Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: Amir Ali Khan on 23/06/2010 08:30:02

Title: Why does the boiling point of petrol vary?
Post by: Amir Ali Khan on 23/06/2010 08:30:02

amir khan  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Dear chris

please answer the following question for me:
 
Explain why boiling point of petrol/gasoline ranges from 35 Degree Centigrade to 75 Degree Centigrade?
 
Thanks
Amir Khan

What do you think?

Title: Why does the boiling point of petrol vary?
Post by: Geezer on 23/06/2010 09:21:47

Hi Amir,

Perhaps you can show us where those different values came from? If you can give us that information, we might be able to explain the differences.

Best regards,

Geezer

Title: Why does the boiling point of petrol vary?
Post by: lightarrow on 23/06/2010 11:15:36

Quote from: amir khan  on 23/06/2010 08:30:02

Explain why boiling point of petrol/gasoline ranges from 35 Degree Centigrade to 75 Degree Centigrade?

Simply because petrol is not a pure chemical but a solution of many different chemicals.

Furthermore, petrol, among other characteristics, must have defined boiling point charachteristics: the more volatile compound must have low enough boiling point to ease the starting at cold and the average boiling point must be high enough that petrol arrives in the liquid state at the distribution system (carburetors, injectors) and that doesn't vaporize too much inside the tank.