Question

What is combined to make gasohol? A. ethanol and gasoline B. oil and gasoline C. oil and petroleum D. wood and gasoline

Short answer

Gasohol is a combination of ethanol and gasoline (Option A).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Term 'Gasohol'

Gasohol is a term often used to describe a fuel that is a mixture of gasoline and ethanol. The purpose of creating gasohol is to use a renewable resource, ethanol, in combination with gasoline to power engines.

Examine the Options

Let's examine each option to see which one combines to make gasohol: - **A. ethanol and gasoline**: Ethanol (a type of alcohol commonly derived from corn) is mixed with gasoline to create gasohol. - **B. oil and gasoline**: Oil is not typically mixed with gasoline to make gasohol; oil itself is used to produce gasoline. - **C. oil and petroleum**: Petroleum is the raw material from which gasoline and oil are produced, but it is not combined with gasoline to make gasohol. - **D. wood and gasoline**: Wood is not used in making gasohol; there is no known process combining wood with gasoline to form a fuel like this.

Choose the Correct Option

Based on the definition of gasohol and the examination of the options, the correct choice is **A. ethanol and gasoline**. Gasohol is specifically the blend of these two components.

Key concepts

Ethanol

Ethanol is a type of alcohol, similar to what you'd find in alcoholic beverages. However, ethanol used in fuel mixtures is typically derived from plants. A common source is corn, but it can also come from other crops like sugarcane or sorghum. Ethanol is considered a renewable resource because it is made from plants that can be grown every year. This makes it an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

When used as a fuel, ethanol can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is often added to gasoline to create a cleaner-burning fuel mixture called gasohol. This blend helps to improve air quality and reduce pollution from vehicles. Additionally, using ethanol in fuel can decrease the reliance on imported oil, which is beneficial for energy security.

Ethanol's role in fuel mixtures is significant because it has a high octane rating, which can improve engine performance. The octane rating indicates how well a fuel resists knocking or pinging during combustion. Thus, ethanol helps engines run more smoothly and efficiently.

Gasoline

Gasoline is a liquid fuel primarily used in internal combustion engines. It is derived from petroleum, a natural substance found deep underground. Petroleum is refined and processed to produce gasoline, which powers the vast majority of vehicles on the road.

Gasoline is known for its energy density, meaning it contains a lot of energy for its volume. This makes it very efficient at powering engines, providing the energy needed for movement. However, burning gasoline releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, which contributes to climate change.

To mitigate environmental impact, additives like ethanol are mixed with gasoline. These mixtures, like gasohol, aim to balance energy production with environmental concerns. By blending gasoline with renewable ethanol, the carbon footprint of fuel consumption is reduced, showcasing a step towards more sustainable energy practices.

Continuous research and innovation in fuel mixtures aim to enhance the performance of gasoline while minimizing harm to the planet.

Fuel Mixture

A fuel mixture is a combination of different fuels to achieve desired properties and effects. For example, gasohol is a popular fuel mixture consisting of gasoline and ethanol. This combination is intentionally formulated to enhance engine performance, reduce emissions, and promote sustainability.

Fuel mixtures like gasohol usually contain a specific percentage of each component. For example, a common mixture could be 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol, though different ratios exist, such as E85, containing 85% ethanol. Each blend serves a different purpose and is chosen depending on availability, cost, and environmental considerations.

Using ethanol as part of a fuel mixture leverages its renewable nature. This approach helps lower our dependence on oil and promotes the use of agricultural products as fuel alternatives. Fuel mixtures like gasohol are integral to efforts in reducing harmful emissions from vehicles while still providing the energy needed for transportation.

The development and use of fuel mixtures play a vital role in transitioning towards more sustainable energy practices, driving innovation and environmental responsibility in the fuel industry.