TYPES OF FUELS

Fuels are the essential substances on earth and are trapped with huge amounts of energy within them. On combustion, the burning of fuels tends to release energy.

In this study, the focus is given on types of fuels and thereby, delving into the depth of its formation as well as defining it. It is well acknowledged that fuel is quite essential as they are required by humans in their day to day lives. History shows us evidence that implies that the use of fuel is not a modern concept and making use of the fuel has been done in various ways or forms to fulfil the needs of mankind. Such activities relate to cooking, transport, and heating up the houses. Therefore, it needs to be acknowledged that without the usage of fuel it is quite difficult for every one of us to sustain life on earth as the daily necessities are fulfilled by the usage of fuels. 

Understanding synonyms of fuels

The main source of fuel happens to be fossil fuels that have been preserved on earth for millions of years and it is well acknowledged that humans have used fossil fuels in such a way of exploitation that it has led to the over exploitation and gradual degradation of the fuels. Several fossil fuels are found such as coal, natural gas, and oil which are used extensively by humans. 

What are fuels?

Based on the definition, fuels are referred to as the substances that on active combustion releases considerable amounts of energy are known as fuels. The substances referred to as fuels need to burn in the presence of oxygen then only they would release energy as a result of the reaction, which thereby means that they show exothermic reactions. Fuels are known to be compounds that are considerably composed of elements of hydrogen and as well as carbons. It is acknowledged that when one talks about fuels, the first thing that comes into our mind is fossil fuels and several steps are associated with the extraction of fuels.

What are the types of fuels?

Developing into the study it is well acknowledged that there are various types of fuels and can be broadly divided into two major categories. These two major categories constitute natural resources one of which is “inexhaustible sources” of energy and that of “exhaustible sources” of energy. “Inexhaustible sources” of energy relates to the unlimited quality of energy resources such as air, water and sunlight. On the other hand, the “exhaustible sources” of energy related to the sources have limitations in their usage. These “exhaustible sources” constitute natural gas, coal, petroleum, minerals and many more.

Calorification of fuels

Exploring into this field of study it needs to be noticed that the calorification of the fuels are necessary as they provide a value that focuses on the amount of generation of the energy from the components of fuels. Calorific value refers to an essential formula that focuses on determining the energy represented in the unit of kgs and is expressed by the total amount of heat energy liberated which is divided by the total mass used as fuels. This formula is quite essential as it determines whether it can be considered an ideal fuel or not.

 Examples of some solid fuels

Several examples are there on earth that determine the solid fuels, which are quite successive in energy production as well as heat in the active process of combustion. The examples are as follows.

  • Coal,
  • Anthracite,
  • Firewood,
  • Charcoal,
  • Peat,
  • Coke,
  • Wood pellets and many more.

 How do fuels affect our daily lives?

It is well understood that the application of fuels plays a crucial role in our lives as they are indelible. Several activities that are associated with human life relate to the usage of fossil fuels such as powering of vehicles, providing electricity to buildings and houses, running of aeroplanes, trains, thereby making usage of the transportation system. However, it also needs to be borne out that usage of fuels although has immense importance but the burning of it results in declining in the changes in temperatures.

 Conclusion

In concluding the study, it is well noted that fuels are a vital component in our daily lives as they are associated with several activities. On combustion, of these fuel substances, a significant amount of energy is released out and thereby is used by human beings. It is to be noted that the major source of fuel refers to fossil fuels and from recent events it has been evidenced that over the recent past fossil fuels are extensively used and exploited by mankind. Moreover, it is well noted that now the use of fossil fuels needs to be declined and a pathway for sustenance. This far in the study it also needs to be noted that humans should focus on utilization of the renewable sources of energy rather than focusing on non-renewable sources of energy.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the Railway Examination Preparation.

What is an exothermic reaction?

Ans : In the field of chemistry when combustion occurs...Read full

What are fossil fuels?

Ans : Fossil fuels are mostly compounds that are made ...Read full

What are the major impurities found in fossil fuels?

Ans : The major impurities that are found in the fossi...Read full

Name the four types of fossil fuels?

Ans. The four major fossil fuels include petroleum, natural gas, coal, and oil shale. These types of fossil f...Read full