Question

The combustion of gasoline produces carbon dioxide and water. Assume gasoline to be pure octane (C8H18) and calculate the mass (in kg) of carbon dioxide that is added to the atmosphere per 1.0 kg of octane burned

Answer 1

3.1 kg

Step-by-step explanation:

Step 1: Write the balanced combustion equation

C₈H₁₈ + 12.5 O₂ ⇒ 8 CO₂ + 9 H₂O

Step 2: Calculate the moles corresponding to 1.0 kg of C₈H₁₈.

The molar mass of C₈H₁₈ is 114.23 g/mol.

1.0 × 10³ g × 1 mol/114.23 g = 8.8 mol

Step 3: Calculate the moles of CO₂ produced from 8.8 moles of C₈H₁₈

The molar ratio of C₈H₁₈ to CO₂ is 1:8. The moles of CO₂ produced are 8/1 × 8.8 mol = 70 mol.

Step 4: Calculate the mass corresponding to 70 moles of CO₂

The molar mass of CO₂ is 44.01 g/mol.

70 mol × 44.01 g/mol = 3.1 × 10³ g = 3.1 kg