Science Common Sense

1401 - What are the formation and properties of fossil fuels?

Formation of Fossil Fuels:

Fossil fuels are made from plants and animals that lived long ago (even millions of years ago!). When these plants and animals died, they were buried and crushed by layers of rocks. Over time, heat and pressure changed them into coal, oil, or natural gas.

Here's how:

1. Plants and animals die and sink to the ocean floor or get buried in the ground.
2. Layers of rocks pile up on top, pressing down on the dead plants and animals.
3. Heat and pressure cook the plants and animals, turning them into a waxy, black substance (oil) or a hard, black rock (coal).
4. Sometimes, the heat and pressure are extreme, turning the plants and animals into a special kind of gas (natural gas).

Properties of Fossil Fuels:

Each type of fossil fuel has its own special properties:

1. Coal: A hard, black rock that burns easily, giving off heat and light.
2. Oil: A thick, black liquid that can be turned into gasoline, diesel fuel, and other important products.
3. Natural Gas: A colorless, odorless gas that's a great source of energy for cooking, heating homes, and powering machines.

Remember, fossil fuels are a finite resource (they can run out!), so we need to use them wisely and explore alternative energy sources.