Formation of Fossil Fuels

Why are coal, oil and natural gas called fossil fuels?

• All of these sources of energy tap the power of long dead plants and animals.
• Rock like fossils are high in sulfur and other energy producing substances.
• Because they are old-fashioned power sources.
• Because they are generally found in the oldest parts of the Earth.

Burning Fossil Fuels releases energy that originally came from the sun. This statement is true because...

• the sun created fossil fuels
• heat energy can only be produced by the sun.
• fossil fuels come from plant and animal remains
• burning fossil fuels requires the heat of the sun.

Decayed plants and animal remain under pressure and heat for millions of years. What is formed?

• coal and oil
• radiation and solar energy
• hydroelectricity
• electricity and magnetism

Which substance of formed when swamp plants are buried under pressure for a very long time?

• coal
• salt
• water
• wood

Which event began the formation of oil?

• the mixing of sea water with minerals

• the buildup of sea shells

• the eruption of a volcano

• the death of anciet marine (ocean) animals

Which event was needed for the formation of both coal and oil?

• added pressure
• volcanic action
• cool temperature
• glacial formation

Which is the main thing that oil, natural gas and coal are made from?

• minerals from the ocean
• organisms from long ago
• shells from ancient lakes
• rocks from moving glaciers