The energy content in a gallon of gasoline can be estimated by calculating the total energy from carbon atoms present in the fuel. Using octane (C8H18) as a representative chemical formula, one must first determine the weight of gasoline in a gallon, which is approximately 2.8 kg. With 6.022 x 10^23 atoms per mole and 4 eV of energy per carbon atom, the total energy can be converted to joules using the conversion factor of 1 eV = 1.60217646 × 10^-19 joules.
PREREQUISITESStudents in chemistry or physics, energy researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the energy content of fuels like gasoline.
fk378 said:Homework Statement
Estimate the amount of energy (in J) in a gallon of gasoline by imagining that there is about 4 eV of energy for every carbon atom.
The Attempt at a Solution
I don't know of any equations that would relate eV to J. But I do know that there are 6.022 x 10^23 atoms/mole.
How do I get started on this?
Wikipedia said:1 electron volt = 1.60217646 × 10-19 joules