question_answer

Which is the most abundantly available fossil fuel in India? What are its three major forms?  Write main features of each form.                                                                                                                           [AI 2008]

Answer:

The most abundantly available fossil fuel in India is coal. The three major forms of coal are (i) Lignite, (ii) Bituminous and (iii) Anthracite.

(i) Lignite is a low grade brown coal, which is soft with high moisture content.

(ii) Bituminous is the most popular coal used for commercial purposes mainly for smelting of Iron. It is found deep under the earth with high temperatures.

(iii) Anthracite is the highest quality hard coal.