Classification of Fuels Quiz

Study Notes

Classification of Fuels

Fuels are classified based on renewability, physical states, and sources.

On the Basis of Renewability

Renewable Fuels: Derived from animal and agricultural wastes; sustainable and non-depleting.
Non-Renewable Fuels: Available in limited quantities and can be exhausted; examples include CNG, petrol, and coal.

On the Basis of Physical States

Solid Fuels: Bulky, requiring large storage space; produce ash or residue upon combustion, e.g., wood and coal.
Liquid Fuels: Exist as liquids at room temperature; leave no residue after combustion, e.g., kerosene, petrol, and diesel.
Gaseous Fuels: Naturally in gaseous form at room temperature, e.g., CNG and hydrogen.

On the Basis of Sources

Primary Fuels: Found in their natural form; examples include animal and agricultural wastes, wood, and coal.
Secondary Fuels: Produced from natural fuels through physical and chemical processes; examples include water gas and producer gas from coke, and coal gas from coal.

Fossil Fuels

Formed from decomposed remains of plants and animals over millions of years; includes coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
Coal forms from buried plant remains, while petroleum and natural gas originate from marine organisms.
Fossil fuels are crucial energy sources, providing heat and light for cooking and powering engines.

Soda-Acid Fire Extinguisher

Soda-acid fire extinguishers utilize the reaction between acids and compounds like potassium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate to produce carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide gas, generated during the reaction, is non-combustible, making it effective for fire suppression.
The extinguisher consists of a glass bottle filled with sulphuric acid, placed above sodium bicarbonate solution in a sealed container.
When the extinguisher is triggered, the glass bottle breaks, allowing the acid to react with the bicarbonate solution, releasing carbon dioxide.
The chemical reaction involved is:
2NaHCO3 + H2SO4 → Na2SO4 + H2O + 2CO2↑*

Combustion and Fire Characteristics

Combustion is an exothermic reaction, meaning it releases heat during the process.
Essential conditions for combustion include the presence of a combustible material, oxygen (air), and a sufficient heat source.
A candle flame has three distinct zones: luminous (yellow), non-luminous (blue), and a temperature gradient region, each serving different functions in the burning process.
Fire can be extinguished effectively by depriving it of air, a method often employed in various fire-fighting techniques.
The effectiveness of a fuel is determined by its calorific value—the amount of heat generated per unit mass.
Ideal fuels should possess high calorific values, while also being practical in terms of storage, transport, and handling.

Description

Test your knowledge on the different classifications of fuels based on renewability. Understand the characteristics of renewable and non-renewable fuels. This quiz will help you grasp the fundamental differences and importance of fuel classification.