Gas Sold By The Litre Crossword Clue

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Post on Jan 11, 2025

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Gas Sold by the Litre Crossword Clue: Unlocking the Answer and Exploring LPG

The crossword clue "Gas sold by the litre" often points to LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). This article will delve into why LPG is the most likely answer, exploring its properties, uses, and its significance in the context of the crossword clue. We'll also touch upon other potential, albeit less likely, answers to broaden our understanding.

Why LPG is the Most Likely Answer:

LPG, a mixture primarily of propane and butane, is commonly sold and distributed by volume, specifically in liters. This contrasts with natural gas, which is usually sold by energy units (like cubic meters or therms). The phrasing "sold by the litre" directly points towards a gas that's measured and priced this way, making LPG the most logical and common answer.

Understanding LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas):

LPG is a versatile fuel source with numerous applications. It's derived from natural gas processing and oil refining. The key characteristic making it suitable for sale by the liter is its ability to be liquefied under moderate pressure. This allows for efficient storage and transportation in pressurized tanks.

Properties of LPG:

• Liquefaction: Under pressure, LPG transitions from a gas to a liquid, drastically reducing its volume. This is crucial for its transportability and storage.
• Flammability: LPG is highly flammable, requiring careful handling and storage.
• Odorless: In its pure form, LPG is odorless. A strong-smelling odorant (usually ethyl mercaptan) is added to aid in leak detection.
• Clean Burning: Compared to other fossil fuels, LPG burns relatively cleanly, producing fewer pollutants.
• Versatile: LPG can be used for heating, cooking, powering vehicles, and industrial processes.

Uses of LPG:

The widespread use of LPG further reinforces its relevance to the crossword clue:

• Domestic Use: LPG is a popular fuel for cooking stoves and water heaters in homes, particularly in areas lacking access to natural gas pipelines.
• Automotive Fuel: LPG is used as an alternative fuel for vehicles, offering a cleaner-burning option than gasoline. Many vehicles are specifically designed to run on LPG or offer dual-fuel capabilities.
• Industrial Applications: LPG is utilized in various industrial processes, including heating, drying, and powering forklifts.
• Agricultural Use: LPG is employed in agricultural machinery and equipment.

LPG and the Retail Market:

The manner in which LPG is sold directly supports its association with the crossword clue. LPG is often purchased in refillable cylinders of various sizes, with the quantity being measured and priced in liters. This reinforces the "sold by the litre" aspect of the clue. Retailers frequently advertise LPG prices per liter, further emphasizing this point.

Other Potential (Less Likely) Answers:

While LPG is the most probable solution, other gases could theoretically be sold by the liter under specific circumstances. However, these are significantly less common and less likely to be the intended answer for a standard crossword puzzle:

• Propane (alone): Propane is a major component of LPG. While it can be sold separately, it's less commonly sold by the liter than LPG blends.
• Butane (alone): Similar to propane, butane is sometimes sold separately, but less frequently in liters compared to LPG.
• Specialized Gases: Certain specialized gases used in niche applications might be sold in small, precisely measured quantities, potentially in liters. However, these instances are exceptional and wouldn't be the typical interpretation of the clue.

Conclusion: LPG – The Clear Winner

In conclusion, the crossword clue "Gas sold by the litre" almost certainly refers to LPG. The widespread use, common retail practices, and inherent properties of LPG – specifically its liquefaction under pressure allowing for volume-based sales – make it the most appropriate and fitting answer. While other gases might be sold by volume in specific circumstances, LPG remains the most prevalent and commonly understood gas sold in this manner. The clarity and precision of the clue point directly to LPG as the definitive solution. This detailed exploration demonstrates not only the answer but also the reasoning behind it, highlighting the connection between the clue's wording and the properties and applications of LPG in the real world.