Class 8 Cordova Science Chapter 5 Coal & Petroleum Question Answer Part-...

Coal and petroleum are two of the most significant sources of energy in the world today. They play crucial roles in powering industries, transportation, and daily life. This article provides an overview of these important resources, explaining their formation, uses, and environmental impact.

What is Coal?

Coal is a black or brownish-black sedimentary rock that is primarily composed of carbon. It forms from the remains of plants that lived and died millions of years ago. Over time, these plant remains were buried under layers of soil and rock, where heat and pressure transformed them into coal.

Types of Coal

1. Peat: This is the initial stage of coal formation. It is a soft, spongy material found in wetlands.
2. Lignite: Also known as brown coal, lignite is the youngest and has the lowest carbon content. It is used mainly for electricity generation.
3. Bituminous Coal: This type is used for producing steel and generating electricity. It has a higher carbon content than lignite.
4. Anthracite: The highest grade of coal, anthracite is hard, black, and has a high carbon content. It burns cleaner than other types and is used for heating and some industrial processes.

Uses of Coal

1. Electricity Generation: Coal is burned in power plants to produce electricity.
2. Steel Production: Bituminous coal is used in making steel, a crucial material for construction and manufacturing.
3. Heating: Anthracite coal is used as a heating source in homes and industrial processes.

Environmental Impact of Coal

• Air Pollution: Burning coal releases pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter, which can cause health problems and contribute to smog.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Coal combustion produces carbon dioxide (CO₂), a major greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
• Mining Impact: Coal mining can lead to habitat destruction and soil erosion.

What is Petroleum?

Petroleum, also known as crude oil, is a liquid fossil fuel found in underground rock formations. It is formed from the remains of tiny marine organisms that lived millions of years ago. Over time, these remains were buried under layers of sediment and rock, where heat and pressure transformed them into petroleum.

Types of Petroleum Products

1. Gasoline: Used primarily as fuel for vehicles.
2. Diesel: A fuel for trucks, buses, and some cars, as well as machinery.
3. Jet Fuel: Used in aircraft engines.
4. Heating Oil: Used in residential heating systems.
5. Lubricants: Used to reduce friction in engines and machinery.

Uses of Petroleum

1. Transportation: Petroleum fuels cars, trucks, airplanes, and ships.
2. Heating: Used in homes and industries for heating purposes.
3. Petrochemicals: Petroleum is a raw material for making plastics, synthetic fibers, and other chemicals.

Environmental Impact of Petroleum

• Oil Spills: Accidental spills can harm marine life and ecosystems.
• Air Pollution: Burning petroleum products releases pollutants, including CO₂, which contributes to global warming.
• Resource Depletion: Petroleum is a finite resource, and excessive extraction can lead to shortages and increased environmental impact.

Conclusion

Coal and petroleum have been crucial to industrial development and modern life, providing energy for electricity, transportation, and heating. However, their extraction and use have significant environmental impacts, including pollution and resource depletion. As we move towards a more sustainable future, it's important to explore alternative energy sources and technologies that can reduce our reliance on these fossil fuels and minimize their impact on the environment.