Oil, specifically crude oil, works primarily as a fuel source due to its combustible nature.
Here's a breakdown of how it works:
- Combustion: Like coal and natural gas, crude oil can be burned. This process is known as combustion.
- Energy Release: When oil is burned, it releases a significant amount of energy in the form of heat.
- Power Generation: This heat energy is then used in various ways, most notably in power plants:
- Heating Water: The heat from burning oil boils water to create steam.
- Turning Turbines: The high-pressure steam is directed at turbines, causing them to spin.
- Generating Electricity: The spinning turbines are connected to generators, which convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy.
- Other Applications: Besides electricity generation, oil is used in:
- Transportation: As gasoline and diesel to power vehicles.
- Heating: As fuel oil for heating homes and buildings.
- Manufacturing: As a raw material in the production of plastics, lubricants, and other products.
In essence, oil works by releasing stored energy through combustion, which can then be harnessed to perform work, whether it's generating electricity, powering vehicles, or providing heat.
