Oil is a general term used for substances which
- are liquid at room temperature
- do not mix with water
- will mix with other oils
Important categories of oils include
Various types of oils are used for many different purposes
- As food and for cooking
- As fuel in internal combustion engines and Diesel engines
- As machine lubricants
- Personal care products
Petroleum is considered a non-renewable resource.
There is currently great interest in using vegetable oils as an alternative fuel source.
Oils are generally flammable and care must be taken to avoid accidentally igniting.