Fossil Fuels Research Paper

Fossil Fuels

Definition: Fossil fuels are basically compounds of hydrogen and carbon. They are deposited inside the earth . They are formed due to decomposition of remains of buried living organisms by a bacteria in absence of oxygen.

Introduction:Fossils of living organisms are the source of fossil fuels. Actually they were formed millions of year ago so that is why they cannot be recycled .Carbon and hydrogen are main component of them. Fossil fuels have different types ranging from low-molecular volatile to liquid petroleum and solid fuels as anthracites coal etc.

Formation: The dead bodies of living creatures are penetrated inside the earth crust and also settled at the sea bottom.The organic matter mixed with mud and mud surface increases

Peat is converted into lignite by high temperature and pressure which is then transformed into bituminous coal by high pressure and lastly it is changed into anthracite by increased pressure.

Classification of coal: o Anthracite: It contains aroud 95% carbon.It is very hard and black in colour.It is used as fuel. o Bituminous Coal: It is very useful form of coal and is most abundant.When this form of coal is distilled it gives five fractions. o Sub-bituminous Coal:This form of coal is used in power generating stations. o Lignite: It contains 50 to 60 % carbon . It has high moisture content. It is soft and has brown colour.

Carbonization of coal or destructive distillation of coal:

Bituminous coal is taken in iron retorts .It is heated at high temperature between 10000c -14000c in absence of air.Following chief products are obtained:

1. Crude coal gas

2. Ammonial liquor

3. Coal tar (important fraction)

4. Coke

5. Gas carbon

Coal

• It is one of the raw materials for manufacturing urea.

• It is used for power generation in cement and fertilizer industries.

• Used as domestic fuel.

Advantage: If comparison is done between different fossil fuels then natural could be said environment friendly among all the fossil fuels.

Fossil fuel demerits :

Like every useful thing it has also some negativity:

• As they are mostly used, in vehicles engines and heating purposes which produce combustion. As a result of combustion carbon dioxide is produced. That results in pollution and global warming. The graph shows amount of carbon dioxide in the environment increased by fossil fuels:

• When fossil fuels are burnt they produce acid rain causing agents sulphuric, nitric and carbonic acids.

• Severe skin diseases can be caused because of the presence of radioactive material in fossil fuels.

Vanishing Fossil Fuels Sources and Alternatives:

Fossil fuels were formed millions of years ago. They are about to vanish. Now a day whole world is getting energy from them. According to analysts fossil fuels will soon vanish so it is necessary that a planning should be made to obtain energy from other sources such as hydro, thermal, solar