Formation of Coal and Petroleum

Study Notes

Both coal and petroleum are formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago.
The remains are subjected to high temperatures and pressures, causing chemical changes that transform them into fossil fuels.

Formed from the remains of plants, mainly ferns and swamps, that accumulated in low-lying areas.
Coal is a solid fossil fuel that is black or brown in color.
Types of coal:
1. Peat: soft, wet coal with low carbon content.
2. Lignite: brown coal with higher carbon content than peat.
3. Bituminous: most common type of coal, with high carbon content and high energy density.
4. Anthracite: hardest and most pure form of coal, with highest carbon content and energy density.

Formed from the remains of marine plants and animals, such as plankton and algae.
Petroleum is a liquid fossil fuel that is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons.
Types of petroleum:
1. Crude oil: unrefined petroleum that is extracted from the ground.
2. Natural gas: a gaseous fossil fuel that is often found with crude oil.
3. Refined petroleum products:
  - Gasoline
  - Diesel fuel
  - Jet fuel
  - Lubricants
  - Petrochemicals

Coal:
- Electricity generation
- Industrial processes (e.g. steel production)
- Domestic heating and cooking
Petroleum:
- Transportation fuels (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel)
- Industrial processes (e.g. manufacturing plastics)
- Electricity generation
- Domestic heating and cooking

Burning coal and petroleum releases greenhouse gases (e.g. CO2, methane) that contribute to climate change.
Air pollution from coal and petroleum combustion can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
Extraction and transportation of coal and petroleum can lead to environmental damage (e.g. oil spills, mining accidents).

Coal and petroleum are formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago, subjected to high temperatures and pressures.

Formed from the remains of plants, mainly ferns and swamps, that accumulated in low-lying areas.
A solid fossil fuel that is black or brown in color.
Four types of coal, in order of increasing carbon content and energy density:
Peat: soft, wet coal with low carbon content.
Lignite: brown coal with higher carbon content than peat.
Bituminous: most common type of coal, with high carbon content and high energy density.
Anthracite: hardest and most pure form of coal, with highest carbon content and energy density.

Formed from the remains of marine plants and animals, such as plankton and algae.
A liquid fossil fuel that is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons.
Three main types of petroleum:
Crude oil: unrefined petroleum that is extracted from the ground.
Natural gas: a gaseous fossil fuel that is often found with crude oil.
Refined petroleum products, including: + Gasoline + Diesel fuel + Jet fuel + Lubricants + Petrochemicals

Burning coal and petroleum releases greenhouse gases (e.g. CO2, methane) that contribute to climate change.
Air pollution from coal and petroleum combustion can cause respiratory problems and other health issues.
Extraction and transportation of coal and petroleum can lead to environmental damage (e.g. oil spills, mining accidents).