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How coal is formed?
Accepted Answer
Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock formed from plant matter that has been subjected to the heat and pressure of geologic processes over millions of years. Coal is composed of a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds, primarily carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. It is a valuable fuel source and is used to generate electricity, heat homes and businesses, and power industrial processes. The process of coal formation, known as coalification, involves several stages: peat formation, lignite formation, bituminous coal formation, and anthracite coal formation. Peat is the first stage of coalification and is composed of partially decayed plant matter. Lignite is the next stage and has a higher carbon content and lower moisture content than peat. Bituminous coal is the most common type of coal and has a high carbon content and a lower moisture content than lignite. Anthracite coal is the final stage of coalification and has the highest carbon content and the lowest moisture content of all coal types.
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