1A Fossil fuels

• What are fossil fuels formed from?

  Decomposed organic matter over millions of years
• What is the primary use of fuels?

  To release chemical energy through combustion
• What is the SI unit for measuring energy?

  Joule (J)
• Why are fossil fuels considered a primary energy source?

  They fulfill most human energy needs
• Name three common fossil fuels.

  Coal, petrol, coal seam gas
• What is coal seam gas primarily composed of?

  Methane
• What is the significance of high carbon content in fossil fuels?

  It makes them excellent for combustion
• What is petroleum also known as?

  Crude oil
• What process is used to separate petroleum into useful products?

  Fractional distillation
• What is a useful product obtained from fractional distillation of crude oil?


  Petrol
• What is the range of carbon atoms in petrol's hydrocarbon molecules?

  5 to 12 carbon atoms
• What harmful compound can petrol produce when burned?

  Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
• How is coal seam gas extracted?

  By drilling and fracking
• What is the environmental impact of fracking?

  It can harm the surrounding environment
• What is the most common source for generating electricity?

  Coal
• Why are fossil fuels considered non-renewable?

  They cannot be replenished quickly
• What defines a non-renewable resource?

  Cannot be replaced at the consumption rate
• What contributes to the enhanced greenhouse effect?

  Accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
• What is a consequence of burning coal and contaminated petrol?

  Formation of acid rain
• What are the key points about fossil fuels and their impact?

  • Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources.
  • They are formed over millions of years.
  • Their extraction methods can harm the environment.
  • Burning fossil fuels contributes to air pollution and climate change.
  • Alternative fuels are desirable for sustainability.
• What are the main types of fossil fuels?

  • Coal
  • Petroleum (crude oil)
  • Coal seam gas (natural gas)
• What are the processes involved in the formation and extraction of fossil fuels?

  1. Formation from organic matter decomposition.
  2. Extraction methods: drilling, fracking, mining.
  3. Separation of crude oil through fractional distillation.
• What are the environmental impacts of fossil fuel usage?

  • Air pollution from combustion.
  • Contribution to acid rain formation.
  • Enhanced greenhouse effect leading to climate change.
  • Disruption of natural landscapes from extraction.
• What are the characteristics of a non-renewable resource?

  • Cannot be replenished quickly.
  • Used faster than it can be replaced.
  • Formed through natural processes over long periods.
• What is the significance of finding alternative energy sources?

  • To reduce environmental impact.
  • To ensure sustainable energy supply.
  • To mitigate climate change effects.