Final answer:
The ignition temperature of methane is the minimum temperature needed for it to ignite in air. Methane's combustion is exothermic and stoichiometry, combined with the Ideal Gas Law, can predict the volume of methane at specific conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ignition temperature of methane (CH4) refers to the lowest temperature at which methane gas can ignite in air without an external source of ignition. Methane is a component of natural gas and is considered as an alternative fuel due to its abundant supply and cleaner combustion compared to gasoline. When methane combusts, it reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water, releasing a large amount of heat in the process, signifying an exothermic reaction.
A thermochemical equation shows us that the combustion of 1 mole of methane releases 890.4 kilojoules of heat energy. This heat energy is critical in understanding the power output and efficiency of methane as an automotive fuel. Furthermore, stoichiometry can be used to calculate the specific volume of methane at given conditions using the Ideal Gas Law, thereby assisting in the practical application of methane's combustion properties for fuel purposes.