Question

What are fossil fuels ?

Hint:

Remember the three main types: Coal (solid), Petroleum (liquid), and Natural Gas (gas). They are all formed from ancient organic remains and are non-renewable. Their burning is a major source of air pollution and climate change.

Answer 1

Fossil fuels are natural, combustible materials formed from the geological deposits of the remains of living organisms that died millions of years ago.
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Formation: They are formed from the anaerobic decomposition of buried dead organisms (plants and animals). Over millions of years, intense heat and pressure from the layers of rock and sediment above converted this organic matter into fuel. } \\ \bullet & \text{Types: The three main types of fossil fuels are:} \\ \bullet & \text{Coal: A solid fuel formed primarily from the remains of land-based plants.} \\ \bullet & \text{Petroleum (Crude Oil): A liquid fuel formed from the remains of small marine organisms like algae and zooplankton.} \\ \bullet & \text{Natural Gas: A gaseous fuel (mainly methane) formed under similar conditions as petroleum, often found alongside it.} \\ \bullet & \text{Properties: They are non-renewable energy sources because they take millions of years to form and are being consumed at a much faster rate. They have a high carbon content and high calorific value, making them an efficient source of energy. Their combustion, however, releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants. } \\ \end{array}\]