Question

What is the calorific value of fuels? Write any four characteristics of an ideal fuel.

Answer 1

Hint: You should know that calorific value has some relation with the quality of the fuel. Once you figure out this term, you would also be able to identify the characteristics of an ideal fuel. You can compare wood and LPG to get an idea about ideal fuel.

Complete step by step answer:
Let’s know about the calorific value -

The calorific value of fuel - It is the amount of energy released or produced when 1 kilogram of fuel burns in the presence of oxygen and the products of combustion are cooled to STP.
The unit of measurement of the calorific value is the same as the energy. SI unit of calorific value is kJ/kg.
The calorific value of the fuel can be measured by a device called Bomb Calorimeter
The calorific value is an important characteristic of the fuel.

Now, let’s talk about the main characteristics of an ideal fuel -

* Fuel should possess high calorific value, So, that high amount of energy available by burning a lower quantity of fuel.
* Fuel should have a proper ignition temperature. The ignition temperature of the fuel should neither be too low nor too high. Mainly It should have low ignition temperature so that it is easy to initiate the burning process
* Fuel should not produce poisonous products during combustion. In other words, it should not cause pollution or combustion.
* Fuel should have a moderate rate of combustion.

Therefore, we described the calorific value of fuels and the characteristics of an ideal fuel.

Note: We should also know that High Calorific value is the amount of heat liberated from the combustion of a fuel when its byproducts are condensed to recover some of the energy released.
In comparison, Low Calorific value is the amount of heat liberated from the combustion of a fuel when its byproducts freely escape from the system.