What is the difference between coal and coke?
Quick Answer
The basic difference between coal and coke is that coal is the natural source and coke is the derivative product produced by destructive distillation. Both are used as fuel, but coke contains a higher carbon content and few impurities. Coke is also used during iron ore smelting as a reducing agent.
Continue ReadingFull Answer
Coal is a naturally-found fossil fuel that is formed by the anaerobic decay of plant life taking place over millions of years. The energy released when the fuel is burned comes from the initial solar energy that remains stored in the hydrocarbons contained in coal. Coke is what remains when the impurities in coal, such as coal-tar and coal-gas, are removed by high temperatures in an oxygen-free furnace. The absence of oxygen during the process prevents the coal from burning. Unlike coal, coke can be burned with little or no smoke.
Learn more about GeologyRelated Questions
-
Q:
What is the hardness of coal on the Mohs hardness scale?
A: Due to the wide variety in the composition of coal, its position on the Mohs hardness would vary based on the type of coal that is measured. However, becau... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are the uses of coal?
A: According to the World Coal Association, the primary uses of coal are in electricity generation, the creation of liquid fuel, the production of steel and c... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are some facts about coal?
A: Among the numerous notable facts about coal is that the United States has the most coal reserves of any other country, as of 2015. Furthermore, coal is sti... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What are10 natural resources?
A: There are numerous natural resources in the world, but 10 of the most important are fossil fuels, which include petroleum, coal and natural gas; minerals, ... Full Answer >Filed Under:
