ALTERNATIVE FUELS Meaning and
Definition
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Alternative fuels are any energy sources that are used to power vehicles or machinery as a substitute for traditional fossil fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and coal. These fuels are typically derived from renewable and environmentally friendly sources, aiming to reduce dependency on finite fossil fuel resources and mitigate the negative impacts of greenhouse gas emissions.
Common examples of alternative fuels include:
1. Biofuels: Derived from organic matter like plants, algae, or animal waste, biofuels can be used in place of gasoline or diesel fuel. They can be further classified as ethanol, which is typically blended with gasoline, and biodiesel, made from vegetable oils or animal fats.
2. Hydrogen fuel: Hydrogen, extracted from water through electrolysis or derived from natural gas, can be used to power fuel cells. When combined with oxygen in a fuel cell, it generates electricity, with its only byproduct being water.
3. Natural gas: A fossil fuel alternative to traditional petroleum-based fuels, natural gas is cleaner burning and produces fewer emissions. It can be used as compressed natural gas (CNG) or in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
4. Electricity: Electric vehicles (EVs) use electricity as a fuel source stored in batteries or generated by fuel cells.
Alternative fuels strive to provide sustainable and renewable options that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and decrease reliance on non-renewable resources. They play a crucial role in promoting a transition towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly energy future.
Etymology of ALTERNATIVE FUELS
The term "alternative fuels" is a compound word consisting of two elements: "alternative" and "fuels".
1. Alternative: The word "alternative" originates from the Latin word "alternātīvus", which means "pertaining to choosing between two things". It entered the English language in the late 16th century and referred to something that could serve as an alternative or substitute for something else.
2. Fuels: The term "fuels" comes from the Middle English word "fueyll", which evolved from Old French "feuaille" meaning "firewood" or "fuel". It can be traced back to the Latin word "focālea", which referred to the material used to support a fire or keep it burning.
Idioms with the word ALTERNATIVE FUELS
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Alternative fuels
The idiom "Alternative fuels" refers to any source of energy or fuel that is used as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels, such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas. These alternative fuels are typically derived from renewable or sustainable sources and are considered more environmentally friendly and less harmful to the climate. Examples of alternative fuels include biofuels, hydrogen, electric power, and natural gas.
