Tag: Fuels

Liquid hydrogen fuel has a much lower volumetric energy density than gasoline, even though it possesses a higher gravimetric energy density or specific energy. This illustrates a key principle: the factors influencing energy density are complex and vary depending on whether the metric is based on mass or volume. A material’s composition, its physical state, and the overall system design are all critical determinants.

According to physicist Albert Einstein's famous equation $E=mc^2$, antimatter is theoretically the most energy-dense substance in the universe. The total annihilation of just one kilogram of antimatter with one kilogram of matter would release an extraordinary $1.8 imes 10^{17}$ joules of energy, a number far beyond anything produced by nuclear fission or fusion. However, this substance is not a viable energy source for humanity due to immense production and storage challenges.

According to a 2017 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who consume low-energy-dense diets tend to have a lower overall energy intake. However, determining if high or low energy density is better depends entirely on the context, from powering electric vehicles to managing your weight. This guide breaks down the concept across different applications to help you make the right choice.