Grade 6
  1. Introduction to Chemistry  1.1. What is Chemistry?  1.2. Importance of chemistry in daily life  1.3. Branches of chemistry  1.4. Safety rules in chemistry laboratory  1.5. Common Laboratory Equipment and Their Uses
  2. Matter and its states  2.1. Definition of Matter  2.2. Properties of matter  2.3. States of matter  2.4. Solid state  2.5. Fluid state  2.6. Gaseous state  2.7. Plasma state  2.8. Changes in the states of matter  2.9. Melting and freezing  2.10. Evaporation and Condensation  2.11. Sublimation  2.12. Deposit
  3. Physical and chemical changes  3.1. Definition of Physical Change  3.2. Examples of physical change  3.3. Definition of Chemical Change  3.4. Examples of chemical change  3.5. Difference Between Physical and Chemical Changes  3.6. Indicators of Chemical Change
  4. Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures  4.1. Definition of the element  4.2. Classification of elements  4.3. Metals  4.4. Non metallic  4.5. Metalloids  4.6. Noble gases  4.7. Definition of compound  4.8. Properties of Compounds  4.9. Definition of Mixture  4.10. Types of mixtures  4.11. Homogeneous mixture  4.12. Heterogeneous mixtures
  5. Separation of mixtures  5.1. The need for isolation  5.2. Separation methods  5.3. Handpicking and winnowing  5.4. Filtration  5.5. Sedimentation and decantation  5.6. Evaporation  5.7. Crystallization  5.8. Distillation  5.9. Magnetic Separation  5.10. Chromatography
  6. Air and its composition  6.1. Components of air  6.2. Importance of Oxygen  6.3. The importance of nitrogen in the air and its composition  6.4. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere  6.5. The role of water vapor and other gases in air and its composition  6.6. Properties of Air  6.7. Uses of air  6.8. Air pollution and its effects
  7. Water and its properties  7.1. Importance of Water  7.2. Sources of water  7.3. Properties of water  7.4. Water as the universal solvent  7.5. Water Purification  7.6. Water purification methods (boiling, filtration, chlorination)  7.7. Water cycle  7.8. Water conservation  7.9. Water pollution and its effects
  8. Acids, Bases and Salts  8.1. Definition of Acid  8.2. Properties of Acids  8.3. Examples of Acids  8.4. Definition of Bases  8.5. Properties of bases  8.6. Examples of Bases  8.7. Definition of Salt  8.8. Neutralization reaction  8.9. pH Scale and Indicators  8.10. Uses of Acids, Bases and Salts
  9. Introduction to the Periodic Table  9.1. History of the Periodic Table  9.2. Arrangement of elements in the periodic table  9.3. Groups and periods  9.4. Importance of periodic table  9.5. First 10 elements and their symbols
  10. Metals and Nonmetals  10.1. Properties of Metals  10.2. Properties of Non-Metals  10.3. Difference Between Metals and Nonmetals  10.4. Uses of metals and nonmetals  10.5. Corrosion of metals and its prevention
  11. chemical reactions  11.1. Introduction to Chemical Reactions  11.2. Types of Chemical Reactions  11.3. combustion reaction  11.4. Oxidation and Reduction  11.5. Simple chemical equations  11.6. Rusting of iron
  12. Fuel and energy  12.1. Types of fuel  12.2. Fossil fuels  12.3. Renewable and non-renewable sources of energy  12.4. Energy Conservation  12.5. Alternative sources of energy (solar, wind, hydropower)
  13. Plastic and fiber  13.1. Natural and synthetic fibers  13.2. Properties of plastics  13.3. Advantages and disadvantages of plastic  13.4. Recycling of plastic  13.5. Biodegradable and non-biodegradable materials

Grade 6 → Fuel and energy ↓


Types of fuel


Fuels are substances that can be used to produce energy. They're an essential part of our daily lives, powering everything from vehicles to electric generators. This article will explain the different types of fuel, how they work, and their impact on the environment. We'll learn about fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as alternative energy sources like solar, wind, and biofuels.

Fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that were buried and compacted over millions of years. They include coal, oil, and natural gas. Here's a look at each:

Coal

Coal is a black or brownish-black rock rich in carbon and hydrocarbons. It is mined from the ground and burned to produce energy. There are several types of coal, including:

  • Anthracite: This is the hardest type of coal, has the highest energy content, and burns the cleanest.
    Carbon Content: 86% - 97%
  • Bituminous: This is softer than anthracite and is the most popular coal for power generation.
    Carbon Content: 45% - 86%
  • Sub-bituminous: This type of coal has low sulphur content and is mainly used for power generation.
    Carbon Content: 35% - 45%
  • Lignite: Also called "brown coal," it is the softest and has the lowest carbon content.
    Carbon Content: 25% - 35%
topsoil subsoil Lignite layer Coal bed

Oil

Oil, also known as petroleum, is a liquid found deep below the Earth's surface. It is extracted through drilling and refined into various products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.

How is oil made?

Oil is formed from tiny marine plants and animals that died millions of years ago. Over time, they became buried under layers of sand and silt. The pressure and heat from these layers turned the remains into oil.

Water Layer Sediment layer Organic matter Oil Formation

Natural gas

Natural gas is a mixture of gases, primarily methane (CH 4). It is found beneath the Earth's surface, often near oil deposits. Natural gas is used as a fuel for heating, electricity, and vehicles.

Components of natural gas

The main component of natural gas is methane, but it also contains:

  • Ethane - C 2 H 6
  • Propane - C 3 H 8
  • Butane - C 4 H 10

Alternative fuel

Unlike fossil fuels, alternative fuels are renewable and generally have a lower impact on the environment. Let's take a look at some popular alternative fuels:

Solar energy

Solar energy comes from the sun. Solar panels capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. This process is clean and does not cause any pollution.

Solar Panel converts sunlight For electricity

Wind energy

Wind energy is produced from the movement of the wind. Wind turbines capture this kinetic energy and turn it into electricity. Like solar energy, wind energy is also clean and renewable.

wind turbine

Biofuels

Biofuels are made from plant and animal materials. They can be used in place of gasoline and diesel and are considered renewable because they come from living sources that can be replenished.

Types of biofuels

  • Ethanol: Ethanol, made from corn, sugar cane, or other plants, can be added to gasoline to power cars. 
    C 2 H 5 OH
  • Biodiesel: Biodiesel produced from vegetable oils or animal fats can be used in diesel engines. 
    CH 3 (CH 2) x COOH

Pros and cons of biofuels

Pros Shortcoming
Akshay Land and water resources are needed
Decreases dependence on fossil fuels can compete with food production
Produces fewer emissions may have an impact on biodiversity

Nuclear energy

Nuclear energy is created by splitting atoms in a process called fission. The energy released heats water to make steam, which turns turbines to produce electricity. Although nuclear energy does not produce carbon emissions, it does produce radioactive waste.

Fission process

In nuclear fission, heavy atoms such as uranium-235 split into smaller atoms when hit by a neutron. This reaction releases a huge amount of energy.

U-235 N

Environmental impact of fuel

Each type of fuel affects the environment differently. Fossil fuels release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar produce little or no emissions, but they can have other environmental impacts, such as land use and wildlife disruption. Biofuels offer a way to reduce emissions, but require careful consideration of resource use.

Reducing environmental impact

Here are some ways to reduce the environmental impact of fuel use:

  • Choose renewable energy sources for your electricity and transportation needs.
  • Practice energy conservation by turning off lights when not in use and using energy-efficient appliances.
  • Support policies and technologies that aim to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency.

Understanding fuels and their impact on the environment is important to make informed decisions about energy use. By choosing sustainable options and supporting renewable energy, we can work towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.


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Types of fuel

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