Hello,
Im working on a project where im required to compare the enthlpy change of combustion between hydrogen and octane. The results will be used later in a report where i compare the hydrogen fuel cell as an alternative to gasoline for cars. I have to design my own procedure for using a bomb calorimeter. The method i have used so far for measuring the samples was by volume.
My question is:
What is the best way to compare the two fuels in a bomb calorimeter, by equal mass? Say 1 gram of hydrogen and 1 gram of octane at SATP? OR 1 mol of each at SATP?
The reason i ask was because I was trying to use 1 gram of octane and 1 gram of hydrogen but the volume of 1 gram of hydrogen at SATP is way too big for a bomb calorimeter. 11.125 Litres.
Yet, if i use 1 mol of each there volumes nor their masses will match. Not to mention 1 mol of hydrogen is 22.4 Liters. Using 1 gram above i am using approx half a mole of hydrogen.
Please advise.
I have another question which is confusing me, since im required to compare combustion of hydrogen and octane should i compare H2 as its found in nature or just H?