- #1
mugunthan
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its is fuel efficient and pollution free
Why cant oxygen be used as fuel for cars?
In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of fuel and oxygen in relation to energy production. It is mentioned that while oxygen is not a fuel, it is necessary for combustion to occur. The idea of carrying only oxygen on a vehicle is also discussed, with the conclusion that it is not necessary due to the abundance of oxygen in the atmosphere. The use of nitrous oxide and nitromethane as additives to enhance performance in race cars is also mentioned.
- #2
BvU
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But it's inflammable too ...
- #3
russ_watters
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Because oxygen isn't fuel. A fuel (generally) is something that burns with oxygen.
- #4
SteamKing
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For the same reason you can't have powdered water.
- #5
russ_watters
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Bad example. We get a lot of powdered water where I live in the winter...SteamKing said:
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SteamKing
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Yeah, but you don't have to add water to reconstitute it from the powder.russ_watters said:
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Baluncore
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If we carried only O2, what would we react it with to extract energy?
We have been burning hydrocarbons, (such as wood, peat, coal, fat or oil), in air for thousands of years. The air contains oxygen which is consumed by the reaction to produce H2O and CO2. So over time we have come to expect chemical energy to be released by oxidation of a fuel. The oxygen is not the fuel, it is the oxidiser of the fuel.
Hydrolysis of water generates a fuel, H2, and an oxidiser, O2. We can then recover some of the energy invested by reacting them together. But we do not need to carry the oxygen on our vehicle as there is more than sufficient in the atmosphere. Because O2 weighs many times that of H2, our total vehicle weight is reduced by carrying the fuel only, without the oxidiser.
We have been burning hydrocarbons, (such as wood, peat, coal, fat or oil), in air for thousands of years. The air contains oxygen which is consumed by the reaction to produce H2O and CO2. So over time we have come to expect chemical energy to be released by oxidation of a fuel. The oxygen is not the fuel, it is the oxidiser of the fuel.
Hydrolysis of water generates a fuel, H2, and an oxidiser, O2. We can then recover some of the energy invested by reacting them together. But we do not need to carry the oxygen on our vehicle as there is more than sufficient in the atmosphere. Because O2 weighs many times that of H2, our total vehicle weight is reduced by carrying the fuel only, without the oxidiser.
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As said by others, to create combustion, you need a fuel and an oxidizer. Oxygen is the most common oxidizer and plenty of it is found in air. Fuel is usually something made with carbon and/or hydrogen.
But adding oxygen is already used to enhance performance in race cars, although not in its pure form.
The first method is with the addition of nitrous oxyde (N2O). The concentration of oxygen is more dense with nitrous than with air alone, so more fuel can be added within the same engine displacement, leading to more force acting on the piston.
The second method is to used nitromethane (CH3NO2) as a fuel. Nitromethane is a fuel (because it has C & H) that actually carries oxygen so less air is needed and - just like for nitrous - more fuel can be burned within the same combustion chamber volume.
But adding oxygen is already used to enhance performance in race cars, although not in its pure form.
The first method is with the addition of nitrous oxyde (N2O). The concentration of oxygen is more dense with nitrous than with air alone, so more fuel can be added within the same engine displacement, leading to more force acting on the piston.
The second method is to used nitromethane (CH3NO2) as a fuel. Nitromethane is a fuel (because it has C & H) that actually carries oxygen so less air is needed and - just like for nitrous - more fuel can be burned within the same combustion chamber volume.
1. Why can't oxygen be used as fuel for cars?
Oxygen is essential for combustion, but it cannot be used as a fuel on its own. This is because oxygen is already present in the air we breathe and it needs to be combined with a fuel source in order to produce energy.
2. Can't we just use oxygen from the air as a fuel source for cars?
Unfortunately, oxygen is not a source of energy like gasoline or diesel. It is an oxidizer that helps to ignite and sustain the combustion of a fuel source. Therefore, it cannot be used as a replacement for traditional fuels in cars.
3. Why is oxygen considered a catalyst for combustion?
Oxygen is considered a catalyst for combustion because it speeds up the reaction between a fuel source and heat, resulting in the release of energy. However, it is not consumed in the process and is constantly recycled in the air.
4. Are there any alternative fuels that use oxygen as a main component?
While oxygen cannot be used as a sole fuel source, there are alternative fuels that use it as a main component, such as hydrogen fuel cells. These cells combine hydrogen with oxygen from the air to produce electricity, which can power a car.
5. Is it possible to use oxygen as a fuel in the future?
Scientists are constantly researching and developing new ways to harness oxygen as a fuel source. However, due to its highly reactive nature and the need for a fuel source to produce energy, it is unlikely that oxygen will become a primary fuel for cars in the near future.
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