Question

Explain the formation of coal. Describe the stages in its formation and mention its uses.

Answer 1

Formation of coal :

Coal is formed from the remains of the plants that existed in swampy forests some 200—300 million years ago. These plants got buried under the Earth due to some geological changes. As more and more materials piled on top of them, they were compressed. Coal is extracted from mines.

The wood is converted first into a spongy material called peat, then lignite, and eventually into coal (anthracite) and following these steps coal is formed.

Carbonization: The slow process of conversion of wood into coal over millions of years is called carbonization.

Uses of coal :

1. Coal is widely used as a fuel for domestic and industrial applications.
2. Thermal power stations burn coal to convert water into steam, which is then used to run generators that produce electricity.
3. In the steel industry, coal is used indirectly to make steel.