The tutor implicates the Clausius-Clapeyron equation to explain why combustion is more difficult at lower temperatures. To burn, a fuel must evaporate.1 In colder temperatures, fuel has less tendency to evaporate. For two specific temperatures (T1 and T2), the Clausius-Clapeyron …
Physical chemistry: vapor pressure: why a car may be harder to start in the winter Read more »
The tutor shares some research about why he gets shocked leaving the car. When the weather turns dry and summery, I love it. However, I face a summertime hazard: getting an electric shock when I leave the car. Sometimes the …
The tutor shares his experience changing a signal bulb on the minivan. While I drive much more now than I used to, I’m not a casual driver. I try to minimize the risk of problems by keeping the car maintained. …
Autos: routine maintenance: signal bulb replacement Read more »
The tutor brings up two products he finds indispensable. I’m not a casual driver, but I have to drive sometimes. More often, my wife does the driving. I try to make the car as easy and safe as possible to …
The tutor continues to investigate energy alternatives. The comparison between electric and gasoline cars might depend on your point of view. Someone told me a while ago that electric cars are 50% efficient. I was surprised to hear that number, …
Energy efficiency: electric cars vs gasoline-powered cars Read more »
The tutor continues to explore auto batteries (aka car batteries). While this topic is rare during tutoring, it’s probably relevant to virtually everyone at some point…. I recall, decades ago, a friend of mine bought a new battery for …
Auto batteries, part two: cold cranking amps and internal resistance Read more »
Tutoring high school chemistry includes electrochemistry. The tutor shares some reflections about auto batteries as winter approaches. I recall more than one mechanic talking about how a device might work fine for a long time but have a hidden …
Continuing about autos, the tutor turns the ignition on another topic: ethanol as a fuel in North America. Sometime in the 2000s, if not before, ethanol’s use as an alternative auto fuel became a hot topic. Its use in Brazil …
Progressing through summer, the tutor recalls these issues he’s always loved discussing. During tutoring, he rarely gets to…. One source of fascination, for some drivers (and MOST people in the transport business), is how fuel consumption increases with speed. …
Tutoring math, you might be asked just about anything to do with numbers. Here’s a comparison the tutor thinks might interest even the most casual visitor…. My automobile has just matured past its warranty. Though there’s seemingly nothing wrong with …