Question

A student reads that propane gas is the main source of energy for outdoor grills. Propane gas is made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Propane has _______ energy within its bonds.

a) High potential
b) Low potential
c) Moderate potential
d) Variable potential

Answer 1

Propane, with a chemical formula of C3H8, has high potential energy within its bonds, making it an effective fuel source for outdoor grills due to the large amount of heat released during its combustion. Correct option is a) High potential.

Step-by-step explanation:

Propane gas is composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms. When considering these atoms and their bonds in a molecule of propane, with a chemical formula of C3H8, the energy held within its bonds is referred to as potential energy. In the specific context of fuel and combustion, propane has high potential energy within its bonds. This is because the combustion of propane, a reaction with oxygen, releases a significant amount of heat energy, making propane a very effective fuel source for applications like outdoor grills.

The balanced equation for the combustion of propane in the presence of oxygen is C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O. This exothermic reaction demonstrates that when propane combusts, it produces carbon dioxide and water while releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat, which is why propane is used in outdoor grills to cook food efficiently. So the correct option is a) High potential.