Natural Gas and Fuel Production

A type of nuclear decay where a nucleus emits a high-energy photon (gamma ray) to transition to a lower energy state. The parent nuclide remains the same.

Involves the conversion of a proton into a neutron, releasing a positron. The positron is the antiparticle of an electron, same mass but opposite charge.

Process where a heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter nuclei, releasing subatomic particles and energy.

Combination of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing enormous amounts of energy.

A method of determining the approximate age of an object by measuring the amount of a specific radioactive nuclide present.

The study of the arrangement of atoms in solids.

A solid material with a highly ordered and symmetrical structure that extends over macroscopic distances.

The smallest repeating unit in a crystal lattice, representing the complete crystal structure.

Type of unit cell with atoms only at the corners of the cube.

Type of unit cell with atoms at the corners and one atom in the center of the cube.

Type of unit cell with atoms at the corners and one atom in the center of each face of the cube.

The number of nearest neighbors that each atom has within a crystal structure.

The ratio of the volume occupied by atoms to the total volume of the unit cell, indicating the packing efficiency of atoms in a crystal.

Substances that burn to release energy, categorized as solid, liquid, or gas.

A type of coal formed by the compaction of peat due to burial, containing a higher percentage of carbon compared to lignite, and with a lower moisture content, making it suitable for use in various industries.

A solid fuel obtained by heating coal in the absence of oxygen. It's characterized by a high carbon content, making it burn efficiently with minimal ash and sulfur content.

A type of fuel produced by partially burning wood or animal matter, leaving behind a porous, carbon-rich material. It burns with little smoke and ash, releasing significant energy.

A fuel derived from the fossilized remains of dead plants and animals, formed by pressure and heat deep within the Earth's crust. It's a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and is found in various forms, including gasoline and oil.

A blend of volatile hydrocarbon compounds used as fuel in internal combustion engines. It's also used as a solvent for oils and fats.

A process that breaks down large hydrocarbon molecules in crude oil into smaller, more valuable components like gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. This process involves heat, pressure, and catalysts.

A process that separates different components of a mixture based on their boiling points. This is used to refine crude oil and separate it into various products.

A wide range of products derived from crude oil through refining processes. These include transportation fuels, heating oils, plastics, and even asphalt.

A type of biofuel produced by the breakdown of organic waste in the absence of oxygen. It mainly consists of methane gas.

A naturally occurring gaseous hydrocarbon composed primarily of methane, found deep underground. It's used for heating, cooking, and electricity.

A mixture of gases, mainly carbon monoxide and hydrogen, produced by partial combustion of carbonaceous materials like coal. It's used as an industrial fuel.

Gaseous fuels obtained from natural sources or processed from solid or liquid fuels. They are often used for energy generation.

The breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen, producing a mixture of gases, primarily methane. It's a core process in biogas production.

The primary component of biogas. It's a highly flammable and potent greenhouse gas.

The process where microbes break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen to create biogas. It's a vital part of biogas production.

The energy content of a fuel, typically measured in kilowatts per hour or BTUs. It determines how much heat energy a fuel can release.

A type of soil with large particles (greater than 2mm) that are easily visible and feel gritty, allowing water to drain quickly but making it harder for plants to absorb nutrients.

A soil type with fine, medium-sized particles (between 0.05mm and 0.002mm) that feel floury and powdery, holding moisture well but prone to compaction, making it ideal for many plants.

A soil type with the smallest particles (less than 0.002mm), making it heavy and sticky, capable of retaining water and nutrients but potentially difficult for plant roots to penetrate.

The uppermost layer of soil, rich in organic matter and essential for plant growth, where seeds germinate and roots grow.

A soil type with a significant amount of partially decomposed plant matter in it, often found in areas with waterlogged conditions and high organic content.

The topmost layer of soil, primarily composed of decomposed organic matter (humus) and partially decayed leaves and twigs. It's rich in nutrients and essential for plant growth.

A layer of soil enriched with organic matter, often dark in color due to the presence of humus. This layer is essential for plant growth and retains moisture.

A soil layer characterized by the leaching of minerals and organic matter. It's often pale in color and found beneath the A horizon in older soils.

A layer of soil that has been significantly altered by pedogenesis. It accumulates minerals and organic matter migrating downwards, often containing iron oxides and clay minerals.

A layer of soil consisting of slightly broken-up bedrock, representing the parent material from which other soil layers develop. It's the foundation beneath the subsoil.

A soil's inherent characteristics, including color, texture, structure, and chemical composition. It's influenced by parent material, climate, and biological activity.

Dissolved organic compounds in water can be from sources like fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. They can also come from decaying matter, such as fruits or animals.

The pH of water determines its acidity, neutrality, or basicity. It's calculated using the number of hydrogen ions present. For example, a low pH means the water is acidic.

Biological contamination is caused by the presence of living organisms in water, such as algae, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. These organisms can cause waterborne illnesses if not removed.

Pollutants, like bacteria, fungi, and viruses, can enter water bodies due to unhygienic discharges of sewage or dead bodies. This can lead to waterborne diseases.

Polymers are large molecules made of repeating units called monomers. They can be natural, semi-synthetic, or synthetic based on their source.

Natural polymers are found in nature and can be derived from plants and animals. Examples include proteins, cellulose, and starch.

The taste of water can be influenced by the presence of dissolved minerals. It usually doesn't have an odor unless organic compounds are present.

Water temperature affects its density and other properties. It's most dense at 4 degrees Celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit) and less dense at higher or lower temperatures.