What makes fuel burn

The energy required to break the bonds in the hydrocarbon molecules is substantially less than the energy released in the formation of the bonds in the CO 2 and H 2 O molecules. For this reason, the process releases significant amounts of thermal energy heat.

This thermal energy can be used directly perhaps to heat a home or else it can be converted to mechanical energy, using a heat engine. However, this is subject to efficiency losses, resulting in necessary significant energy losses as waste heat governed by the second law of thermodynamics. The resulting useful mechanical energy will be a lot less than the initial thermal energy provided by the hydrocarbon combustion.

Note that CO 2 is always produced in hydrocarbon combustion; it doesn't matter what type of hydrocarbon molecule. Producing CO 2 and H 2 O is actually how useful energy is obtained from fossil fuels. For this reason, it is important to distinguish between carbon dioxide and other "waste" products that arise from impurities in the fuel such as sulfur and nitrogen compounds.

Not all fossil fuels have the same composition. Foams also coat the fuel and last longer than water. They reduce heat as well as supply of oxygen to the fuel. They will adhere to vertical fuel and can be easily applied by ground units. Water absorbs vast amounts of heat, especially when applied as a fog.

Each droplet absorbs a large amount of heat which turns the water into a hot gas or vapor steam. The hot steam is then dispersed by the wind into the atmosphere. However, water is heavy and it is difficult to deliver it to the fireline in inaccessible areas. There is also the possibility of running out at the most inappropriate time and losing the fire.

In forest conditions, one of the more important approaches to suppression of wildfires is removal of the third side of the triangle--Fuel. The fuel is removed by building a fireline thus separating the fuels. When the wildfire burns up to the fireline, no more fuel is available and the fire goes out.

The fire line is usually constructed with a tractor-plow unit or by hand. In the Western part of the United States , bulldozers and handcrews are used because of the steep, rocky conditions. In some areas, helitack crews and specialized ground equipment are used.

Removing the fuel source is the most common method of attacking wildfires. This method does not extinguish the fire. The fire continues to burn until the fuel inside the fireline is consumed. Complete combustion needs a plentiful supply of air so that the elements in the fuel react fully with oxygen. Fuels such as natural gas and petrol contain hydrocarbons.

These are compounds of hydrogen and carbon only. When they burn completely:. In general, for complete combustion:. Temperature, traveling environment, and long trips will all play a part in your fuel efficiency. But the internal workings of your vehicle can affect your fuel efficiency, too, as can your personal habits. You can also get an idea of some driving habits that you might want to change in order to save your car and your pocketbook. Changing your oil at regular, manufacturer-recommended intervals can help you lower your fuel consumption.

For newer vehicles or later , car manufacturers have improved their fuel and oil technologies so that you should only have to change your oil every 7,, miles. Compared to older cars that required oil changes every 3, miles, this not only improves your fuel economy, but it also saves you time and money.

Oxygen sensors, air filters, spark plugs, and fuel injectors.