What is gasoline used for

In the summer, a lower vapor pressure is required in many areas to reduce air pollution. Gasoline evaporates more easily in warm weather, releasing more volatile organic compounds that contribute to health problems and to the formation of ground-level ozone and smog.

To cut down on pollution, the U. Environmental Protection Agency requires petroleum refiners to reduce the vapor pressure of gasoline during summer months. The characteristics of the gasoline depend on the type of crude oil that is used and the setup of the refinery where the gasoline is produced.

Gasoline characteristics are also affected by other ingredients that may be included in the blend, such as ethanol. Most motor gasoline sold in the United States contains some fuel ethanol. Gasoline explained. What is energy? Units and calculators. Use of energy. Energy and the environment. Also in What is energy?

Forms of energy Sources of energy Laws of energy. Also in Units and calculators explained Units and calculators Energy conversion calculators British thermal units Btu Degree days. Also in U. Also in Use of energy explained Use of energy Energy use in industry Energy use for transportation Energy use in homes Energy use in commercial buildings Energy efficiency and conservation. Also in Energy and the environment explained Energy and the environment Greenhouse gases Greenhouse gases and the climate Where greenhouse gases come from Outlook for future emissions Recycling and energy.

Nonrenewable sources. Oil and petroleum products. Diesel fuel. Heating oil. Also in Oil and petroleum products explained Oil and petroleum products Refining crude oil Where our oil comes from Imports and exports Offshore oil and gas Use of oil Prices and outlook Oil and the environment.

Also in Gasoline explained Gasoline Octane in depth Where our gasoline comes from Use of gasoline Prices and outlook Factors affecting gasoline prices Regional price differences Price fluctuations History of gasoline Gasoline and the environment. The combustion of gasoline is a significant source of human-made carbon dioxide CO 2.

As is the case with the combustion of any fossil fuel , the formation of this carbon dioxide contributes negatively to the Earth's climate and promotes global warming and climate change. The total amount of carbon dioxide that is emitted when gasoline is burned depends on the mass of the fuel used. Thus a car that uses less gasoline will release fewer emissions into the environment. This makes it essential to design cars as fuel efficient as possible to reduce costs and limit emissions.

Increasing the fuel efficiency mpg of a vehicle both saves money and reduces emissions. It also emits over 8, kg less of CO 2. For more on CO 2 emissions from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels, click here. Fossil Fuels. Nuclear Fuels. Acid Rain. Climate Change. Climate Feedback. Ocean Acidification. Fuel filler: A nozzle from a fuel dispenser attaches to the receptacle on the vehicle to fill the tank.

Fuel injection system: This system introduces fuel into the engine's combustion chambers for ignition. Fuel line: A metal tube or flexible hose or a combination of these transfers fuel from the tank to the engine's fuel injection system. Fuel pump: A pump that transfers fuel from the tank to the engine's fuel injection system via the fuel line. Fuel tank gasoline : This tank stores gasoline on board the vehicle until it's needed by the engine.