Table of Contents
What Are Fossil Fuels?
Fossil fuels are fuels that are created through the natural decomposition of organic matter over long periods of time. The most common fossil fuels are coal, oil, and gas, and they are used to generate electricity and power vehicles.
How is Coal Formed?
Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock, formed from compaction of organic materials, such as plant remains. It is the most abundant fossil fuel on Earth.
Coal is formed when dead plant matter is buried under layers of earth and pressure. The high pressure and heat transforms the plant remains into coal.
Coal Formation Stages
The process of coal formation is a complex one, and can take millions of years. The first step is the deposition of plant material in a swamp or marsh environment. The plant material is then covered with sediment, which helps to protect it from decay. Over time, the plant material is buried deeper and deeper, until it is finally turned into coal.
Uses of Coal
Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock usually occurring in rock strata in layers or beds. Coal is composed mainly of carbon and hydrogen and it is the largest source of energy for the generation of electricity in the world. Coal is used as a fuel to generate electricity and heat, to make coke for smelting iron ore, and to produce various chemicals.
How Is Petroleum Formed?
Petroleum is a fossil fuel that is found in underground deposits. It is formed over millions of years as small organisms die and are buried in the mud on the ocean floor. The mud and organic matter are heated by the Earth’s heat and the pressure of the overlying rocks. This process converts the organic matter into petroleum.
Uses Of Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly has a variety of uses, most notably as a skin moisturizer. It is also used as a lubricant, a protectant against windburn and chapping, and a treatment for cradle cap. Petroleum jelly can also be used to remove makeup, condition hair, and soothe dry lips.
