Kerosene Vs. Fuel Oil

Kerosene powers some jets.

Kerosene and fuel oil are used a lot in our daily lives, sometimes without us even realizing it. Most people, however, are not aware of the difference between the two liquids.

Kerosene

Kerosene is a flammable liquid. It is made by distilling petroleum at an extremely high temperature. In the past, kerosene was used in homes for lighting. Since the invention of electricity, however, kerosene is used mostly for powering vehicles and heating.

Fuel Oil

Fuel oil is also a liquid made from petroleum. It is used for heating as well as powering engines.

The Difference

The main difference between kerosene and fuel oil is the temperature at which they boil. Kerosene is a slightly heavier fuel than gasoline, and as a result requires slightly more heat to boil than gasoline does. Fuel oil is slightly heavier than kerosene, so it boils at a slightly higher temperature than either kerosene or gasoline. This difference is due to the length of each fuel types' carbon chains.

References

• AllExperts: Kerosene
• Bing Dictionary: Fuel Oil
• EdInformatics.com: Carbon Based Fuels