Question:
Write the characteristics and some important uses of coal.
Solution:
Characteristics of coal are as follows:
(i) It is a hard, black combustible fuel.
(ii) It is a fossil fuel.
(iii) It mainly contains carbon.
(iv) When heated in air, it burns and produces mainly carbon dioxide gas.
(v) It is a source of energy.
Some important uses of coal are as follows:
(i) It is used as a fuel in homes and industry and at thermal power plants for generating electricity.
(ii) It is used to make coal gas and coke.