Question

Which of the following is NOT a fossil fuel?
A. wood
B. coal
C. petroleum
D. natural gas

Answer 1

Hint: Fossil fuels are those naturally occurring fuels which are formed from the dead remains of prehistoric animals and plants which have been long buried under the surface of the earth. These fuels are in liquid or gaseous form formed from decomposition.


Complete step-by-step answer:
Fossil fuels can be defined as those fuels which have been produced by the decomposition of the dead remains of the animals and the natural vegetation which have been buried under the surface of the earth since prehistoric times. The heat and pressure under the surface of earth convert them into fuels which takes a very long period of time for formation.
In the given options, coal, petroleum and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels. These pressures and heat during formation convert them into a liquid or gas which can be used as a fuel.
Wood is not a fossil fuel, it grows everywhere around. Rather if the wood is buried under the earth’s surface for thousands of years then it may get converted into fossil fuel. But wood itself is not a fossil fuel.
Hence, the correct answer is option A.
Additional information:
Fossil fuels are the prime source of energy and most abundantly used fuel in our modern society. These fuels are used in automobiles and all other means of mechanical transportation as a source of energy to propel the vehicle.
The excessive use of fossil fuels has resulted in the scarcity of fossil fuels. Since these fuels take thousands of years to form, they are not being replenished as fast as they are being consumed. This has arisen a need for an alternative source of energy.

Note: Wood is not a fossil fuel but still a very important fuel. The burning of wood produces energy which serves as an important source of energy for many practical purposes. It is used for cooking purposes, household warming purposes and in industries also to fuel the fire.