Coal Notes
What is Coal?
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Formed from
decomposed
vegetation, which is
turned into solid
brittle rock when it is
compressed over a
long period of time.
5-10 ft of decomposed
material makes about
1 ft of coal
The most abundant
fossil fuel
Less than half the
price per million BTU
than oil and natural
gas.
Coal Fast Facts
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1 lb. of coal can
power 10-100 watt
light bulbs for an
hour
Should last for about
250 years at the
current rate of use
Use decreased during
the 40’s and 50’s
because oil and gas
were easier to use
Use has been
increasing since the
Arab Oil Embargo of
1973
Oil Embargo- 1973-74
News Cast
Coal Fast Facts Con’t
 It
is now used mainly
for the generation of
electricity
 In 1997 it was
responsible for 31% of
the nation’s energy
consumption
 Mostly transported by
train or barge
 China is the major
producer and the U.S.
is second
Take out your notes…
 Try
to draw a diagram of what a coal
powerplant looks like…
How Coal Generates Electricity
Coal Factory Animation