Coal is a fossil fuel that formed over millions of years from plant remains. During the Industrial Revolution, coal became a crucial energy source used for powering steam engines, heating homes, and fueling industrial processes.
Related terms
Steam Engine: Steam engines were fueled by coal and played an essential role in driving machinery across various industries.
Mining: Mining involves extracting minerals or resources from beneath the Earth's surface. Coal mining became a major industry during this time due to its increasing demand.
Pollution: While coal contributed greatly to industrial growth, it also resulted in pollution due to emissions released when burning it as fuel.