Coal and coke are materials derived from carbon-rich substances. However, they have different origins and purposes. Coal is a mixture of organic compounds, including hydrocarbons, oxygen, and nitrogen, whereas coke is mainly carbon with a small amount of ash and trace impurities.
What is the difference between coal and coke? Coal has more impurities and burns with a flame, while coke is purer carbon, burns hotter with little flame, and releases less pollution.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Coal
– Definition, Features
2. What is Coke
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Coal and Coke
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Coal and Coke
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Coal and Coke
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Coal, Coke
What is Coal
Coal is a fossil fuel formed over millions of years from the compressed remains of ancient plants. In appearance, it is a black or brownish-black rock. Coalification is the process of formation of coal. The degree of coalification determines the type of coal and its chemical composition. Here are some types of coal.
Anthracite: The highest rank, hardest and densest coal, with 86-98% carbon content
Bituminous Coal: The most abundant type, containing 69-86% carbon
Sub-bituminous Coal: Lower carbon content (less than 69%) and higher moisture content than bituminous coal
Lignite: The lowest rank coal, with the least amount of carbonization (40-70% carbon) and the highest moisture content.
Burning of coal results in combustion reactions, with oxygen releasing high heat energy. This reaction produces water vapour and carbon dioxide. But depending on the pollutants present, this reaction can also give off sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. Coal ash having minerals and unburned carbon is left over after this reaction.
There are many uses of coal. Coal is mainly used in power plants. Here, coal is burnt and steam is generated, which is used to turn turbines to produce electricity. It is also used in many industries such as the steel production industry, cement industry, and paper industry.
What is Coke
Coke is a man-made product. It is a grey, hard, and porous fuel made by heating coal in the absence of air. This process removes volatile components like methane and water, leaving behind a concentrated carbon residue that burns hotter and cleaner than coal. Coke burns much hotter and cleaner, which makes it a valuable material to be used in the steel industry. Here, coke serves as a fuel that helps to convert iron ore into molten metal. Apart from the use of coke in the above processes, it is also used in specialized stoves and forges to provide the needed power to shape metals into different forms.
Coke’s high carbon content and its specific arrangement are what make it a valuable industrial fuel. Carbon burns efficiently, releasing a significant amount of heat. The porous structure of coke also allows for good airflow, further enhancing its burning efficiency. Compared to coal, coke produces less smoke and pollutants during combustion. Though there are many benefits of coke, it also has some harmful effects. In fact, the coking process releases harmful pollutants.
Similarities Between Coal and Coke
- Coal and coke are fossil fuels.
- Both coal and coke are predominantly carbon-based.
- Both are combustible.
- Coke is a manufactured product derived from coal.
Difference Between Coal and Coke
Definition
- Coal is a fossil fuel formed over millions of years from the compressed remains of ancient plants, while coke is a grey, hard, and porous fuel made by heating coal in the absence of air.
Composition
- Coal is a mixture of organic compounds, including hydrocarbons, oxygen, and nitrogen, whereas coke is mainly carbon with a small amount of ash and trace impurities.
Amount of Carbon
- Coal contains variable amounts of carbon, but coke has a higher and more consistent amount of carbon.
Nature
- While coal is a natural resource, coke is a man-made product.
Burning
- Coal burns with a flame due to the presence of volatile hydrocarbons, whereas coke burns with intense heat but little to no flame because of the reduced volatile content.
Pollution
- Compared to coal, coke produces less smoke and pollutants during combustion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both coal and coke are carbon-rich fuels, but coal is a natural resource, while coke is a refined product made from heating coal. Coal has more impurities and burns with a flame, while coke is purer carbon, burns hotter with little flame, and releases less pollution.
FAQ: Coal and Coke
1. Does coke burn hotter than coal?
Yes, coke burns hotter and cleaner than coal. This is because coke has almost no impurities compared to coal and it’s almost pure carbon. This property makes coke a valuable material to be used in the steel industry.
2. How is coal formed?
Coal is formed from the compressed remains of ancient plants. These plants are buried under layers of rock and dirt over millions of years. The resultant pressure and heat slowly turn these plant parts into coal.
3. Is coke better than coal?
Compared to coal, coke is a more efficient fuel, releasing more heat per unit mass when combusted. In addition, coke burns hotter and cleaner than coal.
4. Is coke a cleaner fuel than coal?
Yes, coke is a cleaner burning fuel than coal. Its production process removes impurities, which makes it purer carbon. This results in coke burning hotter with less smoke and pollutants.
5. Is coke a fossil fuel?
Coke is a processed form of fossil fuel. Made by heating coal, it’s mostly carbon, ideal for high-heat industrial processes like steel production. So, while not the original fossil fuel, it’s derived from one.
Reference:
1. “Coke (Fuel).” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Coal Fossil Fuel.” Encyclopedia Britannica.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Bituminous Coal” By Amcyrus2012 – Own work (CC BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Koks Brennstoff” By Stahlkocher – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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