Question

Which of the following substance is transformed to coal in its early stage?

(a) Animal debris

(b) Bacteria

(c) Vegetable debris

(d) Non-living compounds

The question was asked in an international level competition.

This is a very interesting question from Coal in chapter Fuels and Combustion of Engineering Chemistry II

Answer 1

Correct option is (c) Vegetable debris

To explain I would say: Vegetable debris is formed by the microbial degradation of dead plants. The bacteria act as an agent is the transformation of vegetable debris into coal and animal debris are converted into petroleum products.