Question

Which of the following has the characteristics of a good fuel?
A.) Coke
B.) Butane
C.) Coal
D.) Kerosene

Answer 1

Hint: An ideal fuel should have the following properties: high calorific value, moderate ignition temperature, low moisture content, low non-combustible matter, moderate velocity of combustion, products of combustion not harmful, low cost, easy to transport.

Complete step by step answer:
A fuel can be any material that can be used to supply power or energy or can be used for work. Chemical fuels are substances that release energy by reacting with substances around them, most notably by the process of combustion.
The characteristics of a good fuel are:
It is less expensive.
It is readily available.
It has high calorific value, i.e. it produces a large amount of heat.
It burns easily in air and at a moderate rate.
It is easily transportable.
It does not leave any unwanted residue.
It has low moisture content.
It is easy to store.
It does not produce any toxic gases.
Combustion of the fuel should be easily controllable.

In reality, no such fuel has all the above properties. So, the concept of a good fuel is a relative term. From the options given above, butane is a good fuel compared to others as it does not leave behind any residue on burning. It also does not give out any smoke. Burning of butane is both safe and non-toxic.

Hence, the correct answer is (B) Butane.

Note: Although burning of kerosene might seem less toxic, it produces certain pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide which are harmful to the human body. Coke and coal also produce carbon monoxide.