Deutsch: Erdöl
Petroleum is a naturally occurring, smelly, yellow-to-black liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds, that are found in geologic formations beneath the Earth's surface.
In an industrial or industry context, "petroleum" refers to crude oil and natural gas, which are fossil fuels that are extracted from the ground and processed for various uses. Petroleum is a key raw material for many industries, including the energy, transportation, and chemical sectors.
Some examples of the use of petroleum in industry include:
- Energy production - used to generate electricity and heat, as well as to power vehicles and other forms of transportation.
- Refining - petroleum is processed in refineries to produce a range of products, including gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel.
- Chemicals - used as a raw material to produce chemicals such as plastics, fertilizers, and synthetic materials.
- Transportation - petroleum-based fuels are used to power a wide range of vehicles, from cars and trucks to airplanes and ships.
- Heating - used for heating and cooling in buildings, as well as for industrial processes such as drying and baking.
Petroleum is a critical resource for many industries and plays a major role in the global economy. The extraction, processing, and use of petroleum have both economic and environmental impacts and are subject to ongoing discussions and debates.