An automotive fuel injector dispenses a fine spray of gasoline into the automobile cylinder, as shown in the bottom drawing here. When an injector gets clogged, as shown in the top drawing, the spray is not as fine or even and the performance of the car declines. How is this observation related to chemical kinetics? [Section 14.1]

Verified step by step guidance

1. <insert step 1> Understand that chemical kinetics is the study of the speed or rate at which chemical reactions occur.>
2. <insert step 2> Recognize that the rate of a chemical reaction can be influenced by factors such as surface area, concentration, temperature, and the presence of a catalyst.>
3. <insert step 3> Consider that a fine spray of gasoline increases the surface area of the fuel exposed to oxygen, which can enhance the rate of combustion in the engine.>
4. <insert step 4> Realize that when the injector is clogged, the spray is less fine, reducing the surface area and thus potentially decreasing the rate of the combustion reaction.>
5. <insert step 5> Conclude that the reduced rate of combustion due to a clogged injector can lead to decreased engine performance, illustrating the importance of surface area in chemical kinetics.>

Key Concepts

Chemical Kinetics

Chemical kinetics is the study of the rates of chemical reactions and the factors that affect these rates. It involves understanding how different conditions, such as concentration, temperature, and the presence of catalysts, influence the speed at which reactants are converted into products. In the context of the fuel injector, the rate at which gasoline vaporizes and mixes with air can be affected by the injector's performance.

Reaction Rate

The reaction rate refers to the speed at which reactants are transformed into products in a chemical reaction. It can be influenced by various factors, including the surface area of the reactants, temperature, and the presence of inhibitors or catalysts. A clogged fuel injector disrupts the even distribution of gasoline, leading to a slower and less efficient reaction rate in the combustion process, which ultimately affects engine performance.

Surface Area and Mixing

Surface area plays a crucial role in chemical reactions, particularly in heterogeneous mixtures where reactants are in different phases. A larger surface area allows for more effective collisions between reactants, enhancing the reaction rate. In the case of a clogged fuel injector, the reduced surface area and uneven spray pattern hinder the mixing of gasoline and air, leading to incomplete combustion and decreased engine efficiency.