Definition check (calorific value): “The amount of heat released by the complete combustion of 1 kg of a fuel is called the calorific value of a solid or liquid fuel.” Is this statement correct?

Introduction / Context:
Calorific value (heating value) is a basic fuel property used in boiler, engine, and furnace calculations. It quantifies the energy content available from complete combustion, usually reported per unit mass for solids and liquids and per unit volume or mole for gases.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Complete combustion with products cooled to a specified reference state.
• Mass basis of 1 kg for solid or liquid fuels.
• No dissociation or incomplete combustion in the definition.

Concept / Approach:
Two heating values are commonly defined: Higher Heating Value (HHV), where water formed condenses and latent heat is recovered, and Lower Heating Value (LHV), where water remains vapor and its latent heat is not recovered. The statement given aligns with the general definition of calorific value as heat released per kilogram upon complete combustion; whether HHV or LHV must be specified in practice for exact numbers.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Bomb calorimeter tests determine HHV per kilogram; LHV is derived by subtracting water vaporization energy, confirming the mass-based definition.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• False: Contradicts standard fuel-property definitions.
• Only for gaseous fuels / only at standard temperature: The definition applies broadly; temperature conditions affect reporting but not the concept.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing HHV and LHV; comparing values reported on wet vs dry basis without correction.

Final Answer:
True