Final answer:
The component of gasoline that contributes to its high enthalpy of combustion is hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons combust to produce a significant amount of heat, making gasoline an efficient fuel source.
Step-by-step explanation:
The component of gasoline that gives it such a high enthalpy of combustion is hydrocarbons. Gasoline consists mainly of hydrocarbons, which are compounds containing only hydrogen and carbon. The combustion of hydrocarbons is a highly exothermic process that produces a significant amount of heat, making them efficient as fuel sources.
When a hydrocarbon combusts, it reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water, releasing heat in the process. For example, isooctane is a common component of gasoline, and its enthalpy of combustion can be used to approximate the heat produced by burning gasoline.