Chemical Reactions Taking Place on the Boat

Today marks the first anniversary since the Camper team was announced. A year ago, the boat was still under construction and all the crew members hadn’t met each other yet, but were just separate people in similar disciplines. Now though, we’re all united: boat skippers, shore managers, and media crew members alike.

Over time, of course, the Camper has sustained much wear and tear. Corrosion of the boat frame has likely occurred over the course of the race. Corrosion occurs when metal or a metal alloy is exposed to oxygen and moisture for long periods of time. A process called oxidation occurs, when oxygen combines with the metal. This forms a new compound (an oxide), and weakening the metal’s atomic bonds. The hydrogen atoms in water combine with other elements to form acids, which further exposes the metal and increases the chances of oxidation.  For example, aluminum alloys that are not coated with a protective layer undergo oxidation. When they are exposed to certain salts (ionic compounds), they also erode.

Recently, sailing has been smooth and mostly uneventful. With a constant wind pressure and wind direction, as well as the engine running at optimum level, we have been travelling at a regular speed.

The engines that provide kinetic energy to power the Camper have to undergo combustion: a chemical reaction. Combustion occurs when a carbon compound (diesel fuel) and oxygen react, producing heat and/or light. If there is enough oxygen, then the combustion will be complete and the maximum amount of energy released. 4C₁₂H₂₃  + 71O₂ à 48CO₂ + 46H₂O
If there is insufficient oxygen supplied, soot and other by-products will be left behind. If the fuel and the oxidant are both gases, then combustion occurs when the reactants are heated beyond a specific (ignition) temperature. If the fuel is liquid, then combustion occurs when the fluid is sprayed in drops, which then vaporize over a flame and burn in a similar fashion to a gas.

Both acid and alkaline-based batteries are used to power the Camper’s engine. Lead-sulphuric acid batteries are rechargeable, lightweight, and can supply large amounts of energy. Consequently, they are used in applications where a steady stream of power is necessary, such as back-up UPS (uninterruptible power supplies) in case of emergencies. In the batteries, sulphuric acid functions as the electrolyte (ionic solution that makes the substance an excellent conductor). Potassium hydroxide and nickel-cadmium (alkaline bases) are usually used for batteries in portable electronics because they are chemically stable. Most are non-rechargeable batteries and capable of withstanding considerable mechanical impact.

The batteries that power the Camper engine produce electricity through a chemical reaction. When the circuit in a battery is completed, it produces electricity through a series of reactions between the anode (where the current flows in), the cathode (where the current flows out), and the electrolyte (liquid conductor). Two or more atoms from the electrolyte combine with the anode, producing a compound and releasing electrons. Then the cathode, ions from the electrolyte, and free electrons also combine to form compounds. The net product of these reactions is electricity. Electrodes can be made of metal or plastic, although the latter is usually used in rechargeable batteries.

References

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Carl R. Nave. Corrosion. 2006. Graphic. Hyperphysics - ChemistryWeb. 6 May 2012. <http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/chemical/imgche/corrosion.gif>.

 "What Is Rust?." How Stuff Works. How Stuff Works Inc, 6 Mar 2011. Web. 24 April 2012. <http://science.howstuffworks.com/question445.htm>.

Adam-Carr, Christine, Douglas Fraser, et al. Science Perspectives 10. Toronto: Nelson Education Ltd, 2010. Print.

Beer, Janos M. "Combustion." Access Science. McGraw Hill Companies, 2008. Web. 3 May 2012. <http://www.accessscience.com/content.aspx?searchStr=combustion&id=150600>.

Four Stroke Cycle. 2009. Graphic. Online Encyclopedia of BritannicaWeb. 5 May 2012. <http://media.web.britannica.com/eb-media/72/93572-034-26C16785.jpg>.

Anglin, Donald. "Battery." Access Science. McGraw Hill Companies, 2008. Web. 3 May 2012. <http://accessscience.com/content.aspx?searchStr=battery&id=075200>.

Lead-acid Battery. 2010. Graphic. Renewable Energy UKWeb. 4 May 2012. <http://www.reuk.co.uk/OtherImages/lead-acid-battery.gif>.

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