Chemical Forums

Specialty Chemistry Forums => Other Sciences Question Forum => Topic started by: 7055 on June 21, 2010, 09:45:51 PM

Title: Why do drag racers inject nitrous oxide instead of pure oxygen?
Post by: 7055 on June 21, 2010, 09:45:51 PM
So if the idea is to get more oxygen into the cylinders so that more fuel can be burned, why don't drag racers just inject pure oxygen?
Title: Re: Why do drag racers inject nitrous oxide instead of pure oxygen?
Post by: Borek on June 22, 2010, 02:50:27 AM
Oxygen is much more dangerous and difficult to handle.
Title: Re: Why do drag racers inject nitrous oxide instead of pure oxygen?
Post by: 7055 on June 22, 2010, 03:05:17 AM
Oxygen is much more dangerous and difficult to handle.

What happens to the nitrogen part? Is it just along for the ride? Does it burn?
Title: Re: Why do drag racers inject nitrous oxide instead of pure oxygen?
Post by: Japo on July 28, 2010, 09:06:12 AM
An extensive explanation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrous