Many nations blend petrol with ethanol to reduce the emission of CO. The mixture is known as
Gasohol
Understanding Petrol and Ethanol Blends
Many countries use blends of petrol (gasoline) and ethanol as a fuel for vehicles. This practice is becoming more common globally. The primary reason for blending ethanol with petrol is to reduce harmful emissions, particularly carbon monoxide (CO).
What is the Mixture Called?
When petrol and ethanol are mixed together, the resulting fuel mixture has a specific name. This name is widely recognized in the automotive and energy industries.
Let's look at the options provided:
- Gasol: This term is not commonly used to describe the mixture of petrol and ethanol.
- Petrohol: This is also not the standard or common name for the blend.
- Gasohol: This term is a combination of "gasoline" (another name for petrol) and "alcohol" (referring to ethanol, which is an alcohol). This is the widely accepted term for a mixture of petrol and ethanol, especially when ethanol content is around 10% (known as E10). Higher blends like E85 (85% ethanol) are also used, but "Gasohol" typically refers to lower blends.
- Ethopetrol: While descriptive, this is not the standard name used for the petrol-ethanol blend.
Therefore, the mixture of petrol with ethanol, used to reduce CO emissions, is known as Gasohol.
Why Blend Petrol with Ethanol?
Ethanol is an oxygenate, meaning it contains oxygen. When blended with petrol, it introduces oxygen into the fuel. This extra oxygen helps the fuel burn more completely in the engine, leading to a reduction in emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), which is a product of incomplete combustion.
Additionally, ethanol can be produced from renewable resources like corn, sugarcane, and other biomass. This makes it a potentially more sustainable alternative or additive compared to relying solely on fossil fuels.
| Blend Name | Composition (Approximate) | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol (Gasoline) | 100% Petrol | Standard Fuel |
| Gasohol (E10) | 90% Petrol, 10% Ethanol | Standard Fuel (reduces emissions) |
| E85 | 15% Petrol, 85% Ethanol | Flex-fuel vehicles |
The question specifically asks for the name of the mixture of petrol with ethanol to reduce CO emissions, and Gasohol is the correct and common term for this fuel blend.
Revision Table: Key Fuel Terms
| Term | Definition | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (Gasoline) | Fuel derived from petroleum, used in internal combustion engines. | ||
| Ethanol | An alcohol produced from biomass, used as a fuel additive or alternative. | Gasohol | A blend of petrol and ethanol, typically E10 (10% ethanol). |
| Carbon Monoxide (CO) | A toxic gas produced during incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. |
Additional Information on Ethanol Blends and Emissions
Using ethanol blends like Gasohol has several impacts:
- Emission Reduction: As mentioned, the oxygen in ethanol helps improve combustion efficiency, reducing CO emissions. It can also affect other emissions like hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (NOx), though the impact can vary.
- Octane Rating: Ethanol has a higher octane rating than petrol. Blending ethanol with petrol can increase the octane rating of the fuel blend, which can help prevent engine knocking.
- Renewability: Ethanol can be produced from renewable sources, contributing to energy security and potentially reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Energy Content: Ethanol has a lower energy density than petrol. This means that vehicles running on ethanol blends may get slightly fewer miles per gallon compared to pure petrol, although the difference is often small for low blends like E10.
- Engine Compatibility: Most modern vehicles are designed to run on E10 Gasohol. However, older vehicles or specific types of engines might require modifications or are not compatible with higher ethanol blends like E85.
Understanding these aspects helps explain why Gasohol is a significant topic in energy and environmental discussions.
Important Questions from Impact of Pollutants on Human Health
Which of the following pollutants is included in the Air Quality Index in India?
Blue-baby syndrome can happen due to the excess of which component in the water?
Match List I with List II
List I
List II
Emitted Pollutants
Environmental Impact
A. Carbon dioxide
I. Formation of acid rain
B. Carbon monoxide
II. Toxic and are carcinogenic
C. Nitrogen oxides
III. Toxic and can cause
respiratory diseases
D. Benzene and
hydrocarbon
IV. Contribution to global warming
as a Greenhouse gas
Choose the correct answer from the option given below:
Given below are two statements:
Statement I: Dioxins and furans are highly toxic substances produced mainly during incineration of municipal solid waste, hazardous and medical wastes.
Statement II: Dioxins and furans play a crucial role in photochemical smog formation.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R) :
Assertion (A): Carbon monoxide (CO) is a serious asphyxiant even a short exposure may have fatal health issues.
Reason (R): Hemoglobin present in the blood has a greater affinity towards carbon monoxide than oxygen.In the light of the above statements choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :
