Petroleum And Coal

The use of fossil fuels is rampant in the modern world of today. The industrial revolution the world has undergone has seen increased demands for energy in it all its various forms. The non-renewable sources of energy have been turned to because of the convenience they create. Fossil fuels all have an organic origin, with the most notable types being petroleum and coal. Because of eco-consciousness, renewable sources of energy are being resulted to, like wind and solar energy, though the transition is not anywhere near completion.

The reasons why fossil fuels are used is because of the energy wealth they hold, and which they release when combusted. Coal has a long history, with its formation dating back to about half a billion years ago. It is found in sedimentations, because after geological activity, that is where it was deposited. For coal to be of any industrial use, it has to be mined in abundance. Thankfully, the earth is rich in it, which makes it a reliable source. The best coal has the highest percentage of carbon, and has usually been treated to more heat and pressure in its natural occurrences. Coal is combusted and the energy released can be used in electricity generation, or other industrial processes.

Petroleum or liquid gold as it is metaphorically referred to in many instances is a naturally occurring liquid that is readily flammable. It occurs beneath the earth’s surface, and is often mined through drilling. Petroleum and coal are chemically related, mostly because they are primarily made of carbon. For petroleum, its greatest importance is in powering the automotive industry, where it is used as a fuel source. It is also heavily used in other industrial settings, for instance, in the making of petrochemicals.

Both petroleum and coal are responsible for most of the carbon emissions related to global warming. The compounds released upon combustion of these resources lead to environmental pollution. Though there is a trend in reduced emission owing to use of cleaner fuels, the problem has not been eradicated altogether.

The use of petroleum is more uncertain as compared to that of coal in the future. The abundance of the latter, and the cheaper associated costs, makes it more favored. In addition, the resources of petroleum are lesser than those of coal. Though there has been better management of petroleum, it is hard to avert the possibility of one day exhausting the resource.

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