Renewable And Non Renewable Resources Questions Medium
Coal is a fossil fuel that is formed from the remains of plants that lived and died millions of years ago. It is primarily composed of carbon, along with small amounts of other elements such as hydrogen, sulfur, and nitrogen. Coal is extracted from underground mines or surface mines through a process called mining.
Coal is used as an energy source primarily for electricity generation and industrial processes. It is burned in power plants to produce steam, which drives turbines connected to generators, thus generating electricity. The heat energy released from burning coal is harnessed to produce steam, which in turn drives the turbines. This process is known as coal-fired power generation.
In addition to electricity generation, coal is also used in various industrial processes such as steel production, cement manufacturing, and chemical production. It is a key ingredient in the production of coke, which is used in the iron and steel industry to extract iron from iron ore.
However, it is important to note that the use of coal as an energy source has significant environmental impacts. The combustion of coal releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Coal mining can also have detrimental effects on the environment, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and soil erosion. As a result, there is a growing global shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, such as renewable energy, to reduce our reliance on coal and mitigate its negative impacts.