How to Name Five Fossil Fuels & Their Uses

Fossil fuels power many of our industries and machines. These fuels are derived from the compressed residue and deposits of creatures that were alive millions of years ago. After these creatures died, the pressure of tons of earth and chemicals changed their organic materials through a variety of reactions. Today we mine for the substances created, such as coal and petroleum, and use them to produce energy.

Instructions

• 1

  Identify the three main categories of fossil fuels: coal, oil and natural gas. All processed fuels derived from fossil fuel sources fit into one of these categories.

• 2

  Name common fuels that fit into one of these three categories. For example, natural gas is primarily composed of methane, so any fuel that uses methane or is derived from methane fits this category. Coal is a hard black rock composed mainly of carbon and there are a few varieties that all maintain the same basic structure. Petroleum found under the surface of the earth, as well as any fuels derived from it, belongs in the oil category. One thing all fossil fuels have in common is this: they are flammable and are burned to produce energy.

• 3

  List common uses for each type of fossil fuel. Natural gases, when lit, produce flame. What types of fire or flame in your home uses gas as a source of energy? Coal is typically burned in large quantities to produce steam. This steam can be used to power large machines or generators. What kinds of industries would benefit from this? Oil-based fuels are typically liquid in form and can be used in combustion engines. What kinds of machines use these engines? Answer these questions and you will have the uses for common fossil fuels.