Coal, a sedimentary rock primarily composed of carbon, is black or brownish-black in color and contains various other elements such as hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen. It forms from the remains of plants that lived and died millions of years ago, accumulating in swampy environments. Over time, the layers of plant material experience high pressure and heat, resulting in coal formation.
As one of the most abundant fossil fuels on Earth, coal has been utilized as an energy source for centuries. It is typically extracted from underground or surface mines and exists in different forms, including anthracite, bituminous, sub-bituminous, and lignite, each with varying carbon content and heating value.
Due to its high carbon content, coal is primarily employed for electricity generation and fueling industrial processes. When burned, it releases heat energy that is converted into electricity through the utilization of steam turbines. Nevertheless, the combustion of coal also emits greenhouse gases and other pollutants, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
Apart from its use as a fuel, coal finds application in the production of steel and cement, as well as various industrial processes. It is a versatile resource that has played a pivotal role in the advancement of modern societies. However, its environmental impact and finite nature have spurred efforts to transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Coal is a black or brownish-black sedimentary rock that is primarily composed of carbon, along with various other elements such as hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen. It is formed from the remains of plants that lived and died millions of years ago, accumulating in swampy environments. Over time, the layers of plant material were subjected to high pressure and heat, resulting in the formation of coal.
Coal is one of the most abundant fossil fuels on Earth and has been used as a source of energy for centuries. It is typically extracted from underground or surface mines and can be found in different forms, including anthracite, bituminous, sub-bituminous, and lignite, with varying carbon content and heating value.
Due to its high carbon content, coal is primarily used for electricity generation and as a fuel for industrial processes. When burned, it releases energy in the form of heat, which is converted into electricity through steam turbines. However, burning coal also releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
In addition to its use as a fuel, coal is also used in the production of steel and cement, as well as in various industrial processes. It is a versatile resource that has played a significant role in the development of modern societies, but its environmental impact and finite nature have led to increased efforts to shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
