The first thing, before determining the meaning of the term coal, is to know its etymological origin. In this case, we can establish that it comes from Latin, exactly "carbo", which refers to the black matter that remains as a result after burning the wood.
It is called, therefore, carbon to one fossil substance resulting from the process of decomposition of a material woody . Coal, which is used as gas , is a non-renewable resource : cannot be regenerated or produced to sustain its consumption.
Composed by sulfur , nitrogen , hydrogen , oxygen and other elements, coal emerged mostly in the so-called Carboniferous Period , which ended about 300 million years ago. The geological process that converted organic substances of vegetable type into coal is called carbonization .
Coal development begins with the accumulation of vegetables in marine or swampy regions of low depth. The remains of these plants are deposited at the bottom and, when covered by water, are protected from the air. With the passage of weather Anaerobic bacteria transform substances, which begin to be enriched in carbon and covered with clay and sand.
When used as fuel, coal can be used to produce electric power . Coal is also used in the steel industry and in cement production, for example.
It is known as charcoal to the dark, solid and combustible material that arises from incomplete combustion or distillation of plant and wood waste. It is a substance with a high percentage of carbon.
In the same way, we cannot ignore that there is also what is called activated carbon or activated carbon. It is a highly crystalline and porous material that is used both to purify drinking water and to purify glycerin by shaping gas masks.
The process to obtain this material is carried out using materials such as coconut husk, palm trees, nuts or wood. These are then subjected to two types of procedures such as thermal activation and chemical activation.
He animal coal , on the other hand, is obtained from a process similar to that of charcoal, but from bones of animals . In this case, the percentage of carbon is lower. Animal charcoal is used as a bleach.
In the same way, within the field of gastronomy, and more specifically of pastry, there is what is known as sweet coal. It is a very typical sweet of the Christmas holidays in Spain. Yes, because it is considered to be the present that the Magi leave, instead of good gifts, to children who have not behaved well during the year.
Visually it looks like mineral coal because it is black, has a hard consistency and its appearance is rocky. It is very rich in sugar and is obtained from this and water.
