When driving at high altitudes, the grades of octane for gasoline are reduced compared to the grades of octane available from gasoline retailers located at sea level.
b)True
b) False
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is True.
At high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure is lower than at sea level, which affects the air density and oxygen content. Since combustion in an engine relies on the mixture of air and fuel, lower oxygen levels at higher altitudes can cause the engine to run leaner. This means that the fuel mixture is less rich in oxygen and more reliant on the fuel’s characteristics to perform optimally.
Higher-octane fuel is used to prevent knocking or pre-ignition, which occurs when the air-fuel mixture ignites too early, causing engine damage. At sea level, the higher atmospheric pressure means that the engine receives more oxygen, and higher-octane fuel can be necessary to prevent knocking. However, at higher altitudes, the lower air pressure reduces the likelihood of knocking, so there is less of a need for high-octane fuel. As a result, gas stations located in high-altitude regions typically sell lower-octane fuel grades, as these are sufficient for vehicles operating in those conditions.
Therefore, gas stations in high-altitude areas typically offer lower grades of octane fuel compared to those at sea level. The difference in octane grades is a reflection of the reduced need for high-octane fuel due to the lower risk of knocking at higher elevations. This also helps reduce fuel costs for consumers living or traveling at high altitudes, as the cost of producing and supplying higher-octane fuel is usually higher.