Coal

Definition

Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock primarily composed of carbon, along with other elements such as hydrogen, sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen. Formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years under heat and pressure, coal is one of the most abundant fossil fuels and has played a crucial role in energy production, industrial processes, and economic development worldwide.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coal is primarily used for electricity generation, accounting for about 38% of global electricity production.
2. The extraction of coal can be done through surface mining or underground mining, each having different environmental impacts.
3. Burning coal releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and other pollutants, contributing to climate change and air quality issues.
4. Coal reserves are found in many countries, with China, the United States, India, and Australia being the largest producers.
5. As renewable energy sources become more prevalent, the demand for coal is expected to decline in many regions, but it still remains a major energy source globally.

Review Questions

• Discuss the process of coal formation and how it relates to the energy content of different types of coal.
  • Coal formation begins with the accumulation of plant material in swampy environments where it is buried under sediment. Over millions of years, heat and pressure transform this plant matter into coal. The energy content varies with the type of coal; for example, anthracite has the highest carbon content and energy density, while lignite has lower energy content. Understanding this formation process helps explain why different types of coal are suited for specific energy applications.
• Evaluate the environmental impacts associated with coal extraction and use, focusing on both air quality and climate change.
  • The environmental impacts of coal are significant. Extraction methods like mountaintop removal cause habitat destruction and soil erosion. When burned, coal emits large amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants that contribute to climate change and deteriorate air quality. This pollution can lead to respiratory illnesses in humans and damage ecosystems. Evaluating these impacts is essential for considering alternatives to coal in energy production.
• Analyze how global shifts towards renewable energy sources could influence the future demand for coal in both developed and developing countries.
  • As concerns over climate change grow and technology improves, many countries are shifting towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. This transition could significantly reduce global demand for coal, especially in developed nations that have access to cleaner alternatives. However, in developing countries where coal remains a cheap and abundant resource for electricity generation, demand may persist despite international efforts to reduce fossil fuel usage. Analyzing these dynamics reveals complex interactions between energy policy, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

Related terms

Anthracite: The highest rank of coal, known for its high carbon content and heating value, making it a desirable fuel for heating and metallurgical processes.

Bituminous Coal: A middle rank of coal that is widely used for electricity generation and steel production due to its high energy content.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): A technology aimed at capturing carbon dioxide emissions produced from the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and storing it underground to prevent it from entering the atmosphere.