Chapter 20, Problem 4RAT

To determine

The correct option for the statement “How is it possible for a jet airplane carrying 110 tons of jet fuel to emit 340 tons of carbon dioxide?”.

Answer to Problem 4RAT

The correct option for the statement “How is it possible for a jet airplane carrying 110 tons of jet fuel to emit 340 tons of carbon dioxide?“ is option (b).

Explanation of Solution

The jet airplane works on fuel and the fuel majorly consists of hydrocarbons.

The percentage composition of carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon is around $85\%$ by weight.

The jet airplane that works on hydrocarbon as fuel will release carbon dioxide on the combustion of hydrocarbons during the process.

The percentage composition of carbon atoms in carbon dioxide is about $27\%$ by weight.

Now, given that the jet airplane is carrying about 110 tons of hydrocarbons containing fuel, so there is approximately 90 tons of composition of carbon in the fuel containing hydrocarbons.

Thus, 90 tons of carbon can approximately contribute to give out around 330-340 tons of carbon dioxide.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option is option (b).