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alternative_fuels - IGCSE

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11 views19 pages

alternative_fuels - IGCSE

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© © All Rights Reserved
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Alternative Fuels

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Why do we need alternative fuels?
Most vehicles in the world are powered by petrol or diesel.
These fuels are produced from crude oil.

Crude oil is a fossil fuel.


It is non-renewable, which
means it will run out. Some
people believe that
reserves of crude oil could
run out within 30 years.

Although fossil fuels are currently a convenient source of


fuel, the products released when they are burned can be
very damaging to the environment. As a result, some
people have already begun using alternative fuels.

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Alternative fuels

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Would you use alternative fuels?

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What are biofuels?
Biofuels are renewable fuels produced from plant material,
such as agricultural crops, or animal oils.

Bioethanol and biodiesel


are types of biofuels used
in vehicles to reduce the
demand for petrol.

Biofuels can be safely


combined with normal petrol
or diesel and used in
conventional engines to
reduce levels of harmful
emissions without causing
engine damage.

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Bioethanol
Bioethanol is produced by the
natural fermentation of the
sugars in certain plants, such
as sugar cane or sugar beet.
Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs)
are engineered to run on fuel that
is a blend of ethanol and petrol.
FFVs have long been popular in
Brazil, where farmers are paid
generous subsidies to grow
sugar cane for bioethanol.
Cars that can run on bioethanol
are also taxed at a lower rate
than cars that cannot.

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Biodiesel
Biodiesel is produced by chemically reacting vegetable
oils or animal fats with alcohol and a catalyst.
The process can be completed in 12 hours.

Biodiesel can be mixed


with conventional diesel,
which significantly
reduces harmful
exhaust emissions
(although the fumes
from a biodiesel car can
smell like fried foods!).

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Biofuels vs. fossil fuels

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Hydrogen fuel cells
Hydrogen fuel cells are electrochemical energy
conversion devices that work by combining hydrogen
with oxygen from the air to form water, producing
electrical energy in the process.

Unlike in a battery, where all the


chemicals needed for energy
conversion are stored inside, the
hydrogen needed for a fuel cell
to work can be replenished.

Methanol, natural gas and


propane have all shown
potential for use in fuel cells.

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Advantages and disadvantages

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Using electricity
Vehicles powered by electricity stored in batteries have
been used for a number of years.

Provided the electricity


used in the battery is
generated from a
renewable energy source,
such as a wind turbine,
vehicles powered entirely
by electricity produce no
harmful emissions.

Currently the batteries can be large and heavy, and many


may be needed to power a vehicle. They need to be
regularly recharged, which can take a long time.

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Developing electric cars
Scientists are working to develop practical, everyday cars
that can run on electricity for longer journeys. More people
using electric cars than petrol or diesel cars could
dramatically decrease a country’s harmful emissions.
Governments are also
encouraging people to switch to
electric cars – in the UK, people
who drive electric cars are
exempt from road tax and car
parking charges in many areas.

However, if a large number of people suddenly converted


to using electric cars, the increased demand for electricity
could put a strain on power grids.

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Glossary

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Anagrams

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Multiple-choice quiz

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