Chapter 3: Problem 9
Which of the following is NOT a fossil fuel? A. coal B. petroleum C. wood D. methane
Short Answer
Expert verified
Wood
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Question
The question asks to identify which option is not a fossil fuel. Fossil fuels are energy sources formed from the remains of dead plants and animals over millions of years.
02
Define Fossil Fuels
List the characteristics of fossil fuels: they include sources like coal, petroleum, and methane, which are formed from decayed organic matter.
03
Analyze Each Option
Examine each option to determine if it fits the definition of a fossil fuel. A. Coal - a fossil fuel. B. Petroleum - a fossil fuel. C. Wood - not a fossil fuel; it comes from recently living trees. D. Methane - often associated with fossil fuels, though it can also occur naturally.
04
Identify the Answer
After analyzing, identify that 'wood' does not fit the definition of a fossil fuel. It comes from trees and is a renewable resource, not formed from ancient organic matter.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Renewable Resources
Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replenished naturally over time. Unlike fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form, renewable resources are often available continuously or can be restored within a human lifespan. Examples include:
- Solar energy
- Wind energy
- Biomass (like wood)
- Hydropower
Energy Sources
Energy sources are materials or phenomena that can produce power. Understanding the distinction between non-renewable and renewable energy sources is essential for grasping the concepts in this exercise. Non-renewable energy sources include fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas. These are finite resources formed from ancient organic matter. Renewable energy sources, on the other hand, are much more diverse and can be replenished. Some benefits of renewable energy sources include:
- They are less harmful to the environment.
- They can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
- They have the potential to be more cost-effective in the long-run.
Organic Matter
Organic matter refers to any carbon-based material derived from living organisms. In the context of fossil fuels, organic matter is the remains of ancient plants and animals that have been buried and subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. This process transforms the organic material into fossil fuels. Examples of organic matter forming fossil fuels include:
- Dead plants turning into coal
- Marine organisms becoming petroleum
- Plant material decomposing to generate methane