1. Lab 3: fossil fuel formation Key Q: How do fossil fuels form?

2. Part A: Investigating Coal A sample of peat (which represents the beginning stage of coal development) and 2 samples of coal have been provided for you to examine. Analyze the samples and answer Q 1A-C & 2A-E on pages 21-22 in your energy resources book.

3. Coal Coal is a combustible sedimentary rock that formed from the compaction of plant material that has not been completely decayed. The best environment for this process to begin in is a swamp. As plant matter becomes buried & compresses, heat gradually changes it into coal.

4. Coal Formation of Coal

5. Rank of Coal Variety BTUs of heat per lb of dry coal PeatVaries Lignite7,000 BTUs Bituminous12,000-15,000 BTUs Anthracite15, 000 BTUs

6. Partially decomposed plant remains. Represents the initial stage of coal development Peat gets buried- compacts- water & gases are squeezed out-heat is added-coal is formed Peat

7. Lowest rank of coal. It is a peat that has been transformed into a rock that rock is a brown- black coal. It is low density & crumbles easily. Lignite sometimes contains recognizable plant structures. Lignite

8. Most abundant rank of coal. It accounts for about 50% of the coal produced in the United States. Bituminous coal is often referred to as "soft coal" Bituminous

9. Highest rank of coal. Generally has the highest heating value per ton. It is difficult to ignite but burns long and slow. Anthracite

10. Petroleum & Natural Gas Petroleum (oil): liquid fossil fuel made of hydrogen & carbon Natural gas: Gaseous fossil fuel made mainly of methane Forms from marine plants & animals that die-sink- begin to decay-become buried. If temperature conditions are right oil or natural gas will form, and can collect underground in areas called reservoirs.

11. Formation of petroleum and natural gas