Examples of Natural and Artificial Fuels
Miscellanea / / July 04, 2021
The fuels are materials (in solid, liquid or gaseous state) that by reacting with other substances produce energy, light or heat. For example: coal or natural gas.
Each fuel generates a different level of energy, light or heat depending on its chemical composition. exist natural fuels, which are in nature (for example: timber) Y artificial fuels, which are man-made (for example: the gas).
All fuels (whether artificial or natural) start burning when they reach a certain temperature (initiation temperature). After reaching and sustaining the initiation temperature, the fuels give off an energy (which is which means that they start to burn) which is called “calorific value” and is measured in joules per kilograms.
In order to release energy, a fuel must have some suitable physical conditions, such as time, temperature or pressure.
Fuels meet a great variety of functions within the daily life of every individual. They are used to generate electricity, heat rooms, heat water or other substances, propel engines, among many other functions.
Natural fuels
The natural fuels are those that are in nature and that humans use to obtain energy from their combustion. Natural fuels can be in all three states:
Many of the natural fuels are fossil fuels, that is, they constitute organic compounds that are found in the soil and that have already been fossilized (as remains of living beings or organic waste, such as fecal matter, urine or decomposition of bodies) and serve as fuels.
Examples of natural fuels
Firewood | Peat |
Coal | Anthracite |
Agricultural residuals | Natural gas |
Petroleum | Wood |
Artificial fuels
The artificial fuels (or synthetics) are those that the human being obtains when a natural fuel modifies or intervenes so that the energy it gives off is greater and can be used for some purpose.
Examples of artificial fuels are: gasoline (diesel or diesel), oils (such as tar oil), kerosene (or kerosene), gases such as butane, among others.
Among artificial fuels are biofuels or biofuels, which are derived from biomass, that is, fuel is made from organic material. Some of the most widely used biofuels are biodiesel and biogas.
Examples of artificial fuels
Butane | Gasoline |
Dimethyl ether | Methanol |
Biogas | Propane |
Diesel oil | Kerosene |
Liquefied petroleum gases (LPG) | Ethanol |
Fuel oil | Vegetable oil |
Aviation fuel | Biodiesel |
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