Fuels and Heats of Reactions - definitions

Fuels and Heats of Reaction

• Homologous series - A homologous series is a family of organic compounds with the same general formula, similar chemical properties and successive members differing by CH4.

• Structural isomers - Structural isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulas.

• Saturated molecules - Molecules that contain only single covalent bonds are saturated.

• Unsaturated molecules - Molecules that contain a double or triple bond are unsaturated.

• Aliphatic compounds - An aliphatic compound is an organic compound that consists of open chains of carbon atoms and closed chain compounds (rings) that resemble them in chemical properties.

• Aromatic compounds - Aromatic compounds are compounds that contain a benzene ring structure in their molecules.

• Octane number - The octane number of a fuel is a measure of the tendency of the fuel to resist knocking or auto-ignition.

• Catalytic cracking - Catalytic cracking is the breaking down of long-chain hydrocarbon molecules into short-chain molecules for which there is greater demand.

• Exothermic- A reaction in which heat is given out is exothermic.

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