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.





   156-157-Nitrogen_DPS.indd   157                                                                               02/12/16   6:52 pm
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