Oil vs Natural Gas

Today’s world runs on fossil fuels. While strides are being taken to incorporate more renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, for the most part the fossil fuel triumvirate runs the world. Coal, oil, and natural gas are absolutely essential to our modern lifestyle. Coal is by far the dirtiest of the three, both in its emissions and its extraction methods. Oil and natural gas are both moderately better. However, there are still many differences between oil and natural gas.

Description of Oil and Natural Gas
Oil ‘“ actually refers to any viscous liquid that is not soluble in either water or alcohol. It can include edible oils as well as petrochemicals. The latter will be the focus of our discussion today.
Natural Gas ‘“ is a lightweight, colorless, odorless substance that is made up of primarily methane.

Origins of Oil and Natural Gas
Oil ‘“ comes out from the ground. It was created over millions of years by pressure being exerted on organic substances. Today it is found in porous rock formations. Sometimes there will be a large open space underground that is filled with a ‘sea of oil.’ It can also be found in sand traps; a very difficult place from which to extract it.
Natural Gas ‘“ comes from a variety of sources. Sometimes it is found underground, often associated with oil fields. It can also be found by itself in natural gas fields. It is also produced through natural processes in bogs, landfills, and sewage or manure dumps.

Uses of Oil and Natural Gas
Oil ‘“ when burned will produce a concentrated flame. It therefore used for heating. It is also used for hot water heaters. When refined into petrol, it is used to power internal combustion engines in cars and trucks. A cruder refinement is used to power electricity plants. Oil can also be used as a lubricant.
Natural Gas ‘“ is mainly used to power the turbines that create electricity. It is also canned and or piped into home and used for gas stoves and other domestic purposes. If it is canned and compressed, it can be used to power a converted combustion engine that will power a car.

Environmental Impact of Oil and Natural Gas
Oil ‘“ produces greenhouse gases and other chemicals when it is burned. An oil spill can also be disastrous to an environment as it is so difficult to clean up.
Natural Gas ‘“ also produces greenhouse gases, but to a less extent than oil. When accidentally released into the environment, gas is relatively benign, but a concentrated build up can cause an explosion.

Summary:
1.Oil and natural gas are both fossil fuels.
2.Oil is found only in the ground, whereas gas can also be produced by decaying organic matter.
3.Oil and gas are both used for heating, transportation, and electricity generation, but in slightly different ways.
4.Gas is better overall for the environment than oil, especially in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.

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