6.5 - Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels

Coal, oil, natural gas, and other fuels that are ancient remains of plants and animals compressed overtime into hydrocarbon compounds

combustion reaction

burning fossil fuels to release energy. Requires oxygen and fossil fuels as inputs and gives off CO2, water, and energy in the form of heat

Elecricity

A secondary energy source created from primary energy sources like fossil fuels or nuclear fuel (uranium). Also called an energy carrier

Steps to electricity generation

1. The burning fuel from coal transfers energy to

water, which becomes steam.

2. The kinetic energy contained within the steam

is transferred to the blades of a turbine, a large

device that resembles a fan.

3. As the energy in the steam turns the turbine,

the shaft in the center of the turbine turns the

generator.

4. This mechanical motion generates electricity.

hydraulic fracturing (fracking)

The process used to extract natural gas from the deep layers of rock in which it is embedded. Water, sand, and fracking chemicals are injected into the well to fracture the surrounding rock and release the natural gas stored in it.

Formation of coal

Peat is subjected to pressure from overlying sediment layers which compress it into lignite --> bituminous --> anthracite coal as time goes on. (Usually underneath wetlands, bogs, marshes, etc.)

Formation of petroleum

Petroleum is formed from decomposing phytoplankton (microscopic algae)found in locations where porous rocks, such as sandstone, are capped by nonporous rocks like shale. Petroleum forms over millions of years and fills the pore spaces in the rock.

formation of natural gas

Forms on top of petroleum deposits, as gasses are less dense than liquids. Can be extracted from the top of petroleum deposits.