Stored Energy in Fuels

Fuels as energy sources, combustion

Energy Stored in Fuels

Fuels store chemical energy. When fuels burn (combustion), the stored energy is released as heat and light. Common fuels include wood, coal, paraffin, petrol and natural gas. South Africa uses a lot of coal to generate electricity.

Example

Fuels We Use

• Coal → burned at Eskom power stations → electricity for homes • Petrol/diesel → burned in car engines → movement • Paraffin → burned in stoves → heat for cooking • Wood → burned in fires → warmth and cooking • Gas → burned in stoves → cooking heat

Note

Remember

Burning fuels produces smoke and gases (like carbon dioxide) that pollute the air and contribute to climate change. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind do not pollute. South Africa gets lots of sunshine for solar energy!

Key Vocabulary

FuelA material that stores energy and releases it when burned

CombustionThe process of burning a fuel in air

Chemical energyEnergy stored in substances like food and fuel

RenewableAn energy source that will not run out (sun, wind)

SASL Avatar

Loading avatar...

1 / 4

Fuel

Speed: