03. Class 8 Science Chapter 3 Coal and Petroleum Notes for CBSE

Welcome to Class 8 Science Chapter 3 Coal and Petroleum Notes for CBSE.

COAL AND PETROLEUM

Introduction

Welcome to the fascinating world of science as we dive into “Class 8 Science Chapter 3: Coal and Petroleum.” In this chapter, we explore the incredible journey of fossil fuels, particularly coal and petroleum, which have played a significant role in shaping our modern world. Fossil fuels are not just sources of energy; they hold a captivating geological history and raise crucial questions about sustainability and environmental impact. Join us on this educational journey as we uncover the story of these invaluable resources and learn how to use them wisely.

Inexhaustible Natural Resources

• These resources are present in unlimited quantity in nature.
• Not likely to be exhausted by human activities.
• Examples: Sunlight, Air.

Exhaustible Natural Resources

• The amount of these resources in nature is limited.
• Can be exhausted by human activities.
• Examples of these resources are Forests, Wildlife, Minerals, Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas, etc.

Story of Coal

• About 300 million years ago, the earth had dense forests in low-lying wetland areas.
• Due to natural processes like flooding, these forests got buried under the soil.
• As more soil deposited over them, they were compressed.
• The temperature also rose as they sank deeper and deeper.
• Under high pressure and high temperature, dead plants got slowly converted to Coal.
• Since it was formed from the remains of vegetation, coal is also called a Fossil Fuel.

Coal Gas

• Obtained during the processing of coal to get coke.
• Used for street lighting for the first time in London in 1810.
• Used as a source of heat rather than light nowadays.

Coke

• A tough, porous, and black substance.
• Almost pure form of carbon.
• Used in the manufacture of steel and in the extraction of many metals.

Coal Tar

• A black, thick liquid with an unpleasant smell.
• A mixture of about 200 substances.
• Products obtained from Coal Tar are used as starting materials for manufacturing various substances used in everyday life and in industry.

Petroleum

• Petrol used as a fuel in light automobiles like motorcycles/scooters and cars.
• Diesel used for heavy motor vehicles like trucks and tractors.
• Petrol and Diesel obtained from a natural resource called Petroleum.
• Petroleum was formed from organisms living in the sea.

Refining of Petroleum

• Petroleum is a dark oily liquid, a mixture of various constituents such as Petroleum Gas, Petrol, Diesel, Lubricating Oil, Paraffin Wax, etc.
• The process of separating the various constituents/fractions of Petroleum is known as Refining.

Natural Gas

• A very important Fossil Fuel, easy to transport through pipes.
• Stored under high pressure as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
• Used for power generation and as a fuel for transport vehicles.
• Natural Gas is cleaner and less polluting.

Some Natural Resources are Limited

• Coal and Petroleum resources are limited.
• Known reserves will last only a few hundred years.
• Burning of Fossil Fuels is a major cause of air pollution.
• Use these fuels judiciously to ensure their availability for a longer period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Class 8 Science Chapter 3: Coal and Petroleum” has taken us on a remarkable journey through the origins, properties, and uses of two of the world’s most vital resources. We’ve delved into the history of coal and petroleum, exploring their formation from ancient organic matter, their extraction, and their applications in our daily lives. But, we’ve also learned about the finite nature of these resources and their environmental impact, emphasizing the need for sustainable consumption and the exploration of alternative energy sources. As future stewards of our planet, it’s essential to use this knowledge responsibly, ensuring a better and cleaner world for generations to come.

Keywords and Definitions

Important Definitions for Class 8 Science Chapter 3 Coal and Petroleum Notes for CBSE.

1. Fossil Fuels:

• Definition: Fossil fuels are natural resources derived from the ancient remains of plants and organisms. They include coal, petroleum, and natural gas and are primarily used as sources of energy worldwide.

2. Sustainability:

• Definition: Sustainability refers to the responsible use of resources to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. It’s a key concept in environmental conservation and resource management.

3. Geological History:

• Definition: Geological history refers to the study of Earth’s past, focusing on the formation of geological features, rock layers, and the development of natural resources like coal and petroleum over millions of years.

4. Environmental Impact:

• Definition: Environmental impact signifies the effects of human activities on the environment. In the context of fossil fuels, it refers to the consequences of extracting and burning these resources, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and habitat disruption.

5. Alternative Energy Sources:

• Definition: Alternative energy sources are energy options other than fossil fuels, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, and nuclear power. These sources are considered more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

6. Resource Management:

• Definition: Resource management involves the planning and control of natural resources to ensure their sustainable use and conservation. It aims to balance resource extraction with environmental preservation.

7. Sustainability Education:

• Definition: Sustainability education is the process of teaching individuals about environmental and ecological issues, encouraging responsible resource use, and fostering awareness of sustainability’s importance in our world.

8. Energy Conservation:

• Definition: Energy conservation refers to the practice of reducing energy consumption by using resources more efficiently and adopting technologies and behaviors that minimize energy waste.

9. Natural Resource Classification:

• Definition: Natural resource classification is the categorization of resources, such as fossil fuels, into groups based on their availability and renewability, like inexhaustible and exhaustible natural resources.

10. Environmental Stewardship:

Definition: Environmental stewardship is the responsible management and care of the environment to protect and preserve natural resources for current and future generations.

Recap and Questions

Important Questions and Answers for Class 8 Science Chapter 3 Coal and Petroleum Notes for CBSE.

FAQs:

Q1. What are fossil fuels?

A1. Fossil fuels are natural resources formed from ancient organic matter, such as plants and organisms. They include coal, petroleum, and natural gas and serve as primary sources of energy.

Q2. How was coal formed?

A2. Coal was formed over millions of years from dense forests in low-lying wetland areas. The buried organic matter was compressed and underwent a slow process called carbonization.

Q3. What are the applications of coal?

A3. Coal is used for cooking, in thermal power plants to generate electricity, and as a fuel in various industries, including the production of steel.

Q4. What is petroleum, and how is it formed?

A4. Petroleum is a fossil fuel derived from the remains of organisms living in the sea. It was formed as the organic matter settled at the bottom of the sea, covered by layers of sediment.

Q5. How is natural gas different from coal and petroleum?

A5. Natural gas is a cleaner-burning fossil fuel stored under high pressure as compressed natural gas (CNG). It’s primarily used for power generation and as a fuel for transport vehicles.

Q6. Why are fossil fuels considered exhaustible resources?

A6. Fossil fuels are exhaustible because they have finite reserves, and the extraction and combustion of these resources are linked to environmental issues like pollution and global warming.

Q7. What is environmental impact in the context of fossil fuels?

A7. Environmental impact refers to the consequences of using fossil fuels, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, habitat disruption, and their long-term effect on the environment.

Q8. How can we ensure the sustainable use of fossil fuels?

A8. Sustainable use of fossil fuels can be achieved through responsible consumption, energy conservation, and the exploration of alternative, more environmentally friendly energy sources.

Q9. What is sustainability education?

A9. Sustainability education involves teaching individuals about ecological issues, responsible resource use, and the importance of balancing our needs with environmental preservation.

Q10. Why is environmental stewardship important in resource management?

A10. Environmental stewardship is crucial in resource management as it ensures the responsible care of the environment and the preservation of natural resources for current and future generations.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What are fossil fuels primarily composed of?

• a) Water
• b) Air
• c) Dead organisms
• d) Rocks
• Answer: c) Dead organisms

2. Which of the following is an example of an inexhaustible natural resource?

• a) Coal
• b) Sunlight
• c) Petroleum
• d) Natural gas
• Answer: b) Sunlight

3. What is the process of converting dead vegetation into coal called?

• a) Fossilization
• b) Carbonization
• c) Petrification
• d) Liquefaction
• Answer: b) Carbonization

4. What is the main constituent of coal?

• a) Hydrogen
• b) Oxygen
• c) Carbon
• d) Nitrogen
• Answer: c) Carbon

5. Which petroleum product is used for road surfacing?

• a) Diesel
• b) Petrol
• c) Lubricating oil
• d) Bitumen
• Answer: d) Bitumen

6. What is the process of separating different constituents from petroleum called?

• a) Distillation
• b) Combustion
• c) Oxidation
• d) Vaporization Answer: a) Distillation

7. Which of the following is a cleaner fuel for vehicles?

• a) Diesel
• b) Natural gas
• c) Coal
• d) Kerosene
• Answer: b) Natural gas

8. What term is used for the network of pipelines that supply natural gas to homes and factories?

• a) Gasoline
• b) Petrochemical
• c) CNG
• d) PNG
• Answer: d) PNG

9. Which fossil fuel is known as “black gold” due to its commercial importance?

• a) Coal
• b) Natural gas
• c) Petroleum
• d) Diesel
• Answer: c) Petroleum

10. Why are coal and petroleum considered exhaustible natural resources?

• a) Because they are easy to extract
• b) Because their reserves are unlimited
• c) Because they are finite and deplete over time
• d) Because they are not used for energy production
• Answer: c) Because they are finite and deplete over time

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This was the end of Class 8 Science Chapter 3 Coal and Petroleum Notes for CBSE.

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