Fossil Fuel
Fossil fuels are energy sources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Over time, heat and pressure transformed these organic materials into coal, oil, and natural gas, which are the primary fossil fuels used today.
Fossil fuels are used to produce energy, in the home they are burned to produce heat, in large power stations they are used to produce electricity and they are also used to power engines. The bonds between the hydrogen and carbon atoms store energy, by burning the compounds in the presence of oxygen the bonds are broken and the stored energy is converted to heat energy, forming carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)) in the process.
Fossil fuels are burned to produce energy. In large power stations they are burned in the presence of oxygen. As the fuel burns the heat energy is used to heat water, as it is heated it produces steam which in turn rises and drives a turbine. The energy conversion goes from chemical energy stored in the fuels, to heat energy as it burns which is converted to kinetic energy as it drives large turbines and finally this is converted to electrical energy.
Main Types of Fossil Fuel
- Coal - A solid, carbon-rich material primarily used for electricity generation and industrial processes like steel production.
- Oil (Petroleum) - A liquid fossil fuel used for transportation (gasoline, diesel), heating, and as a raw material for plastics and chemicals.
- Natural Gas - A gaseous fossil fuel consisting mostly of methane, used for electricity generation, heating, and as an industrial fuel.
Characteristics
- Non-renewable - Once they are extracted and used, they cannot be replenished on a human timescale.
- Carbon-intensive - Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)), a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
- Energy-dense - Fossil fuels contain a lot of energy per unit, making them highly effective for powering industries, homes, and transportation.
Environmental Impact
- Air Pollution - Fossil fuel combustion releases pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, contributing to smog and acid rain.
- Climate Change - \(CO_2\) emissions from fossil fuels are the largest contributor to global warming and climate change.
- Resource Depletion - As reserves of fossil fuels are finite, overuse depletes these resources.
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