Page 159 - The Periodic Table Book
P. 159
Nitromethane contains carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen, chain of events leads to a release of energy, which
but it is the latter element that really gives this fuel its propels the dragsters to breakneck speeds. Although
immense power. During the process of combustion – when these races are an incredible spectacle to behold,
oxygen is mixed with the fuel in the race car’s mighty driving using nitromethane can be dangerous due to
engine – nitromethane burns so violently that nitrogen the explosive nature of nitrogen when used in this way:
escapes from the fuel and returns to its pure form. This drag racers are taking a risk to win.
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