I think one means 'propellant' as opposed to 'fuel'. Propellant is the working fluid which provides thrust by virtue of mass flow rate and exhaust velocity, as apposed to fuel which provide energy. In some cases decomposition of a monopropellant or a bipropellant (fuel/oxidizer), the fuel is part of the working fluid.timejim said:Does Mercury have properties that would permit its' use as a Fuel to power Spacecraft? Has this been done before or experimented with? If it is heated to its' vaporization point, what happens? I know it is highly poisonous but I have heard that it has a potential for use as "a" fuel.
Mercury as a fuel refers to the use of elemental mercury as a source of energy, typically in the form of mercury vapor or mercury amalgam.
Mercury is used as a fuel in various industries, such as in thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, and batteries. It can also be used in certain power plants to generate electricity through the process of mercury vapor turbines.
One of the main advantages of using mercury as a fuel is its high energy density, which means it can produce a lot of energy in a small amount of space. Additionally, it is relatively easy to store and transport, making it a convenient source of energy.
One major disadvantage of using mercury as a fuel is its toxicity. Mercury is a highly toxic substance and can have harmful effects on human health and the environment if not handled properly. It also produces pollutants when burned, contributing to air pollution.
There are several alternative sources of energy that can be used instead of mercury, such as solar, wind, and hydro power. These sources are renewable, clean, and have a lower environmental impact compared to mercury. Additionally, advancements in technology have made these alternatives more cost-effective and efficient.