Coal: A Study Guide

Coal is a fossil fuel that forms when dead plant matter is converted into peat, which in turn is converted into lignite, then sub-bituminous coal, after that bituminous coal, and lastly anthracite. This process takes millions of years and occurs under the pressure of the earth's crust.

Types of Coal

• Peat: The earliest stage of coal formation, containing a high amount of water and less carbon than other types of coal.
• Lignite: Also known as brown coal, it has a higher carbon content than peat but is still relatively low in energy content.
• Sub-bituminous coal: It has a higher energy content than lignite and is used primarily for electricity generation.
• Bituminous coal: This type of coal is widely used for power generation and is a major source of coke for steel production.
• Anthracite: The highest rank of coal, known for its high energy content and low moisture and impurity levels. It is used primarily for heating.

Uses of Coal

Coal has various uses, including:

1. Electricity generation
2. Steel production
3. Heating and cooking
4. Industrial processes
5. Chemical production

Environmental Impacts

Burning coal releases carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air and water pollution, acid rain, and climate change. Coal mining can also have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water pollution.

Study Questions

1. What are the different types of coal, and how do they differ in terms of energy content and uses?
2. What are the environmental impacts of coal mining and combustion?
3. What are the main uses of coal in the modern world?
4. How does coal form, and what is the role of pressure and time in its formation?

[Coal] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Energy resourcesScience • Fifth Grade
• Energy: Forms and ChangesScience • Seventh Grade