question_answer

What are the four types of coal? Write one main characteristic of each.                                          [Delhi 2006]

Answer:

Four types of coal are:

(i) Anthracite,

(ii) Bituminous,

(iii) Lignite,

(iv) Peat.

Characteristics

(i) Anthracite: Contains more than 80% of Carbon/It is hard, black and compact/Gives more heat

(ii) Bituminous: It contains 60% to 80% of carbon. It is widely used.

(iii) Lignite: It contains about 60% of carbon. It is low quality coal and is known as 'brown coal?.

(iv) Peat: It contains less than 60% of carbon. It burns like wood. Gives more smoke. Gives less heat.