Question

If energy cannot be created, what is the source of the energy that is released when gasoline is bamed?

Short answer

The source of the energy that is released when gasoline is burned is the chemical energy contained within the gasoline itself, which is transformed into heat and light during the combustion process.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the concept of energy

First, you should be aware that energy cannot be created or destroyed. This is the principle of conservation of energy. However, energy can be transferred or transformed from one form to another.

Understand the energy transformation in gasoline combustion

The gasoline that we use in our cars is a hydrocarbon, a compound composed of hydrogen and carbon. When the gasoline combusts (burns), it reacts with oxygen in the air to create water and carbon dioxide through a chemical reaction. This reaction is exothermic, meaning that it releases energy.

Identify the source of energy

The source of the energy released in the reaction is the chemical energy stored in the gasoline. When the gasoline burns, this energy is released as heat and light.

Key concepts

Energy Transformation

Energy transformation is a fundamental concept in understanding how energy changes forms. In every process, energy itself remains constant; it only shifts from one form to another. This aligns with the principle of energy conservation, which states energy cannot be created or destroyed. For instance, when gasoline combusts in an engine, the chemical energy stored within the gasoline is transformed. Through the burning process, gasoline's chemical energy becomes kinetic energy, moving the car, and thermal energy, which you feel as heat. These transformations illustrate the different paths energy can take as it powers various functions in our world. By grasping the idea of energy transformation, you can see how linked our energy use is, whether it's powering a car, heating a home, or lighting a street.

Exothermic Reaction

An exothermic reaction is a type of chemical reaction that releases energy into the surrounding environment. This typically occurs in the form of heat or light. When you hear about a reaction being 'exothermic,' it means the process is transferring energy out of the reaction chamber, often noticeable by a temperature increase in the surroundings.
For example, in the combustion of gasoline, the energy released is predominantly thermal energy. This is why engines become hot when they run, converting chemical potential energy into usable work and heat. Here, exothermic reactions play a crucial role in transforming stored energy into active mechanical energy, driving vehicles or powering machinery. Understanding exothermic reactions is key in fields like chemistry and engineering, where controlling energy release is vital for efficiency and safety.

Chemical Energy

Chemical energy is the energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, like gasoline. This type of energy is released or absorbed during chemical reactions. With gasoline, its chemical energy is released in abundance during combustion, when the compound reacts with oxygen to form water and carbon dioxide. This conversion of chemical energy into other forms, such as heat or light, is what powers engines in vehicles.
It's essential to understand that chemical energy is not only crucial in gasoline; it’s a central part of numerous everyday reactions, like cellular respiration in our bodies or photosynthesis in plants. These processes transform chemical energy into other energy forms, pivotal for life's continuity and technological advancements. Appreciating the nature of chemical energy explains how energy is stored and utilized in myriad contexts.