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Ch.9 - Chemical Bonding I: The Lewis Model
Chapter 9, Problem 105d

If hydrogen were used as a fuel, it could be burned according to this reaction: H2(g) + 1/2 O2(g) → H2O(g) Which fuel yields more energy per gram?

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Combustion Reaction

A combustion reaction is a chemical process in which a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen, releasing energy in the form of heat and light. In the case of hydrogen, it reacts with oxygen to form water, producing a significant amount of energy. Understanding the stoichiometry of this reaction is essential for calculating energy yields.
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Energy Density

Energy density refers to the amount of energy stored in a given system or region of space per unit volume or mass. For fuels, it is typically expressed in joules per gram or kilojoules per liter. Comparing the energy density of hydrogen with other fuels helps determine which fuel is more efficient for energy production.
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Enthalpy of Combustion

The enthalpy of combustion is the heat released when one mole of a substance is completely burned in oxygen. It is a crucial concept for evaluating the energy output of different fuels. For hydrogen, the enthalpy of combustion is high, indicating that it releases a large amount of energy per gram when combusted, making it a potent fuel source.
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