Question

Which amongst the following is the correct order for the given types of coal in terms of their carbon content?

• A. Anthracite < bituminous coal < lignite < peat
• B. Peat < lignite < bituminous coal < anthracite
• C. Peat < bituminous coal < lignite < anthracite
• D. Peat < anthracite < lignite < bituminous coal

Answer 1

The correct option is B Peat < lignite < bituminous coal < anthracite

Coal is a fossil fuel formed from the dead and decaying animal and plant matter, over millions of years. It is classified into peat, lignite, bituminous and anthracite based on the carbon content in them. The percentage of carbon content in them is given below.

Type of coal	Percentage of carbon content
Peat	Less than 60%
Lignite	60%-70%
Bituminous	77%-87%
Antracite	Above 90%

Hence, the correct order is: peat < lignite < bituminous coal< anthracite.