Fuels and Their Properties Quiz

Study Notes

Constituents of Fuels

Fuels are primarily composed of hydrocarbons, which are compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms.
Additional elements like oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and sulfur compounds can also be present, influencing efficiency and emissions.

Measurement of Heat Energy

Heat energy is quantified using units such as joules, calories, and British Thermal Units (BTUs).
The calorific value, which indicates the energy produced by the combustion of a fuel, is commonly used for measurement.

Sources of Fossil Fuels

Main sources of fossil fuels include coal, petroleum, and natural gas, formed from the decomposed remains of ancient plants and microorganisms over millions of years.
Coal is primarily found in underground deposits, while petroleum and natural gas are extracted from geological formations beneath the Earth's surface.

Gross Calorific Value (GCV)

The gross calorific value represents the total amount of heat produced when a fuel is completely combusted, including heat generated from water vapor condensation.
This value is expressed in units like MJ/kg (megajoules per kilogram) or BTU/lb (British thermal units per pound).

Net Calorific Value (NCV)

The net calorific value is the available heat energy derived from a fuel after accounting for energy lost in water vapor, providing a more accurate measure of usable energy.
NCV is typically lower than GCV and is crucial for applications where water vapor is not fully condensed, such as in combustion engines.

Description

Test your knowledge of fuels and their properties with this quiz. Explore the basics of fossil fuels, their sources, and calorific value. Identify the main constituents of fuels and their uses in domestic and industrial applications.