Question

Fossil fuels are rich in carbon and______.

• A. Oxygen
• B. Sulphur
• C. Nitrogen
• D. Hydrogen

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Hydrogen

The correct option is D.

Explanations of correct option:

Option D:

1. Fossil fuels are formed due to dead and decaying organic matter over million years under high pressure and heat.
2. Fossil fuels are composed of organic matter such as hydrocarbons.
3. Hydrocarbons include hydrogen and carbon, hence fossil fuels are mostly composed of carbon and hydrogen.
4. Examples of fossil fuels are coal, petroleum, natural gas, etc.

Explanation of incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Oxygen is one of the most important (about 21%) gases in the atmosphere.
2. It is known as the last electron acceptor in aerobic organisms.
3. It is not abundant in fossil fuels.

Option B:

1. Sulfur is a bitter solid with an atomic number of 16.
2. It is pale yellow.
3. It is not abundant in fossil fuels.

Option C:

1. Nitrogen is the most important inorganic element in the DNA of a cell.
2. It is present in bases that help in the formation of DNA.
3. It is not abundant in fossil fuels.

Final answer: Fossil fuels are rich in carbon and hydrogen.