Coal Notes

What is Coal? Formed from decomposed vegetation, which is turned into solid brittle rock when it is compressed over a long period of time. 5-10 ft of decomposed material makes about 1 ft of coal The most abundant fossil fuel Less than half the price per million BTU than oil and natural gas.

Coal Fast Facts 1 lb. of coal can power 10-100 watt light bulbs for an hour Should last for about 250 years at the current rate of use Use decreased during the 40’s and 50’s because oil and gas were easier to use Use has been increasing since the Arab Oil Embargo of 1973

Oil Embargo- 1973-74 News Cast

Coal Fast Facts Con’t It is now used mainly for the generation of electricity In 1997 it was responsible for 31% of the nation’s energy consumption Mostly transported by train or barge China is the major producer and the U.S. is second

Take out your notes… Try to draw a diagram of what a coal powerplant looks like…

How Coal Generates Electricity Coal Factory Animation