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What does the octane number of a fuel tell us about the fuel? - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question h - 2019
Question h
What does the octane number of a fuel tell us about the fuel?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What does the octane number of a fuel tell us about the fuel? - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question h - 2019
Step 1
What does the octane number indicate about a fuel?
Answer
The octane number of a fuel provides insight into its tendency to resist knocking, which is a form of abnormal combustion within an engine. Specifically, it reflects how well the fuel can prevent occurrences like pinging, autoinitiation, or pre-ignition that can potentially harm the engine.
A higher octane number indicates that the fuel is more resistant to knocking, meaning it can withstand higher compression in the engine's cylinder before igniting. This quality is crucial for performance and efficiency, particularly in high-compression engines. Ultimately, selecting fuel with an appropriate octane number ensures optimal engine performance and longevity.