Coal and Petroleum


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Coal and Petroleum

Coal and Petroleum : Coal and petroleum are the most important source energy. These are the largest conventional fossil fuels in addition to carbon contain hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur.

Coal: It is a combustible organic fuel that occurs inside Earth.

Petroleum (petro = rocks and oleum = oil) It is a naturally occurring liquid composed of organic chemicals. It is found in large quantities below the surface of the Earth.

Formation of Coal and Petroleum Coal and petroleum were formed from the degradation biomass millions of years ago and hence, these are resources that will be exhausted in the future. As per estimation, our known petroleum resources will last about forty years and the coal resources will last for another two hundred years.

Uses of Coal & Petroleum: Coal and petroleum both are used as energy source different purposes. Coal is used in thermal power plant, steam engine, etc. Petroleum and its products like diesel, petrol, kerosene, are used in vehicles, ships, aircrafts and household purposes like cooking.

Pollution by Coal & Petroleum: When coal and petroleum are burnt, the products like carbon dioxide, water, oxides of nitrogen and oxides of sulphur are released into air. When combustion takes place in insufficient air (oxygen), carbon monoxide is formed instead of carbon dioxide. The oxides of sulphur, nitrogen and carbon monoxide are poisonous at high concentrations among these products - Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. The increase in amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will lead to intense global warming. Thus, we need to use these resources judiciously.

Conservation of Coat and Petroleum: General practices to reduce the consumption of coal petroleum are as follows:

  • Switch off the lights, fans, television and electrical appliances when not needed.
  • Use energy efficient appliances to save electricity.
  • Use stairs to climb at least up to three floors a building.
  • Public transport system needs to be improved, so that people can use them instead of using their personal vehicles.
  • On cold days, an extra sweater can be used instead of heating device like heater or sigri.
  • Sample Questions
    (More Questions for each concept available in Login)
    Question : 1

    Petroleum is commonly called as  ___________________

    Right Option : A
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    Explanation
    Question : 2

    The product obtained by the dry distillation or destructive distillation of coal is __________________

    Right Option : D
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    In the fractional distillation of crude petroleum :

    Right Option : B
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    Explanation
     
     


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