Coal Classification Systems Flashcards
What is the highest rank of coal?
Anthracite
Which type of coal is primarily used for electricity generation?
Bituminous coal
What is the main component of coal?
Carbon
Which class of coal has the lowest carbon content?
Lignite
What process converts peat into coal?
Coalification
What is the primary use of lignite?
Electric power generation
Which type of coal is known for its high heating value and low moisture content?
Anthracite
What is the term for the sulfur content in coal that contributes to acid rain?
Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
Which type of coal is often used in steel production?
Coking coal (or metallurgical coal)
What environmental issue is associated with coal mining?
Land degradation
What is the process called that involves burning coal to produce electricity?
Combustion
Which country has the largest reserves of coal?
United States
What type of coal is characterized by a high volatile matter content?
Bituminous coal
What does the term “ash content” refer to in coal analysis?
The inorganic residue remaining after combustion
Which method of mining involves removing overburden to access coal seams?
Surface mining
What is the main greenhouse gas emitted from burning coal?
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
What is “coal gasification”?
A process that converts coal into gas for energy production.
Name one advantage of using clean coal technology.
Reduced emissions of pollutant
What is “coalbed methane”?
Methane gas extracted from coal seams.
Which type of coal has a shiny appearance due to its high carbon content?
Anthracite
What is the significance of “volatile matter” in coal?
It affects combustion characteristics.
Which country is known for its lignite reserves?
Germany
In what year did the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implement regulations on coal emissions?
1970 (with subsequent amendments)
What are “coal tar” and its primary use?
A byproduct of carbonization used in paving and roofing.
Name one health risk associated with coal mining communities.
Respiratory diseases.
What does “carbon capture and storage” aim to achieve in relation to coal usage?
To reduce CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels.
Which type of mining is typically less environmentally damaging?
Underground mining (compared to surface mining).
What does “coking” involve in relation to metallurgical coal?
Heating coal in absence of air to produce coke.
Identify one major pollutant produced from burning high-sulfur coals.
Sulfur dioxide (SO2).
What is the role of “coal washing”?
To remove impurities before combustion.
What historical event significantly increased the demand for coal in the 19th century?
The Industrial Revolution
Which technology is used to reduce sulfur emissions from coal-fired power plants?
Flue gas desulfurization (FGD)
What is the primary purpose of the Clean Air Act in relation to coal?
To regulate air emissions from stationary and mobile sources.
Identify one major international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Paris Agreement
What is “coal liquefaction”?
A process that converts solid coal into liquid hydrocarbons.
Which country was the largest exporter of coal in 2020?
Australia
What are “fossil fuel subsidies”?
Financial support from governments to fossil fuel industries.
What is “mountaintop removal mining”?
A form of surface mining that involves removing the summit of a mountain.
Which type of coal has historically been used for heating homes?
Bituminous coal
What is the effect of acid rain produced from coal combustion?
Damage to aquatic ecosystems and forests.
What is “carbon trading”?
A market-based approach to controlling pollution by providing economic incentives.
Name one alternative energy source that competes with coal for electricity generation.
Solar energy
What is the significance of the term “clean coal”?
Technologies aimed at reducing emissions from coal usage.
Which U.S. state is known for its extensive lignite deposits?
Texas
What is the role of “biomass co-firing” in coal power plants?
To reduce overall carbon emissions by mixing biomass with coal.
Identify one health effect associated with long-term exposure to coal dust.
Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (black lung disease)
Which organization monitors global climate change and its impacts?
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
What is “coal seam gas”?
Natural gas extracted from coal beds.
Which country has implemented a carbon tax specifically targeting fossil fuels?
Sweden
What technology allows for the conversion of CO2 emissions into usable products?
Carbon capture and utilization (CCU)
What does “sustainable mining” aim to achieve?
To minimize environmental impact while extracting resources.
Name one major challenge facing the coal industry today.
Competition from renewable energy sources.
What is a “coal phase-out”?
A policy decision to gradually reduce reliance on coal as an energy source.
Identify a method used to assess the environmental impact of coal mining operations.
Environmental impact assessment (EIA)
What type of pollution is primarily associated with particulate matter from coal combustion?
Air pollution
Which country has seen significant protests against coal mining due to environmental concerns?
India
What is “clean coal technology” primarily focused on improving?
Efficiency and reducing emissions from burning coal.
In what year did the U.S. Supreme Court rule on regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act?
2007
What is the main goal of international climate agreements like COP26?
To limit global warming and promote sustainable practices.
Identify one financial instrument used to fund renewable energy projects as alternatives to coal.
Green bonds
What does “stripping ratio” refer to in mining operations?
The ratio of overburden removed to the amount of ore extracted.
Which type of pollution control technology captures particulate matter before it enters the atmosphere?
Electrostatic precipitators
Name one significant technological advancement in underground mining methods in recent years.
Continuous miner technology
What is a common environmental remediation technique used after mining operations cease?
Reclamation
Which U.S.-based organization advocates for cleaner energy alternatives to fossil fuels?
Sierra Club
Identify a key factor that influences global coal prices today.
Demand from emerging economies, particularly in Asia.
What role do NGOs play in advocating against coal usage?
They raise awareness and lobby for policy changes towards renewable energy.
What is “pyrolysis” in relation to coal processing?
A thermal decomposition process that converts organic materials into bio-oil, gas, and char.
Name one major health risk associated with living near coal-fired power plants.
Increased risk of respiratory illnesses.
What future trends are predicted for the global use of coal by 2030 according to energy reports?
A decline in usage due to increased adoption of renewable energy sources.
