Question

Give a scientific reason:

In some countries, ethanol is used as an additive to increase the efficiency of petrol.

Answer 1

• The sugarcane plant transforms solar energy into chemical energy very efficiently. When molasses, obtained during production of sugar from sugarcane, is subjected to fermentation, alcohol (ethanol) is obtained.
• On combustion in sufficient air ethanol gives carbon dioxide and water as the only products. In this way, ethanol is a clean fuel.
• Therefore, in some countries, it is used as an additive to increase the efficiency of petrol. Such a fuel is called gasohol.