Question

What is the carbon content of the peat coal?
A. 20%-30%
B. 30%-45%
C. 40%-60%
D. 70%-90%

Answer 1

Hint: All coal comes with different quantities of carbon which decide the quality of coal. The carbon content and energy density of peat coal are the lowest among all types of coal.

Complete answer:
The first stage of the transformation of wood into coal is named Peat. Peat contains 30 to 45% carbon content, some amount of volatile matter, and a lot of moisture. The heating capacity of peat is comparatively low. Therefore, it is normally used as domestic fuel. Coal is a kind of fossil fuel that generates about 40% of the world's electricity and about 25% of the world's consumable energy sources. However, all coals come with different quantities of carbon- which determines the quality of the coal. High-quality coals burn longer, produce less smoke, and provide more energy than low-quality coals.
1. Anthracite: Anthracite is a type of coal dark black in color. It is very hard, with the lowest moisture content, and carbon content of nearly 95%. It exhibits a very high energy density of 33 MJ/kg.
2. Bituminous: Bituminous is the second-best quality of coal, with a carbon content of 76-86%. It is the most abundant type of fossil fuel, also one of the longest buried (approximately 300 million years). The energy density is relatively high at 27 MJ/kg. The high carbon and low moisture content make it ideal for the production of steel, as well as electricity generation.
3. Lignite: Lignite coal is lighter brown in color. The carbon content of lignite is ranged from 65-70%. Lignite is the youngest and premature fossil fuel produced, aged approximately 60 million years. It exhibits a lower energy density of 18 MJ/kg. Higher moisture contents and low carbon content results in more carbon dioxide emissions compared to harder black coals.
4. Peat: Peat is a soft, dark brown coal that is formed from dead and decaying organic matter. Peat is the first and the foremost step in the formation process of coal and gradually transforms to lignite with increasing pressure and temperature. Peat exhibits the lowest carbon content (30-45%) and has an energy density of 15 MJ/kg.
So, the correct answer is Option C.

Note: High energy density coal is the most efficient source of fossil energy, like Anthracite but peat which has a carbon content less than 60% and low energy density, is comparatively cheaper.