What is coal used for (what is the difference between energy and electricity)?
Coal is a fossil fuel that has multiple uses, primarily as a source of energy production. It is commonly used for:
1. Electricity generation: Coal is burned in power plants to heat water and produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.
2. Heating and cooking: In some countries, especially in developing regions, coal is used as a fuel for residential and commercial heating and cooking applications.
3. Industrial processes: Coal is used in various industries such as steel production, cement manufacturing, paper production, and chemical processing.
Regarding the difference between energy and electricity:
Energy: Energy is a broad concept that refers to the capacity to do work or produce heat. It exists in several forms, including thermal energy (heat), chemical energy, mechanical energy, electrical energy, etc. Energy can be converted from one form to another.
Electricity: Electricity is a specific form of energy resulting from the movement of charged particles, typically electrons, through a conductor. It is a secondary energy source, as it is derived from other primary sources like coal, natural gas, solar energy, wind power, etc. Electricity is widely used for lighting, operating appliances, powering machinery, and many other applications.