Question

Why is charcoal a better biomass fuel than wood?

• A. Heating increases the mass of the wood.
• B. Heating decreases the water content and other impurities in wood.
• C. Heating converts wood into petroleum.
• D. Heating turns wood into ashes, which burns better than solid wood.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Heating decreases the water content and other impurities in wood.

Charcoal is mostly pure carbon, called char. It is made by burning wood in a low oxygen environment, a process that can take days and burns off volatile compounds such as water, methane, hydrogen, and tar. The process leaves black lumps and powder, about 25% of the original weight which burns better than wood.