Answer to Question #20694 in Physical Chemistry for prabhugowda

Question

About 30% of crude oil is processed eventually into automobile gasoline. As petroleum prices rise and resources dwindle, alternatives must be found. However, automobile engines can be tuned so that they will run on simple alcohols. Methanol, and ethanol can be derived from coal or plant biomass, respectively. While the alcohols produce fewer pollutants than gasoline, they also reduce the travel radius of a tank of fuel. What percent increase in the size of fuel tank is needed to give an equivalent travel radius if gasoline is replaced by alcohol? Base your calculations on 40 kilojoules per gram of gasoline having a specific gravity of 0.84, and the product water as a gas. Make the calculations for (a) methanol; (b) ethanol.