Uses of fuels

Uses of fuels

1. Source of mechanical power: Vehicles, machines and several other devices are powered by fuels such as diesel, petrol, oil, etc as a source of mechanical power
2. Cooking and heating: Fuels like wood, liquefied gas (propane or butane or a mixture of the two), charcoal and kerosene are burned to provide energy for cooking and heating.
3. Generation of electricity: heavy liquid fuels such as diesel, fuel oil, etc fuel the machines and devices responsible for electricity production and supply. Most generators use liquid fuels such as petrol and diesel to generate electricity.
4. Lighting: Kerosene is used in paraffin lamps, tin lamps and hurricane lamps by the rural communities to light homes
5. Industrial uses: Industrial operations such as welding and metal fabrication make use of oxyacetylene flame, which produces extremely high heat to melt and cut metals.

The environmental effects on using charcoal and firewood

1. Interfere with the water cycle and cause drought
2. Leave the ground uncovered which can lead to soil erosion
3. Destroy water catchment areas and dry water source which leads to water shortage.