Answer to Question #194204 in Organic Chemistry for marianna

Question

Gasoline is a mixture that includes a blending of different sized hydrocarbons. The blend of gasoline available in the summer is different from the blend used in the winter. The temperature at which gasoline will vapourize (become a gas) is lower in the winter blend than in the summer blend, making it easier for the vehicles to start in colder weather. Which blender contains a greater amount of smaller hydrocarbons? Explain your answer?

Answer 1

A primary difference between winter- and summer-blend gas is their Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP). RVP is a measure of how easily the fuel evaporates at increased temperatures. The higher the fuel's RVP, the more easily it evaporates. Winter-blend fuel requires increased RVP.