By Jonas Fryer Devon Oakley And Aiden O’ Laughlin Coal By Jonas Fryer Devon Oakley And Aiden O’ Laughlin

Where Do Fossil Fuels Come From? A fuel is any substance that produces energy when it is burned. Three types of fuel: coal, oil, and natural gas These fuels are called fossil fuels because they are made from the remains of once living organisms. This process takes millions of years. Fossil fuels are made up of hydrocarbons, which are compounds that consist of only hydrogen and carbon.

Coal Coal usually originates in the plants of ancient swamps. Coal has been forming for over 450 million years. Dead plants are decomposed by bacteria, which release gases such as water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide.

Coal Peat, a heavy dark material, is left behind, which consists of about 50 to 60 percent carbon. After several more years, the rock becomes more dense, forming bitumitous coal, or soft coal containing about 85 to 90 percent carbon – burns with a smoky flame As the pressure builds, and after many years, lignite, or brown coal, is formed, which consists of about 70 to 85 percent carbon. As the process repeats again, anthracite, or hard coal, is formed, containing about 90 to 98 percent carbon – burns without smoke

Where Are Fossil Fuels Found? Two third of the world’s coal is only found in three countries: U.S., former Soviet Union, and China

The Supply of Coal Known sources of not yet removed coal in the ground are called reserves. The United States hold about 20 percent of the world’s coal. The supply now and other unknown sources in the U.S. will last about 400 more years.

Major Uses of Fossil Fuels In the early 1900s coal supplied almost 90 percent of the United States’ energy requirements. Most energy produced by fossil fuels is used for only three purposes: to produce electricity, generate heat, and power vehicles.

Generation of Electricity Coal is mainly used to produce electricity. Nearly three-fourths of all coal is used for fuel to run energy plants. In the U.S. about 60 percent of all electricity is produced by burning coal. Other fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas, are used to generate heat and power vehicles. Most coal not used to produce electricity is used in the making of steel by converting coal into coke, which is a spongy black material that produces the extremely high temperatures needed for making steel.

Advantages and Disadvantages Coal is one of the best fuels to produce electricity. Coal, when burned, can be used for heat as well. Coal supports the trading economy of the United States. Coal is a fossil fuel, so it is non-renewable. The United States, as well as many other countries, will run out of coal in a few hundred years. Coal releases some greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide.

Answer: Hydrogen and Carbon POP QUIZ! 1. Hydrocarbons are made up of the compounds ______ and ______. Answer: Hydrogen and Carbon 2. Coal has been forming for over ___ million years. Answer: 450 3. ____, a heavy dark material, consists of 50 to 60 percent carbon. Answer: Peat 4. Coal is not mainly used to produce _____ and _____. Answer: Heat and Power Vehicles

CREDITS Notes Sheet By: Devon Oakley PowerPoint By: Jonas Fryer Homework/Quiz By: Aiden O’ Laughlin Songs Listened To While Making This Project: Party Rock Gangnam Style Harlem Shake Don’t Stop the Party