Question

A clean-burning automobile engine emits about 5 lb of C atoms in the form of CO2 molecules for every gallon of gasoline it consumes. The average American car is driven about 12,000 miles per year. Using this information, check the statement that the average American car releases its own weight in carbon into the atmosphere each year. List the assumptions you make to solve this problem.

Answer 1

1 lb = 453.592 g

1 gallon = 3785 g

For every 5 gallon gasoline = 5 lb of C is found

= 5 x 453.592 g of C atoms

= 2267.96 g of C atoms

Assume the consumption of car = 15 miles per kg of gasoline

The amount of gasoline used per year
`$=(12000)/(15)$`

= 800 kg

In gallons =
`$(800)/(3.785) = 211.36\text{ gallons}$`

5 gallons will produce = 2267.96 g of C atoms

Therefore,

211.36 gallons will produce =
`$(211.36 * 2267.96)/(5)$`

= 95871.21 g

= 95.87 kg

or = 25.32 gallon