Coal
Definition
Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock made up mostly of carbon. It forms from the remains of plants that lived and died millions of years ago.
Analogy
Imagine coal as an ancient time capsule filled with energy. Just like how archaeologists uncover artifacts from the past, we dig up coal to release its stored energy for electricity generation.
Related terms
Fossil Fuel: Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources formed from organic matter buried in the Earth's crust over millions of years.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): When coal is burned, it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.
Mountaintop Removal Mining: This destructive mining practice involves removing mountaintops to access coal seams underneath, causing significant environmental damage.
"Coal" appears in:
Resources
© 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.