1. Module 2

1.6. Page 4

Lesson 1

Module 2—Talking Energy

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In the analysis for the investigation you were asked to calculate an energy of combustion per gram of biodiesel combusted. The biodiesel that you made in the investigation is not a pure substance. The biodiesel contained many products including different organic acids, glycerol, and products of incomplete or side reactions. Can you explain why the mixture of combustible materials in biodiesel makes it impossible to calculate the biodiesel’s molar mass and a molar enthalpy for its combustion? Can you think of other examples where it is not possible to calculate an energy content per mole of substance?

 
Reflect on the Big Picture

 

Throughout Module 2, Reflect on the Big Picture activities will prepare you for the Module 2 Assessment. In the Module 2 Assessment you will prepare a presentation defending a position on the use of biodiesel by your ecotour company.

 

In this lesson you completed a virtual investigation in which you prepared biodiesel and tested it to determine its energy of combustion per gram. At the beginning of this lesson you were asked to consider the possible use of biodiesel as a fuel for vehicles used in your ecotour. Does biodiesel measure up?

 

RBP 1. Begin the process of assessing biodiesel as a fuel. Use the knowledge you gained from this lesson and research you find on the Internet and through other sources to consider the following qualities of biodiesel:

  • energy content relative to other fuels
  • availability relative to other fuels
  • cleanliness of combustion
  • ease of preparation

You may wish to consider these qualities from different perspectives as you develop your response. For example, the availability of biodiesel may be seen differently from an ecological or economic perspective as opposed to a scientific one.

 

You may also use this opportunity to address other factors important to your decision. For example, there may be considerations that are important because of where your tour will operate, the conditions under which it will operate, or specific activities that you have planned.

 

Save your work in your ecotour planning subfolder. You will consider other aspects of biodiesel use and production, and you will refine and add to your work as you progress through Module 2.

 

Module 2: Lesson 1 Assignment

 

Submit your completed Module 2: Lesson 1 Assignment to your teacher.