Carbon-based fuels

From diesel to petrol to natural gas and coal, modern society relies on carbon-based fuels to produce the energy needed for transport, electricity, industry and domestic use. Energy is obtained from most fuels by burning them in a reaction with oxygen in the air known as combustion. Combustion of large volumes of carbon-based fuels leads to high levels of CO₂ emissions and climate change due to greenhouse gases.

This topic outlines the chemical structure and production of a range of non-renewable and renewable fuels. Different representations are used to compare the energy density of these fuels. Fuels for living things are also covered through the inclusion of photosynthesis and respiration.

This resource revises carbon-based fuels and within carbon-based fuels there are 3 key concepts:

• Energy from fuels.
• Fuels for the body.
• Endothermic and exothermic reaction.

To determine if this resource will benefit you, start by answering the following questions.

• What renewable fuels are commercially available in Australia?
• How is the bioethanol used in E10 petrol made?
• How does the energy density of the major food groups compare?
• Why do all chemical reactions involve a change in energy?

The answers to these questions are provided on the following pages. Use this resource to refresh your memory, reinforce your understanding of these concepts, and prepare more effectively for university-level learning.

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