Ethanol fuel

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/ethanol-fuel

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the chemical formula?C2H5OH
2. What is the energy density relative to gasoline?Approximately 0.67 GGE per unit volume
3. Why do cars use ethanol instead of regular gasoline?Ethanol has a higher octane rating, which helps engines run smoothly and can reduce engine knocking. It also comes from renewable plants, so it can lower the amount of fossil fuel we use.
4. How does ethanol help the environment?When ethanol burns, it releases fewer greenhouse gases and less pollution than gasoline. This can help improve air quality and slow climate change.

Anhydrous Ethanol: Ethanol that has had nearly all its water content removed, essential for gasoline blending.
Bioethanol: Ethanol produced from plant-based materials, serving as a renewable fuel source.
Cellulosic Ethanol: Ethanol produced from non-edible plant parts like stalks and leaves, considered an advanced biofuel.