Fuel - Introduction

Question 1

What is a fuel?

Answer 1

A source of energy, that can produce useable energy

Question 2

Which Fuels will be majorly encountered in VCE Chemistry?

Answer 2

Carbon-based fuels

Nuclear fuel is not on course - some otehr fuels are though

Question 3

What types of reactions occur when fuels release useable energy?

Answer 3

• Exothermic Reaction - Release heat energy
• Redox reaction - Change in oxidation states between reactants and products
• Combustion reaction - Type of redox reaction that involves burning of fuel with oxygen

Question 4

When a fuel undergoes a redox reaction, what is reduced and oxidised?

Answer 4

• **Fuel is always oxidised** - is reductant
• **Oxygen is always reduced** - is oxidant

Question 5

Fuels can be classified in two groups based on renewability. Describe renewability and state the two categories.

Answer 5

1. Renewable Fuels
2. Non-renewable Fuels

Renewability is judged on a human timescale, considers if a fuel is consumed faster than it can be renewed.

Question 6

Define a renewable fuel

Answer 6

A fuel that can be replaced by natural processes within a relatively short period of time

Question 7

Describe a non-renewable fuel

Answer 7

A fuel that cannot be replaced by natural processes in a re;atively short period of time. Require long period of time for production of fuel.

Question 8

What are the two fuels VCE chemistry compares in terms of renewability?

Answer 8

• Fossil Fuels
• Biofuels

Question 9

Describe renewability status and sources of fossil fuels.

Answer 9

Non-renewable
Sources:
* Coal (terrestrial plants)
* Oil and natural gas (marine animals and plants)

Remains of organisms chemically altered over millions of years

Question 10

Describe renewability status and sources of biofuel

Answer 10

Renewable
Sources:
* Plants
* Recycled organic matter
* Human and animal waste

Question 11

What are the 3 biofuels VCE Chemistry looks at?

Answer 11

• Bioethanol
• Biodiesel
• Biogas