What it is:
* Petroleum-based: It's derived from crude oil, a natural resource.
* Liquid: Diesel fuel is a liquid at room temperature.
* Flammable: It's highly flammable and should be handled with care.
Why it's called "diesel":
* Rudolf Diesel: It's named after the German engineer who invented the diesel engine in 1892.
Key properties:
* High cetane number: This indicates how easily the fuel ignites when compressed in the engine.
* Higher energy density: Compared to gasoline, diesel fuel contains more energy per unit volume.
* Lower volatility: It evaporates less easily than gasoline, making it less prone to vapor lock.
How it works:
* Compression ignition: Diesel engines ignite the fuel by compressing it to a very high temperature and pressure.
* No spark plugs: Unlike gasoline engines, diesel engines don't use spark plugs to ignite the fuel.
Common uses:
* Heavy-duty vehicles: Trucks, buses, construction equipment, trains, ships
* Cars and SUVs: Some models are designed to run on diesel fuel.
* Power generation: Diesel generators are used to produce electricity.
In short, diesel fuel is a highly efficient and powerful fuel source that is well-suited for heavy-duty applications and is a key component of the modern economy.
