3.5. KEYWORDS

Coal is one of the fuels used to cook food. Earlier, it was used in railway engines to produce steam to run the engine. It is also used in thermal power plants to produce electricity. Coal is also used as a fuel in various industries.

Coal is a vital source of energy used worldwide. It serves various purposes such as cooking, generating electricity in power plants, and fueling industries. Understanding the significance of coal helps acknowledge its role in our daily lives and the economy.

Think of coal as the 'bread and butter' of energy sources—it’s fundamental, just like how bread is a staple food in many diets. Much like bread fuels our bodies, coal fuels many of our machines and power plants.

Coal gas is obtained during the processing of coal to get coke. It is used as a fuel in many industries situated near the coal processing plants.

Coal gas is produced when coal is heated to create coke, which is a carbon-rich material used in steel production. This gas plays a significant role in various industries by serving as a source of heat. The extraction and utilization of coal gas highlight the interconnectedness of different fossil fuel products.

Imagine a bakery. When bread is baked, it doesn’t just produce bread; it creates heat and other byproducts that can be used in other recipes. Similar to that, processing coal generates not just coke, but also useful coal gas.

Coal tar is a black, thick liquid with an unpleasant smell. It is a mixture of about 200 substances. Products obtained from coal tar are used as starting materials for manufacturing various substances used in everyday life and in industry, like synthetic dyes, drugs, explosives, perfumes, plastics, paints, photographic materials, roofing materials, etc.

Coal tar is a valuable byproduct of coal processing, consisting of various chemicals that are essential for producing everyday products. From dyes to roofing materials, coal tar's applications are widespread, showcasing its importance in different industries.

Consider coal tar like a treasure chest filled with different items. Each item, or chemical compound, inside can be used for different purposes, just as a chest might hold toys, clothes, and books, each valuable in its own way.

Coke is a tough, porous and black substance. It is an almost pure form of carbon. Coke is used in the manufacture of steel and in the extraction of many metals.

Coke is primarily used in the metallurgical industry, particularly in steel production. Its properties make it essential for breaking down iron ore to produce iron, forming the backbone of construction and manufacturing industries.

Think of coke as the skeleton in the body of metallurgy—it provides the essential support needed to create stronger structures, much like how our bones support our bodies.

Natural gas is a very important fossil fuel because it is easy to transport through pipes. Natural gas is stored under high pressure as compressed natural gas (CNG). CNG is used for power generation. It is now being used as a fuel for transport vehicles because it is less polluting. It is a cleaner fuel.

Natural gas, when compressed, becomes a more convenient and cleaner option for energy. It’s increasingly favored for transportation and power generation due to its lower emissions compared to other fossil fuels. Recognizing the benefits of natural gas helps in understanding energy transitions toward cleaner resources.

Imagine natural gas like a well-organized library. Just as books can be easily accessed and stored without making a mess, natural gas is safe and efficient to transport and use, reducing pollution, like a library reducing clutter in your community.

Petroleum is a dark oily liquid. It has an unpleasant odour. It is a mixture of various constituents such as petroleum gas, petrol, diesel, lubricating oil, paraffin wax, etc.

Petroleum, known as 'black gold', contains various useful substances that are critical in our daily lives, from fuels for vehicles to materials for household products. Understanding petroleum’s complex nature and its benefits showcases its significance in modern society.

Think of petroleum as a multi-tool: just like a multi-tool combines several functions in one gadget, petroleum combines many useful products in one resource, making it exceptionally valuable for various applications.

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