What are the two principal elements of fuel oil?

The two principal elements of fuel oil are hydrogen and carbon. Fuel oil is a hydrocarbon, which means it is primarily composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms. The hydrocarbons in fuel oil are essential for the combustion process, where they react with oxygen to produce heat, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. This combustion process is what allows fuel oil to be used effectively in oil burners for heating and energy production.

Hydrogen provides the potential for high energy release during combustion, while carbon contributes to the structure of the fuel and its energy content. A thorough understanding of these components is vital for oil burner operators to optimize combustion efficiency and manage emissions effectively.