Fuel

Fuel is material with one type of energy which can be transformed into another usable energy. A common example is potential energy being converted into kinetic energy, (as heat and mechanical work). In many cases this is just something that will burn.

Fuels

Solid fuels

There are many different types of fuel. Solid fuels include coal, wood and peat. All these types of fuel are combustible, they create fire and heat. Coal was burnt by steam trains to heat water into steam to move parts and provide power. Peat and wood are mainly used for domestic and industrial heating, though peat has been used for power generation, and wood-burning steam locomotives were common in times past. Steam power is becoming more and more desireable as oil and gas supplies begin to run out, this is because of the wide number of possible things that can burn to heat water.

Liquid and gas fuels

Non-solid fuels include oil and gas (both fuel types have myriad varieties including petrol (gasoline) and natural gas). The former is widely used in the internal combustion engine while both are used in power generation.

Nuclear fuels

In a nuclear reaction a radioactive fuel will undergo fission. This provides a useful source of energy without combustion. Also, in stars (and our sun), hydrogen (a gas) is the fuel for the nuclear fusion.

Other fuel

Hydrogen also features as an upcoming fuel for automobiles with Oxygen in the Fuel Cell. This involves a reaction where the hydrogen and oxygen react to produce water (H₂O) and electrical energy, which then can supply an electrical motor in order to run a car (or a variety of other uses). In this reaction the chemical energy of the chemicals is converted into electrical energy due to redox.

Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, derived from food, are the fuels for biological systems. For instance, glucose (a simple carbohydrate) combines with oxygen to produce water, carbon-dioxide, and a release of energy. In the bodies of most animals, the released energy is used by the muscles.

Fuel values

The fuel value is the quantity of potential energy in a food or other substance.

See also