What is the Difference Between Gasoline and Petroleum?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The key difference between gasoline and petroleum lies in their origin and composition. Gasoline is derived from petroleum, which is a naturally occurring yellowish-black liquid mixture composed of many hydrocarbons and other impurities in gaseous, liquid, and solid states.
Some key points about gasoline and petroleum are:
- Gasoline: It is a liquid fuel derived from petroleum oil, and it is primarily used as a fuel for internal combustion engines, such as cars and trucks. Gasoline is composed of a mixture of hydrocarbons and other chemicals, including octane and additives that help improve the performance and efficiency of engines. It is clear, colorless, and less dense than water.
- Petroleum: It is a naturally occurring substance found in the earth's crust, composed of a mixture of several hydrocarbons and other impurities. Petroleum is the source for the production of many substances, such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. It has a high hydrocarbon content and is a yellowish-black liquid.
In summary, gasoline is a derivative of petroleum, specifically designed for use as a fuel in internal combustion engines. Petroleum, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring substance that serves as the source material for various fuels, including gasoline.
Comparative Table: Gasoline vs Petroleum
Here is a table comparing the differences between gasoline and petroleum:
Property | Gasoline | Petroleum |
---|---|---|
Chemical Structure | C4 to C12 and Ethanol ≤ to 10% | C8 to C25 |
Composition | Mixture of paraffins (alkanes), olefins (alkenes), and napthenes (cycloalkanes) | Mixture of paraffins (alkanes), napthenes (cycloalkanes), and aromatics (including naphthalenes and alkylbenzenes) |
Energy Content (MJ/L) | 34.6 | Varies depending on the fuel type |
Energy Content (BTU/U.S. gal) | 119,600 | Varies depending on the fuel type |
Specific Energy (MJ/kg) | 43.4 | Varies depending on the fuel type |
Volatility | More volatile | Less volatile |
Fuel Material (Feedstocks) | Crude Oil | Crude Oil |
Gasoline is a petroleum-derived liquid mixture consisting mostly of aliphatic hydrocarbons and benzene or iso-octane to increase octane ratings, primarily used as fuel in internal combustion engines. Petroleum, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to a variety of petrochemicals, some of which are used in the manufacture of fuel. Both gasoline and petroleum have different properties and usage, with gasoline being more volatile and having a higher energy content per liter compared to petroleum.
- Gasoline vs Petrol
- Crude Oil vs Petroleum
- Gas vs Petrol
- Gasoline vs Diesel
- Naphtha vs Gasoline
- Petrol vs Diesel
- Oil vs Gas
- Gasoline vs Kerosene vs Diesel
- Benzene vs Gasoline
- Ether vs Petroleum Ether
- Fuel vs Gas
- Petrolatum vs Petroleum Jelly
- Diesel Oil vs Gas Oil
- Petroleum Benzene vs Petroleum Ether
- Fuel vs Oil
- Vaseline vs Petroleum Jelly
- Diethyl Ether vs Petroleum Ether
- Propane vs Natural Gas
- Gas vs Vapor