3.2 Liquid transportation fuel, for example gasoline or diesel, is considered a

Question

3.2 Liquid transportation fuel, for example gasoline or diesel, is considered a dense form of energy storage due to the high levels of internal energy stored in the chemical bonds of the hydrocarbon molecules. Determine which fuel, 87 octane gasoline or diesel, is cheaper per MJ of thermal heat released when burned (S/MJ). To carry out this calculation, lookup the current per gallon fuel costs for gasoline (Octane 87) and diesel fuel at any gas station in Flagstaff. Report these costs and indicate which gas station listed these prices. The average thermal energy content of gasoline at the pump (yes, the E10 gasoline*) is 120 MJ/gallon. The average thermal energy of diesel is 136 MJ/gallon [2].

Explanation / Answer

gasoline prices in Flagstaff

$2.29/gallon   

1851 E Butler Ave near S Babbitt Dr, Flagstaff

Diesel prices = $3.086/gallon

Average diesel price in Flagstaff = $3.086/gallon

Average thermal energy of diesel = 136 MJ/gallon

Cost of diesel per MJ heat released

= Average diesel price/Average thermal energy

= ( $3.086/gallon) / (136 MJ/gallon)

= $0.02269 /MJ

Average gasoline price in Flagstaff = $2.29/gallon

Average thermal energy of gasoline = 120 MJ/gallon

Cost of gasoline per MJ heat released

= Average gasoline price/Average thermal energy

= ( $2.29/gallon) / (120 MJ/gallon)

= $0.019/MJ

Gasoline is cheaper.

$2.29/gallon   

Sam's Club

1851 E Butler Ave near S Babbitt Dr, Flagstaff

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