Energy conversion: The combustion of octane takes multiple steps, but these can be condensed as 2C8H18 + 25O2 ? 16CO2 + 18H2O
a. If this process is 100% efficient, how much thermal energy is produced via the combustion of 1 gallon of gasoline? Use the provided enthalpies at the end to support your answer.
b. Gasoline consists of octane plus a number of other hydrocarbons. How much thermal energy is produced via combustion of a gallon of gasoline? What component of this comes from combustion of octane?
c. Select a passenger car and calculate the efficiency of the vehicle in converting chemical energy from combustion into kinetic energy.