Advantages and Disadvantages of Oil - Essay Example

Advantages and Disadvantages of Oil Introduction The methodical, organized and planned examination andinvestigation of phenomena is known as science. It mainly deals with the reasoning and explanation of phenomena in the lights of thorough and extensive investigation and universal facts. Research is considered to the practical approach, which concentrates on verifying the data and information collected in order to see whether it agrees or disagrees with the existing facts (Mabro, 26). In recent times, several developments have been made in science and therefore, it has become an essential and integral part of the human society. Scientific knowledge has been used by human beings in order to explore uncharted regions and space in order to search for explanations, which would be used to enhance awareness and consciousness of the surroundings, where humans life (Mabro, 29). Scientists and researchers also crave for knowledge and therefore, their main aim is to discover knowledge, which would change the structure of the human society. One such discovery was the discovery of oil. This paper concentrates on analyzing and evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of oil in the lights of broad and diverse academic resources. Advantages of Oil Petroleum or oil is considered to be liquid that occurs in nature in the different layers of the Earth. It is mainly composed of hydrocarbons (Mabro, 59). Since it exists in natural state, there is a possibility that it may have oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur. Based on its composition, its color can vary from black to brown. Research suggests that oil is the most common fuel used by different individuals (Speight, 59). Combustibility From literature, it is evident that oil has several advantages. It has the property to react easily with oxygen and therefore, it can produce high energy after combustion. The easy combustion assists in transportation, electricity generation, etc. It exists in abundant quantity in nature (Speight, 80). At the same time, it is economical and cost effective. At the time, it can be easily accessed by users. Research suggests that the combustibility of oil is high as compared to other fuels. It can release high energy, which has the ability to move the heaviest vehicle (Mabro, 96). Petroleum and its Products As mentioned earlier, petroleum exists in nature in the layers of the earth. Based on the need and requirement, several products can be extracted from it. These byproducts include different grades of fuel oil, diesel oil; fuel for jets, asphalt, tar, etc. lubricating oils along with heavy oils can also be extracted from petroleum. If the constituents of petrol contain sulfur, it can be extracted from the crude oil to be used as a fuel. Oil can be transported easily. At the same time, it is abundant and has a “high energy density” (Speight, 102). Since the fifties, it has become the primary source of energy and fuel. From research, it has been suggested that the hydrocarbons found in oil are used to extract high energy fuels (Mabro, 189). More than eighty percent of the hydrocarbons are utilized in the extraction process. The fuels extracted from cruel oil include diesel, gasoline, fuel oils, etc. Accessibility and Transportability Another advantage of oil is that it is accessible and can be easily transported. The process of transporting oil starts from the site, from where it is extracted. It is then transported to the refinery, where it is refined (Speight, 201). After its refinement, it is sent to the consumers. The liquid has the ability to flow in a smooth sequence. For this purpose, companies install pipelines to the refineries to transport it. Its accessibility and transportability makes it an ideal fuel. Generation of Electricity Oil is efficient and effective in producing electricity at an economical rate. The power stations, which use oil as the source of energy, to produce electricity are proficient and capable of producing and supplying large amount of electricity (Mabro, 208). These stations can easily be installed at any site, provided the quantity of fuel is adequate. Disadvantages of Oil Although oil is considered to be one of the most important sources of energy and fuel in the world, it has many disadvantages. Its drawbacks are discussed below: Reusability On basis of reusability, oil cannot be reused. The consumed oil cannot be reused or recovered again. In the seven decades, several advancements have been made in technology and science (Mabro, 256). There has been an increase in population as well. These two factors are responsible for increasing the demand and use of oil. This indicates that in the forthcoming time oil resources would deplete and the human society would have to look for alternative sources of fuel. Therefore, researchers and scientists are looking for alternatives to combat this danger. Environmental Hazards Another main disadvantage of oil is that is responsible for several environmental hazards. The combustion property of oil is responsible for generating large amount of carbon dioxide, which has contributed to global warming. At the same time, fuel burning has also contributed to green house gases, which include oxides of nitrogen, sulfur and carbon. At the same time, industries using oil as sources are responsible for destroying the natural habitat(Mabro, 289). Consequently, the use of oil has changed the weather and the natural geography of the earth. The future generation would witness erratic and varying weather conditions because of the global warming, which owes its existence to burning of oil. At the same time, the melting of glaciers would increase the sea levels. In the future, majority of the land would go under water (Speight, 299). Political and Social Perspective From political and social perspective, oil has significant and substantial importance. Nations have often waged war against one another in order to gain control of oil reserves. Several conflicts have taken place in Asia and Africa in order to take complete control of oil resources(Mabro, 302). Consequently, these wars and conflicts have contributed towards bloodshed and have completely destroyed communities. Conclusion From research perspective, the development of oil is considered to be a controversial subject. Developments have been made in this domain to benefit the human society but they have also created several issues. The discovery of oil is important because it has revolutionized the world. The dangers of oil include global warming, green house gases and deterioration of physical features and environment. Work Cited: Mabro, Robert. Oil in the 21st century: issues, challenges and opportunities. Oxford: Oxford Press, 2006. Print Speight, James G. The Chemistry and Technology of Petroleum. New York: Marcel Dekker Press, 1999. Print Read More