Fuel facts for kids

A fuel is something we use to make energy. This energy can be heat, electricity, or power to make things move. Most fuels work by being burnt. But some, like nuclear fuel, create energy in different ways. Fuels are often put into two main groups: fossil fuels and other fuels.

Fuels from Long Ago

Coal is a solid fuel used for energy.

Getting oil from the ground.

Fossil fuels are made from plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Over a very long time, they were buried deep underground. Heat and pressure turned them into fuels.

The main types of fossil fuels are:

• Coal
• Oil (also called petroleum) and products made from it, like gasoline, diesel, and kerosene
• Natural gas

Many people worry about using fossil fuels. This is because burning them can pollute the environment. All fossil fuels contain carbon. When they burn, they release carbon dioxide into the air. Some scientists believe too much carbon dioxide can cause a greenhouse effect, which might change Earth's climate.

Fossil fuels are also "non-renewable." This means they take thousands of years to form. We are using them much faster than new ones can be made. Because of this, we will eventually run out of them.

Other Kinds of Fuel

Nuclear fuel pellets help create nuclear energy.

Charcoal is a fuel made from wood.

Other fuels are not made from ancient fossils. Some of these fuels, like nuclear fuel and hydrogen, do not contain carbon. Others, like wood or ethanol, do have carbon in them.

Here are some examples of these other fuels:

• Nuclear fuel: This fuel uses tiny particles to create a lot of energy.
• Hydrogen: This is a very light gas that can be used as a clean fuel.
• Wind: We can use the power of wind to make electricity.
• Biofuels: These fuels come from living things, like plants.
  • Firewood: Wood that is burned for heat or cooking.
  • Biodiesel: A type of diesel fuel made from plant oils.
  • Ethanol: A fuel made from plants like corn or sugarcane.

These fuels are often called "renewable." This means we can make more of them. For example, if we use up our ethanol, we can grow more corn and make more ethanol. This makes them a good choice for the future.

Images for kids

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  Wood is still a main energy source in many parts of the world.

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  Wood burning in a fire.

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  A gasoline station where cars get fuel.

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  A Fuel gauge on a scooter showing how much fuel is left.

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  A tank holding propane gas, a common fuel.

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  Two fuel bundles used in a special type of nuclear reactor.

See also

In Spanish: Combustible para niños