How do fossil fuels play a role in the carbon cycle? (1 point)
• Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.
O Fossil fuels require a lot of carbon to burn, which releases carbon into the atmosphere.
Fossil fuels require a lot of carbon to burn, which takes carbon out of the atmosphere.
O Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them returns carbon to the soil.
• Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.
The correct answer is: Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.
The correct answer is: Fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.
Fossil fuels play a significant role in the carbon cycle as they are derived from ancient organic matter, such as plants and animals, that accumulated and were buried millions of years ago. Over time, the heat and pressure transformed these remains into fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, which are composed mainly of carbon.
When fossil fuels are burned for energy, such as in power plants, vehicles, or industries, the carbon stored in them is released into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. This combustion process combines the carbon in the fuel with oxygen from the air, producing energy and emitting CO2 as a byproduct.
This release of carbon into the atmosphere contributes to the increasing levels of carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas. Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to climate change and global warming.
So, the correct statement is that fossil fuels are rich in carbon, and burning them releases carbon into the atmosphere.