Coal (fuel source)

Coal is a non-renewable fossil fuel formed from the remains of plants that lived millions of years ago. It is considered continuous in the sense that it is a finite resource and is non-renewable on human timescales. Once coal deposits are mined and used, they cannot be replenished within a relevant timeframe.

Anthracite coal requires the most intense pressure to form, as it is the highest rank of coal with the greatest degree of metamorphism and carbon content. This process typically involves higher temperatures and pressures compared to other types of coal, resulting in its hard and lustrous characteristics.

"Clean coal" refers to technologies that reduce the environmental impact of burning coal for electricity generation, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions. However, the term is controversial as coal remains a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental damage even with these technologies.

Coal can be purified through a process called coal washing, which involves crushing the coal and using water and gravity separation to remove impurities like sulfur and ash. Flotation can also be used to separate impurities from coal by bubbling air through a mixture of coal and water. Magnetic separation can be used to extract iron and other metal impurities from coal.

When coal is burnt, some of the energy is wasted as heat in the surroundings, through processes like conduction, convection, and radiation. Additionally, some energy is lost as sound and light energy, which do not contribute to the useful work being done.

The burning of coal releases pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These pollutants contribute to air pollution, acid rain, and climate change.

Cleaning up coal typically refers to reducing the environmental impact of burning coal for energy production. This can involve technologies like carbon capture and storage to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as technologies to reduce other pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Cleaning up coal is important for addressing climate change and improving air quality.

Fossil Fuels

Once coal has been burnt, it undergoes a chemical change and cannot be reversed back to its original state. The combustion process alters the composition of coal at a molecular level, making it impossible to revert to its pre-burnt form.

Bituminous coal typically exhibits poor to absent cleavage, as it tends to break irregularly with a conchoidal fracture. This means that it fractures along curved surfaces rather than having well-defined cleavage planes.

No, wet coal can be difficult to burn effectively because the water content reduces the coal's energy output by absorbing heat energy during combustion. It can also lead to increased emissions and inefficient burning, as the water needs to be evaporated first before the coal can ignite and burn properly. It is recommended to use dry coal for more efficient and cleaner burning.

Coal power stations burn coal to heat water, creating steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. The electricity is then sent through a transformer to increase the voltage for transmission through power lines. The steam is cooled and condensed back into water to be heated again in a continuous cycle.

Coal should be conserved because it is a non-renewable resource, meaning it cannot be easily replaced once it is used up. Additionally, burning coal for energy releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change. Conserving coal helps to ensure a stable energy supply and reduces the negative environmental impacts associated with its extraction and combustion.

Coal is typically stored in stockpiles or silos to protect it from the elements and minimize the risk of combustion. The stockpiles are often covered with tarps or stored in enclosed facilities to prevent the coal from getting wet and to minimize dust emissions. Additionally, some coal may be transported directly to power plants or other industrial facilities for immediate use.

The black greasy powder that forms when fuels such as wood, coal, and oil are burned is called soot. Soot contains carbon particles that are released during incomplete combustion and can accumulate on surfaces such as chimneys, exhaust pipes, and walls. It is important to properly ventilate and maintain combustion systems to reduce soot production.

Burning coal releases carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. It also releases other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can harm human health and the environment. Additionally, burning coal produces ash and other waste materials that can pose disposal and environmental challenges.

Coal is considered a rock because it is a solid, naturally occurring material formed from organic matter over millions of years. Despite its organic origin, coal's composition and characteristics classify it as a rock due to its hardness, density, and structure.

Particles of carbon that enter the air when wood and coal are burned are called soot or particulate matter. These tiny particles can contribute to air pollution and have harmful effects on human health and the environment.

Soft coal, also known as lignite, transforms into harder forms of coal such as bituminous coal or anthracite when subjected to increased heat and pressure over millions of years. This process is known as coalification.

Scrubbers in coal burning plants can remove millions of tons of ash each year from smokestacks, depending on the size and capacity of the plant. The precise amount removed varies by facility.

Yes, lignite is indeed a type of soft brown coal. It is one of the lowest-ranked coal types in terms of carbon content and energy value.

Coal is a fossil fuel that forms from the remains of plants that lived and died millions of years ago. It is typically found in deposits underground in various regions around the world, often associated with ancient swamps or marshes. The process of coal formation, known as coalification, involves the burial and decomposition of plant material under high pressure and heat over long periods of time.

One benefit to using coal energy is that the leftover ash from burning coal, called fly ash, can be used to make a cement paste when mixed with alkaline chemicals like sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

Organic materials typically have a earthy or fresh smell, such as soil, grass, or fruits. Coal, on the other hand, often has a distinct sulfurous odor, reminiscent of burnt or rotten eggs due to the presence of sulfur compounds.

It can be hard to get coal because it is a non-renewable resource that requires extensive mining operations which can be costly and can have negative environmental impacts. Additionally, regulations and concerns about the environmental impact of burning coal have made it more challenging to obtain and use.