Final answer:
For every gram of ethanol burned, approximately 1.91 grams of CO2 are released, based on the fact that 2 moles of CO2 are produced for every mole of ethanol combusted.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amount of CO2 produced from the combustion of alkanols (alcohols with only hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen such as ethanol) can be calculated using stoichiometry based on the balanced chemical reaction. For example, the combustion of ethanol (C2H5OH) produces CO2 and H2O:
C2H5OH + 3 O2 → 2 CO2 + 3 H2O
From the equation, we can see that for every mole of ethanol burned, 2 moles of CO2 are produced. Given that the molar mass of ethanol is 46 g/mol and the molar mass of CO2 is 44 g/mol, for every 46 grams of ethanol combusted, 88 grams of CO2 are produced, which gives a ratio of 1.91.
Therefore, for every gram of ethanol burned, approximately 1.91 grams of CO2 are released.