Fossil Fuels Quiz

Fossil Fuels

• Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas; they are formed from the decomposed remains of ancient plants and animals.
• Common examples of fossil fuels are coal, crude oil, and natural gas.

Petroleum

• The primary component of petroleum is hydrocarbons, which are compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms.
• Other components may include sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen in smaller quantities.

Coal Formation

• Coal is primarily formed through the process of carbonization, where plant material is subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years in anoxic conditions.
• Peat, a precursor to coal, accumulates in swampy areas before undergoing further transformation into lignite, sub-bituminous coal, and ultimately bituminous coal or anthracite.

Liquid Fossil Fuels

• Petroleum is the type of fossil fuel that is generally liquid at room temperature, used primarily for fuel and as a raw material in petrochemicals.
• Natural gas is also partially gaseous and often combined with liquids.

Environmental Issues

• The extraction of coal and petroleum is commonly associated with environmental issues such as air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Specific problems include acid mine drainage from coal mining and oil spills from petroleum extraction and transportation.