Fossil fuels

What are fossil fuels? Coal Oil Natural Gas

How are fossil fuels created? Fossil fuels are created when heat is added to sedimentary rock. The plant and animal remains (organic material) in the rock are covered over time by layers of sediment.

Why do we use fossil fuels? Fossil fuels, like coal, oil, and natural gas, are used as a source of energy. When we burn these fuels, we release the chemical energy inside and use this energy to power things like our cars and our homes.

coal Coal, a type of rock, forms from dead plants that sink to the bottom of swamps. Coal is collected through mining.

Oil (petroleum) Oil, often called petroleum, is a liquid formed from microscopic plants and animals that lived in ancient seas. Oil can be turned into gasoline. Oil is collected through drilling. Oil is found in the oceans and on land.

Natural gas Natural gas is a gas formed from microscopic plants and animals that lived in ancient seas. Natural gas is found deep in the earth in the oceans.

What’s wrong with fossil fuels? Fossil fuels will eventually run out which is why they are called a nonrenewable resource. It is often difficult to find fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels are harmful to the environment.

What do you need to form fossil fuels?

You need time (millions of years), pressure, heat, and organic materials (plants and animal remains).

What are the three main types of fossil fuels?

Coal, oil, and natural gas are the three main types of fossil fuels.

What is wrong with using fossil fuels?

Fossil fuels are harmful to the environment, difficult to find, and will eventually run out.