Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 4 — 1, 2 and 3

All three statements about furnace oil are correct. Furnace oil is a heavy residual fuel produced during petroleum refining, widely used in industries for power generation and heating, and its combustion releases significant sulfur emissions causing environmental pollution.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Furnace oil is a dark, viscous residual fuel product obtained from oil refineries by blending heavier fractions of crude oil distillation.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Industries such as cement, steel, textiles, and power plants use furnace oil in boilers and furnaces to generate heat and power.
✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Furnace oil contains high sulfur content (2-4%), and its combustion releases sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and other pollutants, contributing to air pollution and acid rain.

📝 Short Notes: Furnace Oil

• Definition: A dark, viscous residual fuel oil derived from petroleum refining, also known as heavy fuel oil or residual fuel oil.
• Production: Obtained by blending the heavier components left after distillation of crude oil; contains high carbon and sulfur content.
• Industrial Uses: Used in boilers, furnaces, and kilns in cement, steel, textile, chemical, and power generation industries.
• Sulfur Content: Contains 2-4% sulfur, significantly higher than diesel or petrol; releases SO₂ and particulate matter upon combustion.
• Environmental Impact: Major contributor to air pollution, acid rain, and respiratory health issues; many countries are phasing it out in favor of cleaner fuels.
• Alternatives: Natural gas, low-sulfur heavy oil, biomass, and renewable energy sources are being adopted to replace furnace oil in industries.