Definitions
- Referring to a type of wax used in candles, polishes, and cosmetics. - Describing a type of fuel oil used for heating and cooking in some countries. - Talking about a type of lubricating oil used in machinery and engines.
- Referring to a type of fuel oil used for heating and lighting in lamps and stoves. - Describing a type of solvent used in cleaning and degreasing. - Talking about a type of jet fuel used in aviation.
List of Similarities
- 1Both are types of fuel oil.
- 2Both can be used for heating and cooking.
- 3Both are flammable liquids.
- 4Both have industrial uses beyond their common household applications.
- 5Both are derived from petroleum.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Paraffin is more commonly used as a wax or lubricating oil, while kerosene is primarily used as a fuel for heating and lighting.
- 2Composition: Paraffin is a mixture of hydrocarbons with a higher melting point, while kerosene is a lighter fraction of petroleum with a lower boiling point.
- 3Odor: Paraffin is odorless, while kerosene has a distinct and often unpleasant odor.
- 4Flammability: Kerosene is more volatile and flammable than paraffin.
- 5Availability: Kerosene is more widely available and used globally than paraffin.
Remember this!
Paraffin and kerosene are both types of fuel oil derived from petroleum. However, they differ in their composition, usage, odor, flammability, and availability. Paraffin is commonly used as a wax or lubricating oil, while kerosene is primarily used as a fuel for heating and lighting. Additionally, kerosene is more volatile and flammable than paraffin, and it has a distinct and often unpleasant odor.
