I think you're right. Since this topic came up I've been trying to remember this chemistry term. Its the amount of energy needed to activate a reaction. Everywhere on the internet calls it the "activation energy", but I know thats not the same term I learned.

 

Been over 30 years since my chemistry class.

Are you thinking of Endothermic and Exothermic Reactions?

http://www.chem.umn.edu/outreach/EndoExo.html

http://www.pinetree.net/humor/thermodynamics.html

 

Activation energy is the correct term for describing the amount of energy required to start a chemical reaction.

http://www.chem.umn.edu/outreach/Catalysis.html

Catalysts are used to speed up reactions. Temperature increases are well known catalysts.

 

Hehe, wait till I tell the mechanics that I need all 8 catalyst's changed when I need new spark plugs!

Good post!

Now your gonna tell me that a cutting torch does not melt the metal but activates a chemical reaction...

or maybe it melts the metal along with the chemical reaction.

 

Uhh, I don't get it. Either you don't understand my reply or you're just out to flame.

 

No flame intended. Just subtle humour. The only flame in that reply was on the cutting torch. I hope Im not turning into 5.4MAN

The catalyst thing is true from the link you posted. The spark plug is the catalyst that provides the activation energy to start the chemical reaction of the combustion of the fuel.

http://techlink.msu.montana.edu/arti...etteridea.html

http://www.smartplugs.com/news/designnews.htm

http://www.smartplugs.com/about.htm

I thought folks might look up the torch thing. I did not know that the cutting torch uses a chemical reaction of oxidation to cut through the metal but a chemist explaned it to me years ago.

Never mind, bad humour.

P.S. Is that ticket bothering you? I have to appear in court on the 14th for my speeding ticket.

 

Wait a minute... I think I get it now. I see a pattern forming. The = flame! Whoa, I didnt realize the banana was loaded. I will try to keep it in the holster in the future.

 

This has been a most informative thread on what detonation is, and the causes.

I thank all of the contributors, well done!

The thread has possibly answered my problem about my truck running boggy and thumpy after it has warmed up... bad gas causing detonation(s).
I fueled up at a station and in 20 miles... boggy/thumpy when any throttle was applied. It idles fine.
I went back to the station (Sunoco) and told the attendant that I needed to speak to the manager immediately. He said he would call him and have him call me back. Never happened. I called Sonoco customer service and they took a report. I was able to squeeze out of the attendant that the owner company of the station owned MANY stations of differing brands in the area. So if I were to boycott one brand, it is likely that where I buy gas is also owned by that company, and they will still get my money.
Meanwhile, I have been researching whether it is bad gas or not, and how to get that crap out of my truck (over 18 gallons) properly and safely dispose of it.

This thread pretty much confirmed for me it is bad gas, Thanks.