Question

Coal and petroleum are called fossil fuel
(A). True
(B). False
(C). Ambiguous
(D). Data insufficient

Answer 1

- Hint: Fossil fuels are derived from the fossilised remains of plants and other organisms.

Complete step-by-step solution -

A fossil fuel is a fuel formed by the decomposition of buried dead organisms under the pressure and heat in the earth’s crust. It takes millions of years for organic matters to chemically alter and form fuels. Fossil fuel is continuously formed by natural process. Since it is derived from fossilised organic remains, it contains a high amount of carbon. It is classified as a non-renewable resource as it takes millions of years to form and is getting depleted much faster than it is replenished. Burning such fossil fuel releases huge amounts of carbon dioxide along with other pollutants.
Coal is formed from fossilised dead plant matter. It contains chiefly carbon, along with hydrogen, sulphur, oxygen and nitrogen. It is a combustible sedimentary rock.
Petroleum is formed from fossilised dead organisms, like zooplankton and algae buried underneath the earth’s surface and subjected to intense heat and pressure. It is a yellowish-black liquid. It is composed of various hydrocarbons and other organic compounds. Petroleum is further processed (distilled) to obtain numerous products like petrol, kerosene etc.
Since, both petroleum and coal is derived from fossilised organic remains, they are called fossil fuel.
Hence, the given statement is true.

Therefore, the correct option is A.

Note: Commercial fuels like petrol, diesel, kerosene etc. are the derivatives of fossil fuel. All fossil fuels contribute to air pollution. Hence, its usage should be minimised, and be replaced with more eco-friendly alternatives.