6.3 Fuel Types and Uses

Coal, Oil, and Natural Gas

Coal is mined and mainly burned to generate electricity, producing high CO2, sulfur dioxide (acid rain), and particulates. Petroleum (oil) is refined into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, mostly powering transportation. Natural gas burns cleaner than coal or oil, used for electricity, heating, and as a transitional fuel, but drilling/fracking risks methane leaks and groundwater contamination.

Refining and Uses

Fractional distillation separates crude oil into components (gasoline, kerosene, diesel, asphalt) based on boiling point. Fuels are chosen for specific uses based on energy density and combustion efficiency — gasoline/diesel for vehicles, natural gas for heating and electricity, coal primarily for large-scale power plants due to low cost but high pollution.

Environmental & Economic Tradeoffs

Fossil fuels are nonrenewable and unevenly distributed globally, creating geopolitical and economic dependencies. Extraction methods (mining, drilling, fracking) cause habitat destruction, water use, and pollution. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases contributing to climate change, driving interest in cleaner alternatives despite fossil fuels' current affordability and infrastructure advantages.

Key terms

Coal

Fossil fuel mainly used for electricity generation; produces high CO2, sulfur dioxide, and particulate pollution.

Petroleum (oil)

Refined into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel; primarily used for transportation.

Natural gas

Cleaner-burning fossil fuel used for heating and electricity; extraction (fracking) risks methane leaks and water contamination.

Fractional distillation

Process that separates crude oil into components like gasoline and diesel based on boiling point.

Nonrenewable resource

A resource, like fossil fuels, that forms much slower than it is consumed by humans.

Try an AP-style question

Which type of coal has the highest energy content?

1. Anthracite
2. Sub-bituminous
3. Peat
4. Lignite