Natural gas is primarily methane, CH4, and is used to heat homes. A typical home is approximately 2000 ft2 and the ceilings are 8 ft high. The following data may be helpful: The heat capacity of air is 1.01 J/g·K and the and the enthalpy of combustion of methane is -890.8 kJ/mol. Assume that the molecular weight of air is the same as nitrogen, its major component.
- How many grams of methane are required to raise the temperature in the home from 37°F to 65°F?
- How many grams of CO2 does this reaction produce?