fossil fuels

• What are the three types of fossil fuels ?

  Coal, oil, and gas
• How are fossil fuels formed?

  Fossil fuels are formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient organisms.
• Why are fossil fuels considered non-renewable?

  Because they will run out if we keep using them.
• What is the process of coal formation?

  • Formed from remains of ferns and trees
  • Occurs in marshy wetlands
  • Decomposition prevented by lack of oxygen or acidic conditions
  • Covered with sediment and compressed
  • High temperature and pressure create coal
• How is crude oil formed?

  • Formed from plankton (tiny sea plants and animals)
  • Plankton settle in mud on the seabed after dying
  • Decomposition prevented by lack of oxygen
  • Compressed by sediment and converted by heat and pressure
• What is the formation process of natural gas?

  • Mainly consists of the hydrocarbon methane
  • Formed from plankton in a similar way to oil
  • Often found near deposits of oil
• What do old fossil fuels contain that is significant?

  They contain trapped carbon that was part of carbon dioxide taken in by photosynthesis.
• What process takes in carbon dioxide and produces oxygen?

  Photosynthesis
• What will be discussed in a later video regarding fossil fuels?

  The effects that burning fossil fuels is having on the planet.
• Where can students find questions on fossil fuels?

  In the provided workbook.
• What was the composition of the early atmosphere compared to today?

  The early atmosphere had large amounts of carbon dioxide and virtually no oxygen, while today it has plenty of oxygen and small amounts of carbon dioxide.
• How does the lack of oxygen affect the decomposition of organic matter?

  It prevents bacteria from carrying out decomposition.