Fossil Fuels
Class 6 Science · Chapter 11: Nature's Treasures · NCERT Curiosity section 11.6
Learn
Coal, petroleum and natural gas are called fossil fuels. They formed from the remains of plants and animals that were buried under the ground millions of years ago and slowly changed by heat and pressure.
We use them a lot: petrol and diesel run vehicles, coal is burned in power plants to make electricity, and LPG (from petroleum) is used for cooking. Plastics are made from petroleum too.
Fossil fuels take millions of years to form, so once used up they are gone: they are non-renewable. Burning them also pollutes the air. So we should use them carefully and shift to sunlight, wind and water power.
Explore: made from fossil fuels?
- Sort each one.
Remember
- Coal, petroleum and natural gas are fossil fuels formed over millions of years.
- They are non-renewable and polluting, so we must use them wisely.
Quick check
Why are fossil fuels called non-renewable?
- They take millions of years to form
- They are found everywhere
- They can be made in a day
- They never get used up
Answer
They take millions of years to form. Once used, they cannot be replaced in our lifetime.
Think about it
List two ways your family could use less petrol or electricity from coal.
One answer
Examples: walk or cycle for short trips; share rides or use buses; switch off lights and fans when not needed; use LED bulbs; dry clothes in the sun instead of a dryer.
Practice
Practise with fresh questions at three levels (easy, medium, hard), some answered hands-on, with hints and worked answers. Get 4 of your last 5 right to finish the topic.