hydrogen
Diesel

Question 3

What is the product of the combustion of hydrogen?

Answer 3

Hydrogen + Oxygen → Water

Question 4

What are the products of the combustion of ethanol?

Answer 4

Ethanol + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water

Question 5

What are some risks of products of the combustion of diesel?

Answer 5

Diesel burns to form carbon dioxide and water, and sometimes other products solid @ RTP. These products may increase the risk of cancer ad heart-related diseases.

Question 6

In terms of being renewable, which fuel(s) are the best?

Answer 6

Ethanol (from plants) and Hydrogen (from methane).

Question 7

In terms of being better for the environment, which fuel(s) are the best?

Answer 7

Hydrogen (the other 2 produce CO2 - a greenhouse gas).

Question 8

In terms of being convenient to store & transport @ RTP, which fuel(s) are the best?

Answer 8

Ethanol and Diesel (Liquid @ RTP – Hydrogen is gas).

Question 9

In terms of being safe @ RTP, which fuel(s) are the best?

Answer 9

Ethanol and Diesel (Hydrogen is explosive when reacting with air).

Question 10

Which fuel produces the most heat?

Answer 10

Hydrogen

Question 11

Which fuel is very hazardous (health-related)?

Answer 11

Diesel (risk of cancer and heart diseases).

Question 12

Why can’t there be a certain “best” fuel?

Answer 12

There is no “best” fuel because all fuels have their own advantages and disadvantages with regard to different factors.