Fuels - 1A Flashcards
Fossil fuel
substances that have been formed by the chemical decomposition
of organic matter over millions of years
contain chemical energy that can be converted into useful electrical, heat, and kinetic energy.
Fuel
substance that is used (usually combusted) to produce energy
natural gas
FF containing small amounts of hydrocarbon molecules
coal seam gas
type of natural gas
formed by plant/animal remains
90 percent methane
also contains ethane, propane, butane, co2 and nitrogen
where is csg sourced and how is it released
extracted from coal/shale rock deposits
released via fracking
fracking
Fracking involves injecting liquid at high pressure into coal and shale rocks to force open fissures (cracks) to extract the gas
harmful to environment and water supplies
crude oil
a black and viscous mixture of hydrocarbons
separated in a process known as fractional distillation
Fractional distillation
utilises the different boiling points of the many
different compounds present in petroleum to separate them.
separated fractions
can then be used as fuel or can be treated to produce desired products.
petrol
useful fraction of crude oil
contains mixture of hydrocarbon molecules, including octane
that range in length
from 5 to 12 carbon atoms.
what does burning petrol produce
its a hydrocarbons so should release carbon dioxide and water sulfur dioxide if contaminated with H2S
usually contaminated w hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and other sulfur and
nitrogen compounds - releases harmful sulfur dioxide
non-renewable resource
substance that cannot be replaced by natural processes at the same rate, or faster than it is consumed.
enhanced greenhouse effect
caused by the accumulation of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion in the atmosphere, trapping more thermal energy and causing the planet to become warmer
