What is a Fuel?

What is a Fuel?

FUEL

Fuels are substances that give us heat which we use for domestic and industrial purposes, such as wood, kerosene, and petrol. The substance that undergoes combustion is known as fuel. Examples of fuels are charcoal, petrol, kerosene, wood, etc.

What will an ideal fuel or good fuel look like?

Ideally, a good fuel is one which:

• has proper ignition temperature (neither too high nor too low),
• does not produce undesirable or poisonous substances and cause pollution,
• does not leave behind much ash,
• is cheap,
• is readily available,
• produces a large amount of heat or have high calorific value,
• has a moderate rate of consumption
• is easily controllable (can be started or stopped as needed),
• is easy to handle and transport, and
• has a low moisture content (so that it burns easily).

Note: Some fuels are cheaper than others.

Characteristics of Good Fuel:

• It should be easily available and cheap.
• It should generate a large amount of heat.
• It should not leave any unwanted matter after combustion.

Ideal Fuel
The fuel which satisfies all the characteristics of good fuel is termed as an ideal fuel. But probably, there is no fuel considered as an ideal fuel.