Question

Which one is a better fuel, coal, or coke?
(A) Coke is a better fuel because coke produces more heat on burning as compared to coal
(B) Coal is a better fuel because coal does not produce more heat on burning as compared to coke
(C) Both are of equal efficiency
(D) None of these

Answer 1

Hint: Coke and coal both are solid fuels.
The better fuels amongst them depend on many environmental and industrial factors. This comparison arises as they both have differences in their chemical properties.

Complete step by step solution:
Solid fuel refers to the various forms of solid material that can be burnt to release energy, providing heat and light through the process of combustion. Solid fuels can be differentiated from liquid fuels and gaseous fuels.
Let us discuss coal and coke here;
Coal-
Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock usually occurring in coal beds or coal seams. Generally, electricity is generated from coal as it is the largest source of energy. The extraction of coal, its use in energy production and its by-products are all associated with the environmental and health effects.
Coke-
Coke is a fuel with few impurities and a high carbon content, usually made from coal. It is derived from destructive distillation of low-ash, low sulphur bituminous coal. Cokes which are made from coal are grey, hard, and porous. Coke can be formed naturally, but the commonly used form is man-made.
Coke is a better fuel than coal because;
-Coke produces more heat on burning than coal.
-Coke has a higher calorific value than coal. When equal masses of coke and coal are burnt, coke produces more heat.
-When coke is burnt smoke is not obtained. But when coal burns, smoke is produced. So, less air pollution is caused when coke is burned.
-Coke burns more readily than coal.
-After burning, coca leaves much less ash than coal.

Therefore, option (A) is correct.

Note: Both coal and coke have the same physical properties; though their chemical properties differ.