CHM 1020

Project #2: Measurement via Gasoline Project

Assignment & Data Collection/Presentation:
In Chemistry we collect data in the laboratory while performing an experiment. Our second project concerns measurement and data collection in the field (CHM 1020 has no lab component). As an experiment you can do from the 1^st week to the last, we can find out what your energy consumption and cost are for driving a car. Here is the project which we will start ASAP and finish the last week of the term.

During the first weeks of class you need to fill your gasoline tank in your car*. During the course you will keep a record of all purchases of gasoline noting dates, price, amount, cost and odometer reading. Get receipts and/or keep a diary in your vehicle. Then transfer each purchase to a data page or in a spreadsheet. Collecting the data is worth (10-30 points) and presenting the data collected is worth
(5 – 10 Points). This experiment is equivalent to several small projects as it is an intense 12-14 week exercise in data collection for 30 points for an A-15 class or an intense 10-12 week exercise for a B-12 Class. A-7 or CV-7 classes collect for 5-7 weeks and data collection is worth 10-20 points depending on the # of weeks data is collected.  

During the last weeks, you fill your tank again and record the data*.

The chemical reaction for combusting gasoline is:

2 C₈H₁₈ (l) + 25 O₂ (g) à 16 CO₂ (g) + 18 H₂O (g)
(Burn 1 gallon put 18.7 Lbs CO2 in the environment!)

In Chapter 9 we will prove the 18.7 lb/gallon statement when we study chemical reactions and mass stoichiometry

To finish the project, you need to complete the annual projections and write a conclusion. Directions are below.

*You need to only fill the tank twice, at the beginning and at the end of the project. You will not use the first fill-up in your calculations, except odometer reading. Why?