Page 210 - ICSE Chemistry 8
P. 210
Anthracite: Anthracite is the fi nal stage of coal forma on. This is formed when bituminous coal remains in
the earth for a long me and is subjected to extreme pressure. This is also called hard coal and contains
over 90–95% of carbon. Anthracite burns with very li le smoke and for a longer me than bituminous
coal.
The higher the carbon content of coal, the higher is its calorifi c value. Hence, the calorifi c value of
anthracite is maximum and that of peat is the least.
Uses of Coal
• Coal is used as a domes c and industrial fuel.
• Destruc ve dis lla on of coal produces coke, coal gas, coal tar and ammonia solu on.
• It is used to manufacture synthe c petroleum.
• It is a source of various organic compounds like benzene, naphthalene, aniline and phenol.
• Coal is used to manufacture some fer lisers, drugs, synthe c tex le and perfumes.
Destructive Distillation of Coal
When coal is heated strongly in the absence of air it produces coke (destruc ve dis lla on), coal gas, coal
tar and ammonia solu on.
destruc ve dis lla on
Coal Coke + Coal gas + Coal tar + Ammonia solu on
Coke is a tough, porous and black solid. It contains about 98% carbon and is used to manufacture steel
and to extract many metals from their ores.
Coal gas is a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and methane. It burns with a bluish fl ame when
ignited. It is used as a household and industrial fuel.
Coal tar is a foul-smelling, thick black liquid. It is used for making dyes, drugs, explosives, etc.
Ammonia solu on which is ammonium hydroxide is used for making fer lisers such as ammonium
sulphate, ammonium superphosphate, etc.
Take a Break!
Answer orally.
1. How is coal formed?
2. What are the four varie es of coal?
3. How is peat diff erent from anthracite?
4. What are the uses of coal?
5. What is the diff erence between coal gas and coal tar?
CARBON DIOXIDE
Carbon dioxide (CO ) is a colourless gas that cons tutes about 0.04% of air by volume. It is present in the
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earth’s atmosphere at a low concentra on and acts as a greenhouse gas. It acts as a major component of the
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