Chemistry - Fuels

What are fossil fuels and how are they formed?

Fossil fuels (coal

What are biofuels and how are they made?

Biofuels are renewable fuels made from plants or waste. Common types include bioethanol (fermented sugars)

biodiesel (plant/animal fats)

What are the main advantages of fossil fuels?

• High energy output

• Widely available

• Currently cheaper

• Established infrastructure and technology

What are the main disadvantages of fossil fuels?

• Cause air pollution and climate change (CO₂

SO₂

• Non-renewable – take millions of years to form

• Health problems from emissions

• Environmental damage (habitat destruction

oil spills)

• Price instability and overdependence

What are the main advantages of biofuels?

• Renewable – made from plants and waste

• Lower net CO₂ emissions

• Less air pollution than fossil fuels

• Biodegradable and cleaner burning

• Supports farming and rural economies

What are the main disadvantages of biofuels?

• Expensive to produce

• Takes up land that could be used for food or nature

• Farming may pollute water and use chemicals

• Can lead to deforestation and habitat loss

How do fossil fuels affect the environment?

• Contribute to global warming (high CO₂)

• Cause smog

acid rain

• Oil spills and mining damage ecosystems

• Non-renewable resource

How do biofuels affect the environment?

• Lower greenhouse gas emissions

• Still can cause pollution from farming

• Require land and water

• Renewable but need sustainable practices

Which type of fuel has a larger carbon footprint: fossil fuels or biofuels?

Fossil fuels – because they release ancient carbon not part of the current carbon cycle.

Which are renewable: fossil fuels or biofuels?

Biofuels are renewable. Fossil fuels are non-renewable.