Question

The percentage of carbon in lignite is ______%.
a.) 70 to 90
b.) 60 to 80
c.) 60 to 90
d.) 60 to 70

Answer 1

Hint: In order to solve the given problem first we will see the different types of coal which are generally existing. We will see the features on which the classification of coal is done. Further we see the features of the lignite category of coal along with the carbon content as well as other compositions in it. We will also see the different uses of each type of coal.

Complete step by step answer:
Coal is a heavy rock that is a solid fossil fuel that can be burnt. It is primarily carbon, but it also includes hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur. It is a sedimentary rock formed from peat, subsequently laid down on top by the impact of rocks.
Either by surface extraction or deep extraction, coal may be mined from the earth. It may be used directly (for heating and production processes) or to fuel power plants for electricity after coal has been removed. It can be mined by surface mining if coal is less than 61 metres (200 feet) underground.
Coal is mainly used as fuel to produce electric electricity. To turn water into steam, which drives a turbine, the coal is burned and the heat given off is used.
There are four major types or ranges of coal: anthracite, bituminous, lignite and peat. The classification depends on the forms and quantities of carbon that the coal produces and the quantity of heat energy that the coal will provide.
Anthracite coal is the best one containing the highest percent of carbon in it. It has around 92-98% carbon content.
Lignite is brownish-black in color and has roughly 60-70 percent carbon content, often as much as 75 percent intrinsic moisture content, and 6-19 percent ash content.
Hence, the percentage of carbon in lignite is 60 to 70 %.
So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note: In order to solve such types of problems students must remember the chemical composition and at least the carbon content of each type of coal. On the basis of carbon content the anthracite is the best coal with 92-98 % carbon then is bituminous with 60-80 % carbon content. Then comes lignite with 60-70 % carbon and the last one is peat coal with less than 60% carbon. So the peat coal is the most dangerous to the environment and the anthracite is the most costly one.