A fuel is a substance that when burnt releases energy. Usually as heat and light energy.Fossil fuels are made from the remains of dead prehistoric animals and plants. These have taken millions of years to be made.
The three main fossil fuels are coal, oil and natural gas. These can be used in power stations to make electricity.
When fossil fuels are burnt a chemical reaction takes place. The fuel reacts with oxygen from the air.
The word equation is;
Fuel + oxygen = carbon dioxide + water (+ energy)
Fossil fuels also contain other substances like sulphur (an impurity). When the sulphur is burnt with the fossil fuel a gas called sulphur dioixde is made.
Look at the other pages to find out what effect carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide have on the
environment.
Photos from,
www.vernoparkard.com/item14554.ctlg
www.rothermuhle.com/gas.html
