What type of energy is released when we burn fossil fuels?
When fossil fuels are burned carbon and hydrogen react with oxygen in air to carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). During this reaction heat is released which further amplifies the reaction. Electricity is generated by transforming mechanical energy (heat) to electrical energy in a turbine or generator.
What changes occur as we burn fossil fuels?
When fossil fuels are burned, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the air. Greenhouse gases trap heat in our atmosphere, causing global warming. Already the average global temperature has increased by 1C.
Why does burning fossil fuels release energy from the sun?
All the energy in oil, gas, and coal originally came from the sun, captured through photosynthesis. In the same way that we burn wood to release energy that trees capture from the sun, we burn fossil fuels to release the energy that ancient plants captured from the sun.
How do we burn fossil fuels into energy?
Fossil fuel power plants burn coal or oil to create heat which is in turn used to generate steam to drive turbines which generate electricity.
Why are fossil fuels burned?
Fossil fuels are burned to produce energy. In large power stations they are burned in the presence of oxygen. When hydrocarbons are burned in the presence of oxygen they release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a Greenhouse Gas and is a leading cause of Global Warming.
Why do we burn fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are used to produce energy; in the home they are burned to produce heat, in large power stations they are used to produce electricity and they are also used to power engines. Fossil fuels are non-renewable, this means that their supply is limited and they will eventually run out.
How has the burning of fuels changed over time?
Fossil fuel consumption has increased significantly over the past half-century, around eight-fold since 1950, and roughly doubling since 1980. But the types of fuel we rely on has also shifted, from solely coal towards a combination with oil, and then gas. Today, coal consumption is falling in many parts of the world.
Are fossil fuels dinosaurs?
Sadly, fossil fuels are not made of dinosaurs. They are made from long-dead organic matter that was buried beneath the ground, yes. This was the original definition of a fossil, rather than being applied specifically to the bones of ancient beasties.
What are fossil fuels Name any two fossil fuels?
Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels.