Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Coal is a solid Fossil Fuel formed from fossilised plants.
About Coal
- Coal is a non-renewable energy resource.
- Coal has energy in its chemical potential energy store which can be transferred into a thermal energy store by combustion.
- Coal produces Carbon Dioxide during combustion which scientists have shown contributes to Global Warming.
Power
- Coal can be used to provide power directly buy burning it in homes, steam engines and furnaces or it can provide power by generating electricity.
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| A diagram of a coal power station. |
- 1. Coal is burned in a furnace.
- 2. Water is heated in a boiler by the burning coal.
- 3. Water turns to steam and passes down pipes to turn a turbine.
- 4. The turbine causes a generator to spin.
- 5. The generator makes an electrical current.
Advantages
- Can work continuously.
- Fewpower stations needed to supply a large number of houses.
Disadvantages
- Cost of fuel.
- Produce Carbon Dioxide contributing to global warming.
- Other pollutants produced which can harm health or produce acid rain.
- Coal will run out.