Examining Engine Work & Gasoline Energy

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relationship between the work done by an automobile's engine and the energy content of gasoline. Participants explore the types of energy produced from burning gasoline, primarily focusing on kinetic and thermal energy, while questioning the relevance of nuclear energy. The conversation also touches on the practical applications of a car, emphasizing its role in transportation. Humor is interspersed throughout the dialogue, particularly a reference to Kansas's flat geography. Overall, the thread aims to clarify the energy transformations involved in automotive engines.
ReoFonzo
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Homework Statement


How does the amount of work done on an automobile by its engine relate to the energy content of the gasoline ?


Homework Equations


How does the amount of work done on an automobile by its engine relate to the energy content of the gasoline ?


The Attempt at a Solution


Through Kinetic Energy ??
 
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I think they're asking for you to account for where the energy content of the gasoline end up going. What are the different kinds of energy that come about from burning the gas in the car's engine? What-all happens?
 
Heat.. nuclear.. electric ??
 
ReoFonzo said:
Heat.. nuclear.. electric ??

I don't know about the nuclear energy created (?), but the other two apply. What else? What do you use a car for?
 
To move, or for transportation ?
 
ReoFonzo said:
To move, or for transportation ?

Yeah, so except for the nuclear thing, I think you have the three main things. Oh, but what are the two forms of energy that are involved in a car moving about? Well, unless you're talking about Kansas. :rolleyes:
 
Dude, berkeman, I totally didn't get the Kansas line till my roommate (history major, at that) explained it to me. Subtle humor in the homework forum... :sigh:
 
mbrmbrg said:
Dude, berkeman, I totally didn't get the Kansas line till my roommate (history major, at that) explained it to me. Subtle humor in the homework forum... :sigh:

Glad you liked it. Hey, speaking of humor and history majors, could you do me a favor and check out this other homework thread:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=148052

I'm having a hard time helping ReoFonzo in that thread as well, and I'm pretty sure you and your roommate could bring in a different perspective. Remember that PF forum rules say that you can't provide direct answers -- you can only provide hints and advice on how to approach the problem.

Thanks if you have time to click on by. o:)
 
mbrmbrg said:
Dude, berkeman, I totally didn't get the Kansas line till my roommate (history major, at that) explained it to me. Subtle humor in the homework forum... :sigh:

Oh, and ReoFonzo the French, you may or may not know this, but Kansas is flat.
 

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