What is the Difference Between Fuel and Gas?

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The main difference between fuel and gas lies in their definitions and the specific types of energy sources they refer to.

  • Fuel: Fuel is a generic term for any substance that can produce energy to provide power for various purposes. It can refer to solid, liquid, or gaseous substances, such as gasoline, diesel oil, wood, and liquefied petroleum gas.
  • Gas: Gas refers to a specific type of fuel that is in a gaseous state, such as natural gas or propane. Gasoline, which is a liquid fuel made from crude oil and other petroleum liquids, is not considered a gas.

In summary:

  • Fuel is a broader term that includes various energy sources, including gasoline, diesel, wood, and LPG.
  • Gas is a specific type of fuel that is in a gaseous state, such as natural gas or propane.
  • Gasoline is a liquid fuel made from crude oil and other petroleum liquids, and it is not considered a gas.

Comparative Table: Fuel vs Gas

The main difference between fuel and gas is their composition and the energy sources they are derived from, although the terms are often used interchangeably in everyday language. Here is a table comparing the differences between some common types of fuel and gas:

Property Fuel (Gasoline) Gas (Natural Gas)
Chemical Structure C4 to C12 and Ethanol (≤ to 10%) CH4 (majority), C2H6 and inert gases
Fuel Material (feedstocks) Crude Oil Natural Gas
Energy Content (BTU per unit) 120,238 BTU per gallon 1,039 BTU per cubic foot
Other Energy Units 1 gallon = 1.00 GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) 1 cubic foot = 1.00 DGE (Diesel Gallon Equivalent)
Uses Primarily used as a transportation fuel for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Used for heating, cooking, and generation of electricity.

Fuel, specifically gasoline, is a liquid derived from crude oil and is primarily used as a transportation fuel for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. On the other hand, gas, specifically natural gas, is a gaseous fossil fuel composed mainly of methane and is used for heating, cooking, and generating electricity.