Characteristics of Fuels


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Characteristics of Fuels

Characteristics of Fuels:

1.  Calorific value: When one kilogram of fuel is completely burnt in the presence of pure oxygen is called calorific value of fuel. It is expressed in unit’s kilojoule per gram (kJ/g). Higher the CV of a fuel the more heat it produces when burned.

2.  Efficiency: When a fuel is burnt, some of the energy produced is given off as waste heat which cannot be used for cooking or other purposes. This is the effects of a fuel. It is expressed as percentage.

3.  Ignition Temperature: The minimum temperature at which a fuel catches fire is termed as its ignition temperature. Those substances having low ignition temperature catches fire easily.

Some important characteristics of an ideal/good fuel: No fuel is considered as ideal. Yet CNG is the best fuel among all others.

  • It should have a high calorific value.
  • Ignition temperature should be low but above the room temperature.
  • It should have slow rate with controlled combustion.
  • Should be fairly cheap and easily available.
  • Should not cause pollution on burning
  • Should be safe to handle, store and transport.
  • Some fuels based on these characteristics:

    1. Hydrogen as fuel: it is the best fuel and has highest calorific value. It is only used as a fuel because it is highly inflammable.

    2. Methane and LPG as fuels: Both have high calorific values they burn with a smokeless fire and do not cause pollution.

    3. Petrol and diesel as fuels: Both are used in auto mobiles their main disadvantage is their limited availability and other is that their combustion releases harmful gases.

    Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    The substances which have very low ignition temperature will ____________

    Right Option : A
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    Question : 2

    Why does gun powder catches fire even in absence of air?

    Right Option : A
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    Calorific value is expressed as ________________________

    Right Option : A
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    Explanation
     
     


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