Fossil fuels

Definition

Fossil fuels are natural energy sources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals, buried and subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. They include coal, oil, and natural gas and are major sources of energy for electricity generation, heating, and transportation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fossil fuels store chemical potential energy that can be converted into mechanical work or other forms of energy.
2. The combustion of fossil fuels releases stored energy in the form of heat, which can then be used to produce kinetic energy in engines or turbines.
3. Fossil fuel usage is a significant contributor to atmospheric CO2 levels, impacting global climate change due to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Energy conversion efficiencies vary among different types of fossil fuels; for example, natural gas generally has higher efficiency compared to coal when used in power plants.
5. The extraction and processing of fossil fuels involve various physical principles, including thermodynamics and mechanics.

Review Questions

• What type of energy is stored in fossil fuels before combustion?
• How does the combustion process convert the potential energy in fossil fuels into usable mechanical work?
• In terms of efficiency and environmental impact, how do different fossil fuels compare?

Related terms

Chemical Potential Energy: Energy stored within chemical bonds that can be released during a chemical reaction.

Combustion: A chemical process where a substance reacts with oxygen to give off heat.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels that trap heat and contribute to global warming.