Which statement about chemical energy is true in relation to fuel oil?

Chemical energy is indeed stored energy that can be converted into heat and work, making the statement true in relation to fuel oil. Fuel oil contains hydrocarbons, which possess chemical bonds storing energy. When burned, these bonds break, releasing energy in the form of heat through combustion, which can then be harnessed to do useful work, such as powering engines or generating electricity.

The conversion of chemical energy to work or heat is foundational in many systems, particularly in marine machinery where fuel oil is utilized to generate steam or drive turbines. Understanding this conversion process is crucial for efficient energy management and optimization within various systems on naval vessels.

The other statements lack accuracy in their claims. For example, fuel oil is not a renewable energy source; it is a fossil fuel, which means it is finite and formed over millions of years from decomposed organic matter. Moreover, while combustion processes do not necessarily require water, they typically require air (specifically oxygen) to sustain the reaction. Finally, while chemical energy is a significant form of usable energy, it is not the only one, as other forms, such as electrical energy or kinetic energy, also play crucial roles in energy systems.