What is Fuel: Definition and 579 Discussions

A fuel is any material that can be made to react with other substances so that it releases energy as thermal energy or to be used for work. The concept was originally applied solely to those materials capable of releasing chemical energy but has since also been applied to other sources of heat energy such as nuclear energy (via nuclear fission and nuclear fusion).
The heat energy released by reactions of fuels is converted into mechanical energy via a heat engine. Other times the heat itself is valued for warmth, cooking, or industrial processes, as well as the illumination that comes with combustion. Fuels are also used in the cells of organisms in a process known as cellular respiration, where organic molecules are oxidized to release usable energy. Hydrocarbons and related oxygen-containing molecules are by far the most common source of fuel used by humans, but other substances, including radioactive metals, are also utilized.
Fuels are contrasted with other substances or devices storing potential energy, such as those that directly release electrical energy (such as batteries and capacitors) or mechanical energy (such as flywheels, springs, compressed air, or water in a reservoir).

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  1. M

    Exploring Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Questions & Answers

    Homework Statement hi I've got to do a project for college and need some direction I want to know a few things more so if you can help let me know. some of the things include (if you could answer any it would be useful): why can't we make a longer electric current to harness all the...
  2. M

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  3. Chandra214

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  4. M

    Automotive The future of the ICE- fuel and ignition

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  5. S

    Which Chemicals Make the Best Fuels for Turbocharged Engines?

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  6. M

    Car Fuel Problem, calorific values.

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  7. C

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  8. A

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  9. P

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  10. U

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  11. D

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  12. M

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  13. P

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  14. V

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  15. P

    Automotive Fuel Efficiency: Car #1 vs Car #2 | Ask an Expert

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  16. M

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  17. B

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  18. B

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  19. N

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  20. K

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  21. B

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  22. C

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  23. B

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  24. turbo

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  25. A

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  26. E

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  27. K

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  28. Q

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  29. Q

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  30. G

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  31. Z

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  32. F

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  33. M

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  34. L

    Understanding Free Energy in Fuel Cell Reactions

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  35. T

    Is Diesel Spillage on Car Tires Dangerous?

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  36. C

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  37. M

    PEM Fuel Cell: Hydrogen Ion Diffusion Through Anode?

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  38. T

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  39. N

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  40. V

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  41. T

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  42. S

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  43. J

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  44. B

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  45. A

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  46. sophiecentaur

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  47. N

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  48. Z

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  49. J

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  50. K

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