I had a problem that asked what volume of water in gallons would need to be split to store the same amount of energy as found in 10.0 gallons of gasoline?
I got an answer of 10.06 gallons of water.
Just by looking at it, does this sound like it could be right?... or completely wrong?
I'm on to you!!!
To determine if your answer of 10.06 gallons of water could be right or completely wrong, we need to compare the energy content of gasoline and water.
First, we need to find the energy content of gasoline, which is typically measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) or Joules. Let's assume gasoline has an energy content of 125,000 BTUs per gallon.
Next, we need to determine the energy content of water. Water does not have an inherent energy content like gasoline. Instead, its energy content depends on its temperature and phase (solid, liquid, or gas). If we assume room temperature liquid water, its energy content is negligible compared to gasoline.
Given that gasoline has a significant energy content, it is unlikely that the energy stored in 10.0 gallons of gasoline can be matched by just a slightly higher volume of water. Therefore, it seems that your answer, 10.06 gallons of water, might be completely wrong.
To find the correct answer, we would need to know the specific energy content of water that is being referred to in the problem. Without additional information, it is not possible to determine the exact volume of water needed to store the same amount of energy as 10.0 gallons of gasoline.