Question

What is the change in internal energy of an engine if you put 15 gallon of gasoline into its tank? The energy content of gasoline is 1.5 x 106 J/gallon. All other factors, such as the engine’s temperature, are constant. How many hours the engine can work if the power of the engine’s motor is 600 W? (8 marks)

Answer 1

ΔU = 2.25 x 10⁸ J

t = 104.17 s

Step-by-step explanation:

The change in internal energy of the engine can be given by the following formula:

ΔU = (Mass of Gasoline)(Energy Content of Gasoline)

ΔU = (1.5 x 10⁶ J/gallon)(15 gallon)

ΔU = 2.25 x 10⁸ J

Now, for the time of operation, we use the following formula of power.

P = W/t = ΔU/t

t = ΔU/P

where,

t = time of operation = ?

ΔU = Change in internal energy = 2.25 x 10⁸ J

P = Power of motor = 600 W

Therefore,

t = (2.25 x 10⁸ J)/(600 W)

t = (375000 s)(1 h/3600 s)

t = 104.17 s