Those fuels which are formed millions of years ago from the anaerobic decomposition of remains of living organisms, buried under the earth are called fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are mainly of 3 types. The names of 3 fossil fuels are Coal, petroleum and natural gas. It is believed that millions of years ago the remains of plants and animals got buried under the earth because of earthquakes. Due to presence of high temperature, pressure and absence of oxygen in the earth, these buried remains of plants and animals were gradually converted into fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and natural gas. Combustion of fossil fuel is the main source of energy for modern world. Thus, fossil fuels are the cheapest and most effective source of energy.
Formation of Fossil Fuels
This process of formation of fossil fuels took place millions of years ago because of prevalence of special conditions on the crust of earth. But these conditions do not exist anymore. Thus, no new reserves of fossil fuels are being formed now. It means, we have finite reserves of fossil fuels. And within few years these reserves of fossil fuels will get exhausted if we used the fossil fuels at the present rate. Due to this reason, fossil fuels are classified as nonrenewable source of energy.
Test Your Understanding and Answer These Questions:
- What are fossil fuels?
- Name 3 fossil fuels?
- Explain formation of fossil fuels.