Where does most of the energy used today come from? The answer is fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels are natural energy sources. They are a non-renewable energy source. It is believed that they are formed from the remains of ancient organisms.
They include:
Coal
Natural gas
Petroleum
This section explains each of these fossil fuels.
Definition
Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels are natural energy sources formed from the remains of ancient organisms. They are a non-renewable energy source.
In simple words: Fossil fuels are fuels made from the remains of dead plants and animals that lived millions of years ago.
Main Idea
Fossil fuels are natural energy sources.
They are non-renewable — once used, they cannot be replaced quickly.
They are believed to be formed from the remains of ancient organisms.
The three main fossil fuels are:
Core Concept
Fossil Fuel
State
Main Component
Uses
Coal
Solid
Carbon
Electricity generation, fuel
Natural Gas
Gas
Methane (CH4)
Heating, electricity, fuel for vehicles
Petroleum
Liquid
Mixture of hydrocarbons
Fuel, chemicals, plastics
Key point: Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources formed from ancient organisms.
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