Coal formation begins with the decay of plants and animals in the absence of oxygen. Bacteria release oxygen and hydrogen and concentrate carbon. Impurities are removed over time, and the weight of sediment compresses the matter, leaving a material with a very high carbon concentration.
Most coal was formed about 300 million years ago. During this time, Earth was primarily covered by swamps. Dying plants and trees sank into these swamps. As the climate changed and swamps dried up, rivers and streams deposited sediment on top of these remains, creating large coal beds. Coal production continues in swampy areas of Earth, with a completion date millions of years in the future.Learn More
Methane is a simple hydrocarbon with the chemical formula CH4. The molecule is structured as a single atom of carbon surrounded by four atoms of hydrogen. The hydrogen atoms radiate out from the center of the molecule.Full Answer >
To calculate the mass number of a specific element, find the number of protons and the number of neutrons that element has. Then, add them together. A periodic table of elements is needed to complete this task.Full Answer >
The balanced equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight energy = C6H12O6 + 6O2 Photosynthesis can be represented using a chemical equation: Carbon dioxide + water + light energy gives a carbohydrate + oxygen.Full Answer >
When bleach and baking soda are mixed, the cleaning properties of both are improved. For instance, when both baking soda and chlorine bleach are used on dirty laundry, the clothes come out cleaner and fresher. This happens when only 1/2 cup of baking soda is added to a typical laundry load with bleach.Full Answer >