Difference Between Coal and Charcoal

Coal and Charcoal are not pure carbon. They are in the improper states of carbon and are known as ‘carbon compounds.’ People always confuse these two compounds, although they are differently formed and used. 

Coal vs Charcoal

The main difference Between Coal and Charcoal is their formation. When the remains of plants and animals transform into fossil fuel, it forms coal. And charcoal is formed by the left residues when water and other volatile substance removes from the carbonic compounds. The first naturally occur and can take millions of years for its formation. The second can take very little time to form and occurs either naturally or human-made. 

They appear in amorphous shapes and look similar. But after close observation, it is noticeable that the former is mainly found in combustible black or dark brown rock colors and can vary with different types. On the contrary, the latter only appears in the porous black color.

Comparison Table Between Coal and Charcoal

What is Coal?

Coal is a fossil fuel produced by decomposed plants, animals below high temperature, and pressure underneath the Earth’s crust over centuries. It is a natural phenomenon. Its sedimentary ore consists of carbon with an evident concentration of other elements, including sulfur, nitrogen, and hydrogen. 

When the remains of plants and animals transform into fossil fuel, it forms coal. It can take millions of years for that. It is also a mineral that is why it is mined-out like any other mineral. It produces more heat as compared to charcoal. It is more dense than charcoal and is less porous. Lignite, Anthracite, Peat, Bituminous, and Sub-bituminous are its main types.

For industrial purposes and heating systems, it is most useful. Its appearance varies with different types. But it is mainly found in combustible black or dark brown rock colors. Coal mines can affect its surroundings by creating problems like Air Pollution, Displacement of people.

What is Charcoal? 

Charcoal is a black, porous solid acquired by the partial combustion of wood and other similar substances. Charcoal is an impure form of carbon obtained by the partial burning of carbonaceous materials in the presence of limited oxygen. It occurs naturally or human-made from burning the carbonaceous materials.

After removing water and other volatile substances from the carbonic compounds, their left residues form charcoal. It can take very little time for its formation. It is not a mineral, so it does not need mining. It is less dense than coal. It is more porous than coal.

As compared to coal, it produces less heat. It appears in a porous black color. Common, Lump, Sugar, Briquettes, Activated,  Extruded, and Japanese are its main types. It is useful for cooking, barbeques, purification, and other domestic purposes. It can cause environmental problems such as Deformation, Soil Erosion, Desertification, etc. 

Main Differences Between Coal and Charcoal

Conclusion 

Despite the similarities between coal and charcoal, many differences range from occurrence to environmental impacts. Coal can cause Air Pollution, Displacement of People, etc., whereas charcoal can cause problems like Deformation, Soil Erosion, Desertification, etc.

When the remains of plants and animals transform into fossil fuel, it forms coal. Conversely, after removing water and other volatile elements from the carbonic compounds, their left sediments form charcoal. The first is useful for manufacturing prospects and heating practices. The second is helpful for cooking, barbeques, purification, and other domestic purposes. 

References

This Article has been written by: Supriya Kandekar

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