The combustion of gasoline produces carbon dioxide and water. Assume gasoline to be pure octane (C8H18) and calculate how many kilograms of carbon dioxide are added to the atmosphere per 8.5 kg of octane burned. (Hint: Begin by writing a balanced equation for the combustion reaction.)

26.25Kg

Explanation:

First let us generate a balanced equation for the reaction of octane to produce carbon dioxide. This is illustrated below:

2C8H18 + 25O2 - > 16CO2 + 18H2O

Molar Mass of C8H18 = (12x8) + (18x1) = 96 + 18 = 114g/mol

Mass of C8H18 from the balanced equation = 2 x 114 = 228g

Recall: 1000g = 1Kg

228g = 228/1000 = 0.228kg

Molar Mass of CO2 = 12 + (2x16) = 12 + 32 = 44g/mol

Mass of CO2 from the balanced equation = 16 x 44 = 704g

Recall: 1000g = 1Kg

704g = 704/1000 = 0.704Kg

From the equation above,

0.228kg of C8H18 produced 0.704Kg of CO2.

Therefore, 8.5 kg of C8H18 will produce = (8.5 x 0.704) / 0.228 = 26.25Kg of CO2.

Therefore, 26.25Kg of CO2 is added to the atmosphere.