Table of Contents
What is Coal?
Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock, formed as a result of the compaction and induration of plant material. Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel on Earth. Coal is a nonrenewable resource because it takes millions of years to form.
Formation of Coal
A coal seam is a geological formation consisting of a succession of coal beds, often of variable thickness, separated by layers of non-coal rock strata. The coal seams occur in many areas worldwide and form an important source of coal. Coal is an organic sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation of plant debris. The process of coal formation begins with the growth and decay of vegetation in a swamp environment. The remains of the vegetation are buried and compacted as the swamp environment changes to a wetland, then to a river, and finally to a marine environment. The pressure and heat of burial converts the plant debris to coal.
How is Coal Obtained?
The first step in obtaining coal is to remove it from the earth. Coal is found in layers of rock called seams. A machine called a dragline removes the coal from the earth. The coal is then loaded onto trucks and taken to a coal mine.
The coal is then taken to a processing plant. The plant removes the rocks and other materials from the coal. The plant also removes the dirt and dust from the coal. The plant then cleans the coal and divides it into different sizes.
Properties of Coal
Coal is a sedimentary rock that consists of organic material, such as plant debris, that has been compacted and then transformed into a solid by the combined action of heat and pressure.
Types of Coal
Anthracite: The most valuable type of coal, anthracite is a hard, black coal with a high carbon content. It has a higher heat value than other types of coal and is used to generate electricity and produce steel.
Bituminous Coal: A soft, black coal, bituminous coal is the most common type of coal. It has a lower heat value than anthracite but a higher heat value than lignite. Bituminous coal is used to generate electricity and produce coke.
Lignite: The lowest-quality type of coal, lignite is a brownish-black coal with a low carbon content. It has a lower heat value than other types of coal and is used to generate electricity and produce heat.
Uses of Coal
– Coal is a fossil fuel that is used to produce electricity.
– Coal is also used to produce coke, which is a fuel used in blast furnaces to make iron and steel.
Disadvantages of Coal
1. Coal is nonrenewable.
2. Coal is a fossil fuel and contributes to climate change.
3. Coal mining is dangerous and can cause environmental damage.
4. Coal is not efficient and produces a great deal of pollution.
For more visit Charcoal – Definition, Structure, Properties, Types, and Uses
