What is the Stoichiometric ratio?

The Stoichiometric ratio refers to the ideal air-to-fuel ratio needed for complete combustion of a fuel. This ratio ensures that all the fuel burns completely with the available oxygen, resulting in the most efficient combustion with minimal emissions of unburned hydrocarbons or other pollutants. For example, in the combustion of natural gas (methane), the Stoichiometric ratio is approximately 17:1, meaning that 17 parts of air are needed for every 1 part of methane.

This concept is critical in power generation and other combustion processes because achieving this balance is essential for maximizing energy output and minimizing waste products. When the air-to-fuel ratio deviates from this ideal, it can lead to issues such as incomplete combustion, which increases emissions and reduces system efficiency.

The other choices, while related to combustion or energy efficiency, do not accurately define the Stoichiometric ratio. The mixture of oil and fuel does not specify the precise conditions needed for ideal combustion. The ratio of exhaust gases does not address the necessary balance of reactants for complete combustion, and the fuel efficiency ratio is a broader term that relates to the overall performance of a fuel source, rather than specifically focusing on the ideal conditions for combustion.