What are the different types of fossil fuels?
There are three main fossil fuels that we use for energy: Petroluem/Oil Crude oil, or petroleum, is a smelly, yellowish-black liquid found in underground areas called reservoirs. It is drilled from the ground and then sent to a refinery. The U.S. does not produce enough oil to supply our demands, so over half of our oil and petroleum products come from foreign countries. What is petroleum/oil used for? Petroleum is used for: • Heating homes • Fueling cars • Gum • Crayons • Dishwashing liquid • Records Oil is used to create: • Motor gasoline • Diesel fuel Coal Coal is a black sedimentary rock made up mostly of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur. It is mined from the ground and shipped to a preparation plant where it is cleaned and processed. Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel in the U.S. What is coal used for? Coal is used mainly for generating electricity, but it is also used for: • The steel, cement and paper industry • Plastic • Medicine • Tar • Fertilizer Natural Gas
