Chapter 12, Problem 108A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The advantages and disadvantages of storing and transporting propane as a liquid rather than a gas need to be explained.

Concept introduction:

There are three states of matter namely solid, liquid and gas. One phase of a matter can be converted into other involving heat. In some conversions, heat is absorbed and in some heat is released.

Explanation of Solution

If propane is stored as a liquid, it will require a smaller container than a gas. Also, a container can hold more amount of fuel as a liquid. This is due to the fact that molecules of propane are closely packed in a liquid state as compared to a gaseous state.

The propane molecules in the gaseous state have large space between them which causes a fewer number of molecules to occupy a large area.

Some advantages and disadvantages are represented as follows:

Advantages: (a) Propane stored in the liquid state takes less space than a gaseous state. The gaseous state takes 270 times more space than the liquid state.

(b) If propane is stored in a gaseous state, it can spread to a larger area if it gets leaked. This may result in an explosion.

Disadvantages: The only thing which is important in storing propane is maintaining the health and reliability of the storage tank in which it is stored.