Choosing Fuels

Question 1

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using petrol?

Answer 1

Advantages:

Burns easily
Doesn’t produce ash or smoke
Releases more energy per kg when it burns than fuels such as coal or wool
It is a liquid so it is easy to store and transport

Disadvantages:

Produces carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide as well as water when it is burns

Question 2

What are the advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen?

Answer 2

Advantages:

Burns easily
Doesn’t produce ash or smoke
Only produces water when it burns
Releases nearly three times as much energy per kg as petrol

Disadvantages:

Is a gas, so it has to be stored at high pressure
Filling stations would need to be adapted for hydrogen to be used in cars

Question 3

What are the properties of a good fuel?

Answer 3

Easy to ignite
Releases lots of energy (heat)
Shouldn’t produce ash or smoke
Should be easy to transport and store