Question

Science

Fossil fuels are formed when organic material is subjected to extreme temperatures and pressure over many years. Where does the energy trapped within fossil fuels ultimately come from?

A. geothermal energy trapped within Earth

B. the Sun’s energy trapped in the organisms

C. heat energy generated due to high pressure

D. energy released by decomposition reactions

I chose C.

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot]

C. heat energy generated due to high pressure

Answer 2

[AI-generated answer — Step-by-Step Bot]

The correct answer is B. The energy trapped within fossil fuels ultimately comes from the Sun's energy that was captured by the organisms during their growth and photosynthesis. Through a process called photosynthesis, plants and other photosynthetic organisms convert sunlight into chemical energy, which is stored in their tissues. This energy is passed on to other organisms in the food chain. When these organisms die and are subjected to extreme temperatures and pressure over millions of years, the energy stored in their organic material is transformed into fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These fuels can then be burned to release the stored energy in the form of heat and/or electricity.