1. Fossil fuels are energy resources made from carbon-rich plant and animal remains. Total: 83.2% (mixed with natural gas and petroleum)

2. Coal is a sedimentary rock formed from the remains of dead plants at the bottom of ancient swamps. Coal mining can involve removing soil and rocks or creating deep mines. Raw fossil fuels are obtained by drilling or mining.

3. Petroleum means “rock oil.” It formed from the remains of single-celled aquatic organisms that lived long ago. Natural gas and petroleum are formed from buried organic matter. Methane is the main component of natural gas. Some fossil fuels are gases that became trapped in rock formations.

4. Fossil fuels are nonrenewable because they take millions of years to form.

5. After petroleum is mined, it is separated into fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Natural Gas is used for heating homes, schools, and businesses. It is also used for electricity. Coal is used for electricity and manufacturing. Uses

6. Economic: Coal is mined in 25 states. People make money by mining and selling it. Environmental: Natural gas burns more cleanly than other fossil fuels. Physical: We already have processes in place and power plants set up to use fossil fuels. Benefits

7. Environmental: Burning fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, as well as harmful acids and other forms of pollution. Drawbacks Physical: Mining and drilling for fossil fuels can destroy landscapes and pollute water supplies. Transporting oil can result in spills that pollute the environment and harm wildlife. Social: People don’t want to build near fossil fuel power plants.

8. Interesting facts: At current usage, the coal supply will last 1500 years. However at a 5% growth rate the coal supply will last only 86 years. We can expect even greater usage as other fossil fuels become scarce. To run a 100-watt light bulb 24 hours a day for a year we need to use about 714 pounds (325 kg) of coal in coal powered power plant The United States uses about 17 million barrels of oil every day. It takes the equivalent of 7 gallons of gasoline per day for every man woman and child to keep this country running at its current pace. The U.S. is home to 5% of the world's population, yet consumes 26% of the world's energy.

9. Bibliography "National Energy Education Development Project." National Energy Education Development Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2012. Dispezio, Michael A. Science Fusion. Orlando, FL: Holt McDougal/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012. Print. "Interesting Energy Facts." Fossil Fuels Facts -. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2012. "Fossil Fuels." Fossil Fuels. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Dec. 2012.