Science
Fossil fuels.
Definition
Non-renewable energy sources formed from the remains of ancient organisms buried and compressed over millions of years. Coal, oil, and natural gas are the three main fossil fuels, and burning them releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 Coal formed from ancient swamp plants used to generate electricity
- 2 Petroleum (oil) refined into gasoline for vehicles
- 3 Natural gas used for home heating and cooking
Key Fact
Fossil fuels take millions of years to form but are consumed in minutes when burned