The Ignorance of the Press

Comments

1. steveegg says:

   4/16/2008 at 10:29 pm

   It is true that the conservation of mass law applies; however, you ignored the mass of the oxygen in the reaction. Even so, the claims are “juuuuust a bit” outside the bounds of scientific law.

   First, let’s take a look at the equation of the complete combustion of a typical subcomponent of a typical hydrated hydrocarbon chain, CH2 – 2 CH2 + 3 O2 -> 2 CO2 + 2 H2O + heat.

   The portion of that equation that involves carbon (dropping the 2 molecules required to balance the full equation because it appears on both sides) involves replacing 2 atoms of hydrogen with 2 atoms of oxygen. Using the atomic masses of the predominant isotopes of the two molecules (1 for hydrogen, 12 for carbon, 16 for oxygen), the carbon-based molecule goes from an atomic mass of 14 to 44, a 214% increase assuming complete combustion. Incomplete combustion and the presence of hydrated hydrocarbons (with CH3 subcomponents on the ends) will reduce that.

   Even if we’re talking about aromatic hydrocarbons, which Jet-B has in spades in the form of benzene (C6H6), and a CH subcomponent, it’s only a 238% increase from 13 to 44. Again, incomplete combustion and the presence of other forms of hydrocarbons will reduce that.

   While that is significant, it is nowhere near the 256% increase claimed by the presstitute. In short, depending on the type and exact composition of fuel and the efficiency of the combustion, a gallon of jet fuel would produce between 21.0 and 22.6 pounds of carbon dioxide.
2. spiritofpublicus says:

   4/17/2008 at 4:39 am

   Thanks Steveegg for the clarification.
3. No Runny Eggs » Blog Archive » The Morning Scramble/Open Thread Thursday - 4/17/2008 says:

   4/17/2008 at 6:29 am

   [...] which endorsed Obama, isn’t exactly supportive of the Second Amendment. – On the media front, spiritofpublicus has a couple examples of ignorance in the press. – Speaking of endorsements, American Pundit notes the [...]
4. spiritofpublicus says:

   4/17/2008 at 7:52 pm

   The cover of Time Magazine this week presents another example of media lunacy. See the link to the Drudge Report below. This after one of the coldest and snowiest winters in many places of the world over the last hundred years. In addition the southern hemisphere experienced a cool and wet summer.

   What will it take for the media to realize that climate change is normal between hot and cold periods.

   We can only hope this madness stops before millions die and and the world lays in economic ruin.

   http://www.businessandmedia.org/articles/2008/20080417171532.aspx
5. bildanielson says:

   4/18/2008 at 1:07 pm

   steveegg, I reached a similar conclusion but alas my notes are all on my desk back at home and I am presently sunning in Quintana Roo.. (I meant to bring them and chime in on this matter).

   I will present any meaningful additions I find in my notes upon my return, but suffice it to say that the whole idea of combustion and thrust for a jet engine implies an expansion of gases (without the volumetric expansion, there is no thrust) and, of course, as you so correctly point out the combination of carbon with oxygen. The other byproduct is water vapor (what you see when a jet passes overhead and leaves a trail). If I recall the article, there is a potential issue with some volumetric confusion.

   Where I was going to head after the basic physics and chemistry was this issue of volumetric confusion. I have not completed my calculations but it looked like there was something there to chew on…

   Bottom line here is that I think spirit has pointed out a very troublesome matter that one can hardly not notice – the ignorance of those who actually get paid to write. As opposed to others who do it as a passion and means to get big ideas out, or to correct those morons who get paid to write!

   Another example was a story that appeared in the Anchorage newspaper regarding America’s best female cross country skier, Kikkan Randall. Kikkan is a talent young lady who, sadly, has developed a condition that causes blood clots to develop. Not a good thing if you are a professional athlete looking to appear in a winter olympics soon. The article (which, if I can find I will link to) essentially raised all sorts of non-starter inuendo including the specter of blood doping. It was an irrational piece laced with rediculous psuedo speculation, inuendo, and a sex twist but nevertheless is typical of the print msm.

   All for now, time for another cocktail and some more Quintana Roo sunshine…

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