Fossil Fuels Flashcards
What are fossil fuels?
They are non renewable resources made from the remains of plants and animals who died millions of years ago.
What is the order of the
grade of coal (From worst quality to best quality?
Lignite, Subbituminous, Bituminous, and then Anthracite.
Why are fossil fuels considered non-renewable?
Because they cannot be replenished within the human lifespan. Even if they are abundant and cheap, they are still a limited resource.
What are the three types of fossil fuels?
Coal, oil, and natural gases
What is coal?
It is a solid fossil fuel that comes from the remains of dead trees and plants.
What is oil?
Liquid fossil fuel made from organic material (mostly algae). Found at the bottom of seas and lakes.
What is the first step to fossil fuels being formed?
Plants and animals from millions of years ago die and are buried/fall into swamps and seas.
What is natural gas?
It is a gaseous fossil fuel made mostly from methane. It can be found where oil is found.
What is the second step to fossil fuels being formed?
The buried plant and animals remains are covered by mud sediments.
What is the third step to fossil fuels being formed?
These mud sediments are turned to rock as temperature and pressure increase over a long period of time.
What is the fourth step to fossil fuels being formed?
This mud creates a low oxygen environment, allowing the organic materials to change chemically
What is the fifth step to fossil fuels being formed?
The fossil fuels are made and companies dig it up using drills.
