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Natural gas

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Energy Kids - Natural Gas. File Scrub 1 ::::: EE ... natural_gas_home-basics Natural Gas Basics How was natural gas formed?

Energy Kids - Natural Gas

The main ingredient in natural gas is methane, a gas (or compound) composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. Millions of years ago, the remains of plants and animals (diatoms) decayed and built up in thick layers. This decayed matter from plants and animals is called organic material — it was once alive. In some places, gas escapes from small gaps in the rocks into the air; then, if there is enough activation energy from lightning or a fire, it burns. How do we get natural gas?

Operators preparing a hole for the explosive charges used in seismic exploration The search for natural gas begins with geologists, who study the structure and processes of the Earth. Today, geologists' tools include seismic surveys that are used to find the right places to drill wells. Scientists and engineers explore a chosen area by studying rock samples from the earth and taking measurements. Fossil Fuels. Fossil fuels: Energy from fossilised organic materials Custom Search How it works: Coal is crushed to a fine dust and burnt.

Fossil Fuels

Oil and gas can be burnt directly. The main bit to remember: More: More details on 'clean coal technology' from BBC News web site... Other fossil fuels are being investigated, such as bituminous sands and oil shale. As far as we know, there is still a lot of oil in the ground. Find out more at www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/canada.html Disadvantages Basically, the main drawback of fossil fuels is pollution. Natural Gas Pros and Cons. From sea to shining sea, natural gas has made the news more than Britney Spears and Justin Beiber combined.

Natural Gas Pros and Cons

Seriously, I did the Google Fight. With all this press and all the signs calling for its ban on every corner in my neighborhood, I had to do my research. Yes, I know I said I would keep away from writing about subjects that have the potential to put me in the hot seat, but I have to do what I have to do. The natural gas industry has made a lot of claims about the substance. They say that it’s the answer to all of our energy needs and that it’s the new clean answer to coal and petroleum. Pros Natural Gas produces 21% of the worlds powerNatural Gas is now the number one power source in America beating coal for the first time in July 2012Natural Gas produces little soot, verifying the clean-burning claimEmits 45% less CO2 than coal and 35% less CO2 than oilThere is an abundant supply.

Cons A non-renewable resource. Natural Gas: Pros and Cons. There is no perfect energy source.

Natural Gas: Pros and Cons

Each and every one has its own advantages and compromises. This series will explore the pros and cons of various energy sources. Learn about other forms of energy generation here. Natural gas has been in the news a lot lately, being hailed as the solution to our energy problems on the one hand, and a potential environmental nightmare on the other. Let’s try to sort out the reality behind this old friend with a new face. Widely used, contributes 21% of the world’s energy production todayDelivery infrastructure already existsEnd use appliances already widespreadUsed extensively for power generation as well as heatCleanest of all the fossil fuelsBurns quite efficientlyEmits 45% less CO2 than coalEmits 30% less CO2 than oilAbundant supply in the US. The relatively even number of pros and cons shows that this is not an easy choice. What about other energy sources? [Image credit: Suncor energy: Flickr Creative Commons]