carbon based fuels

Fuel

A substance that can release stored energy relatively easily.

Combustion Reaction

A reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen gas, releasing energy.

Enthalpy Change (ΔH)

A measure of the quantity of energy absorbed or released during chemical reactions.

Exothermic Reaction

A reaction where the energy of the reactants is greater than the energy of the products, thus releasing energy.

Endothermic Reaction

A reaction where the energy of the products is greater than that of the reactants, thus absorbing energy.

Activation Energy

The energy required to break bonds of reactants so that a reaction can proceed.

Biomass

Organic material used as a source of energy, derived from living or recently living organisms.

Biofuel

A renewable fuel derived from biological materials, such as plants or animal waste.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy.

Heat of Combustion

The heat energy released when a specified amount of a substance burns completely in oxygen.

Thermochemical Equation

A balanced chemical equation that includes the enthalpy change (ΔH) for the reaction.

Fossil Fuels

Non-renewable energy resources like coal, oil, and natural gas, formed from ancient biological materials.

Renewable Energy

Energy obtained from sources that can be replenished naturally within a human lifetime.

Molar Enthalpy

The enthalpy change per mole of a substance upon combustion.

Carbon Neutral

A process or activity that does not increase the overall atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.

Fermentation

A metabolic process that converts sugars into alcohol or acids, often carried out by yeast or bacteria.

Energy Profile Diagram

A graphical representation of the energy changes during a chemical reaction, illustrating activation energy and enthalpy change.

Oxidation

The process of combining with oxygen, typically resulting in the release of energy.

Combustion Products

The substances produced when a fuel undergoes combustion, typically including carbon dioxide and water.

Hydrocarbon

An organic compound made exclusively of hydrogen and carbon, commonly found in fossil fuels.

Energy Density

The amount of energy stored in a given system or region of space per unit volume or mass.

Kilojoule (kJ)

A unit of energy equivalent to 1,000 joules.

Sustainable Energy

Energy that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Biogas

A type of biofuel produced from the breakdown of organic matter by anaerobic bacteria.

Biodiesel

A renewable biofuel produced from animal fats or vegetable oils through transesterification.

Thermal Energy

Energy that comes from the temperature of matter, often released during combustion.