Category: Fuel science

According to the Colorado State University Extension, mixing methyl and ethyl alcohol with gasoline can lead to phase separation under certain conditions. This can have significant consequences for vehicle performance and engine health, making it crucial to understand what happens if gas and alcohol mix.

Pure ethanol can have an octane rating of around 113, which is significantly higher than premium gasoline. But for the average driver, the question 'Does ethanol give you more power?' has a more nuanced answer, depending heavily on the engine type and tuning. In fact, simply switching fuels in an untuned vehicle can result in a power *loss* due to ethanol's lower energy density.

The calorific value of fuels, a crucial measure of energy content, varies significantly, with fuels like hydrogen having a very high value compared to coal. This guide explains the scientific methods and principles involved in understanding how is calorific value determined accurately.