(a) What is a fuel? Give five examples of fuels.
(b) What are the characteristics of an ideal fuel (or good fuel) ?
(c) The calorific value and ignition temperature of fuel A re 55 kj/g and $80^{\circ} C,$ respectively. These values for fuel B are 80 kj/g and $10^{\circ} C,$ respectively. On burning, the fuel A produces $C O_{2} a n d H_{2} O$ while the fuel B produces $C O_{2}, C O a n d S O_{2}$ . Give three points of relative advantages and disadvantages of these two fuels.

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Solution

(a) Any substance which upon combustion produces a usable amount of energy is known as fuel. For example wood, coal, biogas, LPG, petrol, diesel etc.

(b) Following are the characteristics of an ideal fuel:

It is readily available.

It is less expensive.

It burns easily in air at a moderate rate.

It produces a large amount of heat.

It can be transported easily.

It has a high calorific value.

It does not leave behind any undesirable substances.

(c) If we consider calorific value, fuel B has a higher value and hence better heating capacity. However, the ignition temperature of fuel B is quite low which is undesirable. Also, fuel B produces $S O_{2}$ on burning which is an undesirable product.

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