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6.5 Fossil Fuels

3 min readjanuary 7, 2023

Karla Jauregui Sandoval

Karla Jauregui Sandoval

Karla Jauregui Sandoval

Karla Jauregui Sandoval

Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are a type of source that are formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Fossil fuels are the main source of energy for the world's electricity and transportation needs, and they have played a major role in the development of modern society. However, the use of fossil fuels also has negative impacts on the environment, including air pollution and the contribution to through the emission of greenhouse gases. As such, there is a growing movement to transition to and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. The world is dependent on fossil fuels because they are easy to access. The three main types of fossil fuels are coal, oil (petroleum) and natural gas. 

  • Coal ➱ Formed from millions of years of decomposed plant buildup, coal is made of of carbon, hydrogen and water 

  • Oil ➱ Formed from millions of years of heat and pressure of aquatic organisms, oil is made up of carbon and hydrogen 

  • Natural Gas ➱ Formed from plant and animal organic matter trapped under a sedimentary layer of Earth’s layer, natural gas is made up mostly of methane (CH4)

Combustion of Fossil Fuels 

Fossil fuel combustion is the process of a fuel type reacting with heat and oxygen which leads to chemicals, light and energy being released. Complete combustion releases non-toxic chemicals such as water vapor and heat however in majority of the cases occurs. 

Natural Gas Combustion 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F1.jpg?alt=media&token=1a777c35-b0c8-4ba6-8b30-22f634d095c0

Methane Combustion 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-MsgDUClXgXK9.JPG?alt=media&token=407a082b-a0ee-488c-8dd1-c0bd20427907

Coal Combustion 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F3.JPG?alt=media&token=750a7cb1-fe82-4d3d-b41a-74db29d077f1

Hydraulic Fracturing 

is a process that involves drilling through rock to unlock oil and natural gas in the ground. As mentioned, gas is formed on top of layers of dead organisms that over time have been exposed to pressure. 

Hydraulic factoring involves steel cement pipes that pump out fluid. The fluid opens up fractures in the shell, water, sand, and surface. The sand for example allows the oil to go up. As the wheel reaches its kickoff point then that is well the horizontal drilling of the holes allows the oil to escape through the cracks.

Image Courtesy of Mother Earth News

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2Fapes6-YPsWMRjYh6DY.JPG?alt=media&token=3ec5de4b-59cb-4de6-a2b2-1a88e8f81815

Risks of hydraulic fracking include: 

  • Contaminating underground drinking water 

  • Increases threat of earthquakes which puts infrastructure at risk 

  • Methane is released during drilling 

  • Natural gas supplies are nonrenewable 

  • Damaging ecosystems and disturbing local environments with machinery

Impact of Fossil Fuels 

An impact of the production and combustion of fossil fuels is the byproduct of , nitrogen oxide, and carbon dioxide. 

  • When coal is burned, it releases CO2, , and , as well as that are known to pollute the atmosphere. As a result of these pollutants being produced, forms. is comprised of any type of precipitation, wet or dry, that combines atmospheric pollutants with water droplets, such as snow and hail. This rain is toxic and harmful to ecosystems around the world.

  • The use of oil pollutes the environment through the burning of petroleum, which creates and releases greenhouse gases. Oil is not a clean source of energy as it contributes to global warming due to the release of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide. 

    • Another impact of oil is the risk of which are difficult to clean up and can harm marine life at devastating levels. 

    • Oil is a source because the pace at which petrol replenishes will not be nearly high enough to satisfy increasing demand.

    🎥 Watch: Environmental Science

Key Terms to Review (15)

Acid Rain

: Acid rain refers to rainfall that has become acidic due to atmospheric pollution containing sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These pollutants react with water vapor in the atmosphere, forming sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which then fall to the ground as rain.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

: Carbon dioxide is a colorless gas naturally present in Earth's atmosphere. It is released through natural processes like respiration and volcanic eruptions but also through human activities such as burning fossil fuels. CO2 is a major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.

Climate Change

: Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns on a global scale. It is primarily caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, leading to an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

Coal combustion

: Coal combustion refers to the process of burning coal to produce heat or electricity. This process releases various pollutants into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and mercury.

Hydraulic Fracturing

: Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is a method used to extract natural gas and oil from deep underground by injecting high-pressure water, sand, and chemicals into rock formations. This process creates fractures in the rocks, allowing the trapped gas or oil to flow out.

Incomplete Combustion

: Incomplete combustion occurs when there is insufficient oxygen during the burning process, resulting in the production of carbon monoxide (CO) instead of carbon dioxide (CO2). It can happen in various fuel-burning processes such as vehicle engines or household appliances.

Methane (CH4)

: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is released during natural processes like decomposition of organic matter and human activities such as livestock farming and fossil fuel extraction. It has a much higher warming potential than carbon dioxide.

Natural Gas Combustion

: Natural gas combustion refers to the process of burning natural gas as a fuel source, releasing energy and producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other emissions.

Nitrogen Oxides

: Nitrogen oxides are a group of gases composed mainly of nitrogen and oxygen atoms. They are primarily produced by burning fossil fuels at high temperatures, such as in vehicle engines or power plants. Nitrogen oxides contribute to smog formation and can have negative effects on human health.

Non-renewable energy

: Non-renewable energy refers to energy sources that cannot be replenished or regenerated within a human lifespan. These are finite resources that will eventually run out.

Oil Combustion

: Oil combustion refers to the process of burning oil as a fuel source, releasing energy and producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants in the process.

Oil Spills

: Oil spills occur when liquid petroleum hydrocarbons are released into the environment, typically through accidents during transportation or extraction. These spills can have devastating effects on ecosystems and wildlife.

Particulates

: Particulates refer to tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. They can come from natural sources like dust or wildfires, but also from human activities such as industrial emissions or vehicle exhaust.

Renewable Energy Sources

: Renewable energy sources are forms of energy derived from natural resources that can be replenished over time. Unlike fossil fuels which deplete over time, renewable energy sources offer sustainable alternatives to meet our energy needs while minimizing environmental impact.

Sulfur Dioxide

: Sulfur dioxide is a gas that is released into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal and oil. It contributes to air pollution and can cause respiratory issues in humans.

6.5 Fossil Fuels

3 min readjanuary 7, 2023

Karla Jauregui Sandoval

Karla Jauregui Sandoval

Karla Jauregui Sandoval

Karla Jauregui Sandoval

Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are a type of source that are formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Fossil fuels are the main source of energy for the world's electricity and transportation needs, and they have played a major role in the development of modern society. However, the use of fossil fuels also has negative impacts on the environment, including air pollution and the contribution to through the emission of greenhouse gases. As such, there is a growing movement to transition to and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. The world is dependent on fossil fuels because they are easy to access. The three main types of fossil fuels are coal, oil (petroleum) and natural gas. 

  • Coal ➱ Formed from millions of years of decomposed plant buildup, coal is made of of carbon, hydrogen and water 

  • Oil ➱ Formed from millions of years of heat and pressure of aquatic organisms, oil is made up of carbon and hydrogen 

  • Natural Gas ➱ Formed from plant and animal organic matter trapped under a sedimentary layer of Earth’s layer, natural gas is made up mostly of methane (CH4)

Combustion of Fossil Fuels 

Fossil fuel combustion is the process of a fuel type reacting with heat and oxygen which leads to chemicals, light and energy being released. Complete combustion releases non-toxic chemicals such as water vapor and heat however in majority of the cases occurs. 

Natural Gas Combustion 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F1.jpg?alt=media&token=1a777c35-b0c8-4ba6-8b30-22f634d095c0

Methane Combustion 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-MsgDUClXgXK9.JPG?alt=media&token=407a082b-a0ee-488c-8dd1-c0bd20427907

Coal Combustion 

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F3.JPG?alt=media&token=750a7cb1-fe82-4d3d-b41a-74db29d077f1

Hydraulic Fracturing 

is a process that involves drilling through rock to unlock oil and natural gas in the ground. As mentioned, gas is formed on top of layers of dead organisms that over time have been exposed to pressure. 

Hydraulic factoring involves steel cement pipes that pump out fluid. The fluid opens up fractures in the shell, water, sand, and surface. The sand for example allows the oil to go up. As the wheel reaches its kickoff point then that is well the horizontal drilling of the holes allows the oil to escape through the cracks.

Image Courtesy of Mother Earth News

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2Fapes6-YPsWMRjYh6DY.JPG?alt=media&token=3ec5de4b-59cb-4de6-a2b2-1a88e8f81815

Risks of hydraulic fracking include: 

  • Contaminating underground drinking water 

  • Increases threat of earthquakes which puts infrastructure at risk 

  • Methane is released during drilling 

  • Natural gas supplies are nonrenewable 

  • Damaging ecosystems and disturbing local environments with machinery

Impact of Fossil Fuels 

An impact of the production and combustion of fossil fuels is the byproduct of , nitrogen oxide, and carbon dioxide. 

  • When coal is burned, it releases CO2, , and , as well as that are known to pollute the atmosphere. As a result of these pollutants being produced, forms. is comprised of any type of precipitation, wet or dry, that combines atmospheric pollutants with water droplets, such as snow and hail. This rain is toxic and harmful to ecosystems around the world.

  • The use of oil pollutes the environment through the burning of petroleum, which creates and releases greenhouse gases. Oil is not a clean source of energy as it contributes to global warming due to the release of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide. 

    • Another impact of oil is the risk of which are difficult to clean up and can harm marine life at devastating levels. 

    • Oil is a source because the pace at which petrol replenishes will not be nearly high enough to satisfy increasing demand.

    🎥 Watch: Environmental Science

Key Terms to Review (15)

Acid Rain

: Acid rain refers to rainfall that has become acidic due to atmospheric pollution containing sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). These pollutants react with water vapor in the atmosphere, forming sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which then fall to the ground as rain.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

: Carbon dioxide is a colorless gas naturally present in Earth's atmosphere. It is released through natural processes like respiration and volcanic eruptions but also through human activities such as burning fossil fuels. CO2 is a major greenhouse gas contributing to global warming.

Climate Change

: Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns on a global scale. It is primarily caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, leading to an increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

Coal combustion

: Coal combustion refers to the process of burning coal to produce heat or electricity. This process releases various pollutants into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and mercury.

Hydraulic Fracturing

: Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, is a method used to extract natural gas and oil from deep underground by injecting high-pressure water, sand, and chemicals into rock formations. This process creates fractures in the rocks, allowing the trapped gas or oil to flow out.

Incomplete Combustion

: Incomplete combustion occurs when there is insufficient oxygen during the burning process, resulting in the production of carbon monoxide (CO) instead of carbon dioxide (CO2). It can happen in various fuel-burning processes such as vehicle engines or household appliances.

Methane (CH4)

: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is released during natural processes like decomposition of organic matter and human activities such as livestock farming and fossil fuel extraction. It has a much higher warming potential than carbon dioxide.

Natural Gas Combustion

: Natural gas combustion refers to the process of burning natural gas as a fuel source, releasing energy and producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other emissions.

Nitrogen Oxides

: Nitrogen oxides are a group of gases composed mainly of nitrogen and oxygen atoms. They are primarily produced by burning fossil fuels at high temperatures, such as in vehicle engines or power plants. Nitrogen oxides contribute to smog formation and can have negative effects on human health.

Non-renewable energy

: Non-renewable energy refers to energy sources that cannot be replenished or regenerated within a human lifespan. These are finite resources that will eventually run out.

Oil Combustion

: Oil combustion refers to the process of burning oil as a fuel source, releasing energy and producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants in the process.

Oil Spills

: Oil spills occur when liquid petroleum hydrocarbons are released into the environment, typically through accidents during transportation or extraction. These spills can have devastating effects on ecosystems and wildlife.

Particulates

: Particulates refer to tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. They can come from natural sources like dust or wildfires, but also from human activities such as industrial emissions or vehicle exhaust.

Renewable Energy Sources

: Renewable energy sources are forms of energy derived from natural resources that can be replenished over time. Unlike fossil fuels which deplete over time, renewable energy sources offer sustainable alternatives to meet our energy needs while minimizing environmental impact.

Sulfur Dioxide

: Sulfur dioxide is a gas that is released into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal and oil. It contributes to air pollution and can cause respiratory issues in humans.


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.