Final answer:
Boiling bioethanol produces flammable gas that can be safely burned in controlled conditions. The combustion of ethanol is represented by a chemical equation, and its energy content can be compared to gasoline based on heat of combustion values and densities.
Step-by-step explanation:
When bioethanol boils, which is around 78 to 80 degrees Celsius, it produces a flammable gas that is similar to the vapor it emits at room temperature. Breathing in small amounts of ethanol vapor is generally not harmful, but it should be done in a well-ventilated area to minimize the inhalation of fumes.
When the gas is burned, it can be safely done if it is in a controlled environment and appropriate safety precautions are taken to prevent uncontrolled fire or an explosion due to its flammability.
Now let's address the aspects of your experiment:
Combustion of Ethanol
The balanced equation for the combustion of ethanol (C2H5OH) is:
C2H5OH(l) + 3O2(g) → 2CO2(g) + 3H2O(g)
The enthalpy of combustion of 1 mole of ethanol can be calculated using the provided enthalpies of formation. This would require subtracting the sum of the enthalpies of formation of the products from the reactants.
Energy Content Comparison
Because ethanol has a lower energy density compared to gasoline, a car might be expected to travel less far on 1 L of ethanol than on 1 L of gasoline. The energy content difference can be calculated based on the heat of combustion and the densities of ethanol and gasoline (n-octane in this case).