Products of Coal
Coal, one of the primary fossil fuels, is formed from the decayed remains of plants over millions of years through a process called carbonization. This section not only covers the formation of coal but also delves into its multiple derivatives.
Formation of Coal:
Coal is primarily made from carbon, and its journey begins in ancient wetland forests that were buried by flooding, leading to immense pressure and heat. This process transforms dead vegetation into coal over geological time scales.
Key Products of Coal:
- Coal Gas: Produced during the processing of coal to create coke. Initially used for street lighting, it is now more commonly employed as a heating fuel.
- Coke: An almost pure form of carbon, used in steel manufacturing and metal extraction.
- Coal Tar: A thick, black liquid composed of numerous substances, used as a base for synthetic dyes, drugs, and other industrial products.
Applications:
These products not only contribute to various industrial processes but have also played a crucial role in energy production. Understanding these derivatives emphasizes the importance of coal management due to its exhaustible nature.