Coal

Coal is a fossil fuel that forms from the remains of plants that lived and died millions of years ago. It is a non-renewable energy source that is used for various purposes, including electricity generation, heating, and industrial processes.

Formation of Coal

Coal forms from the accumulation of plant material in swampy environments. Over time, the plant material is buried by sediment and undergoes chemical and physical changes due to heat and pressure. This process, known as coalification, results in the formation of coal.

Types of Coal

There are four main types of coal: lignite, sub-bituminous, bituminous, and anthracite. These types differ in their carbon content and energy content, with lignite being the lowest and anthracite being the highest in both carbon and energy content.

Uses of Coal

Coal is used for various purposes, including:

Electricity generation
Heating
Steel production
Industrial processes
Cement manufacturing

Environmental Impact

Burning coal releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change. Mining of coal can also have environmental impacts, such as habitat destruction and water pollution.