What is a fuel?
A fuel is a substance that stores energy, and typically releases it via combustion.
What are carbohydrates in relation to fuel?
Carbohydrates are energy-providing foods that are broken down to produce glucose, which is then further broken down by respiration to produce energy.
What is crude oil primarily made of?
Crude oil is primarily made up of hydrocarbons.
What are alkanes?
Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons that have only single bonds between carbon atoms and contain as many hydrogen atoms as possible.
What is a homologous series?
A homologous series is a group of organic compounds with similar chemical properties, where one member differs from the next by a CH2 group.
What is fractional distillation?
Fractional distillation is the process of separating crude oil into useful fractions by heating it to turn it into vapour and then separating it based on boiling points.
How does the length of hydrocarbon chains affect fuel properties?
As the length of hydrocarbon chains increases, fuels become darker, more viscous, less flammable, and harder to ignite.
What is the general formula for alcohols?
The general formula for alcohols is CnH2n+1OH.
Why are alcohols considered good fuels?
Alcohols with a small number of carbon atoms burn more cleanly than liquid hydrocarbon fuels and can be obtained from renewable sources.
What is gasohol?
Gasohol is a mixture of ethanol and petrol used as a fuel for cars.
What is meant by carbon neutrality in the context of ethanol?
Ethanol is considered carbon neutral because the carbon dioxide produced during its combustion is used by plants for photosynthesis.
What is biodiesel and how is it produced?
Biodiesel is produced from the oil seed rape plant and can be used as an alternative fuel in diesel engines.
What are some hazards associated with fuels?
Hazards include toxicity, flammability, risk of explosion, and incomplete combustion.
What is the effect of incomplete combustion?
Incomplete combustion can produce carbon monoxide, carbon, and unburnt hydrocarbons, which are harmful pollutants.
What is carbon monoxide and why is it dangerous?
Carbon monoxide is a toxic, colorless, and odorless gas that can prevent blood from carrying oxygen, leading to asphyxiation.
What are particulates and their effects?
Particulates are soot formed from burning hydrocarbon fuels, causing pollution, respiratory problems, and global dimming.
What is the impact of sulfur impurities in fossil fuels?
Sulfur impurities can produce sulfur dioxide when burned, leading to respiratory issues and contributing to acid rain.
What is a calorie?
A calorie is the energy needed to raise 1 kg of water by 1°C.
What is a Joule?
A Joule is the work done when a force of 1N moves a distance of 1m; it is the SI unit of energy.
What is a kilowatt hour?
A kilowatt hour is the amount of energy used by a 1 kW appliance in 1 hour.
How to calculate the heat energy released by a fuel?
Use the equation Q=mcΔT, where Q is heat energy, m is mass of water, c is specific heat capacity, and ΔT is temperature rise.
What is specific heat capacity?
Specific heat capacity is the energy required to raise the temperature of 1g of a substance by 1°C.
What is a bomb calorimeter?
A bomb calorimeter is an apparatus designed to reduce heat loss and ensure complete combustion for more accurate heat energy measurements.
What is an exothermic reaction?
An exothermic reaction is one where the energy released during bond formation is greater than the energy needed to break bonds.
