Fossil Fuels
Liam Thomas
7 min read
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Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers fossil fuels, including their formation (coal, oil, natural gas), the process of combustion, and the environmental impacts of fossil fuel use. It also discusses hydraulic fracturing (fracking), its process and risks. The guide emphasizes the connection between fossil fuels, air pollution, climate change, and resource depletion, and provides practice questions for the AP Environmental Science exam.
#⛽ Fossil Fuels: Your AP Environmental Science Fuel-Up! 🚀
Hey there, future AP Environmental Science superstar! Let's dive into fossil fuels, a major player in our energy game. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, especially the night before the exam. We'll break down the key concepts, highlight important connections, and make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace it!
#1. What are Fossil Fuels?
Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources formed from the remains of ancient organisms. They're a HUGE part of our energy mix, but also a major source of environmental problems.
- Non-renewable: They take millions of years to form, so we can't just make more. ⏳
- Main Types:
- Coal: Formed from ancient plant matter. Think swampy forests turned into rock! 🌿
- Oil (Petroleum): Formed from ancient aquatic organisms. Tiny sea creatures to power our cars! 🐠
- Natural Gas: Mostly methane (CH4), also formed from ancient organic matter. Often found alongside oil deposits. 💨
#1.1. How They Formed
- Coal: Decomposed plant buildup over millions of years. (Carbon, hydrogen, and water)
- Oil: Heat and pressure on aquatic organisms over millions of years. (Carbon and hydrogen)
- Natural Gas: Organic matter trapped under sedimentary layers. (Mostly methane - CH4)
#2. Combustion of Fossil Fuels
Combustion is a chemical reaction that releases energy. It's a core concept for understanding fossil fuel impacts.
- Combustion: Fuel + Oxygen → Heat + Light + Chemicals. 🔥
- Complete Combustion: Ideal scenario, produces non-toxic water vapor and heat.
- Incomplete Combustion: More common, produces pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO) and soot.
#2.1. Combustion Equations
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Natural Gas Combustion:
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