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RossFuels release their stored energy through a process called combustion, where they react with oxygen in the air to produce heat, light, and various byproducts such as carbon dioxide and water. This reaction releases the chemical energy stored in the fuel molecules, which can then be harnessed for various applications such as heating, transportation, and electricity generation.
Many fuels contain carbon and hydrogen (hydrocarbons) and examples are methane and gasoline, and they are burned with oxygen from the atmosphere.
The carbon in the fuel and the oxygen in the air mainly came from plant life that used the Sun's heat and light to separate out carbon dioxide atoms from the atmosphere and in doing that they stored potential energy that is released in the burning process.
Re-forming the chemical bonds in the carbon dioxide that is produced by burning the fuel releases that energy and produces a lot of heat, and this is why fuel is used. Hydrogen-oxygen bonds are also formed to produce water and this also produces extra heat.
In a engine the heat generates pressure that drives a piston or a turbine blade. Heat engines operate usually at energy efficiencies of 20-50%, in other words, when an engine runs, at least half the energy in the fuel is wasted. For cars it's more like three-quarters.
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The energy stored in foods and fuels is potential energy?
Yes, that's correct. The potential energy stored in foods and fuels is released when these substances are burned or metabolized, converting the potential energy into forms such as heat, light, or mechanical energy.
What kind of potential energy is energy stored in foods and fuels?
Chemical potential energy is the type of potential energy stored in foods and fuels. It is released when chemical bonds are broken during chemical reactions such as metabolism or combustion.
When fossil fuels are burned they release energy stored thousands of years ago?
Yes, when fossil fuels are burned, the chemical energy stored in them from millions of years ago is converted into heat energy. This heat energy is used to generate electricity or power vehicles, contributing to human activities and industries. However, burning fossil fuels also releases harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to environmental and health concerns.
Which type of energy is stored in fossil fuels?
Chemical energy is stored in fossil fuels, resulting from the organic matter that underwent decomposition over millions of years. This energy is released when the fossil fuels are burned or combusted.
How is energy stored in fuels?
Energy is stored in fuels through the chemical bonds that hold the fuel molecules together. When these bonds are broken during combustion, energy is released in the form of heat and light. The type and amount of energy stored in a fuel depend on its chemical composition.
