Question

The purest form of coal is 

A. Peat

B. Anthracite

C. Ignite

D. Bituminous

Answer 1

Hint: It has a carbon content of 80-95%. Often referred to as hard coal, it is a compact variety of coal that has a submetallic luster. The coal with the highest carbon content is the best and cleanest type of coal of use.

Complete answer:

Anthracite is the purest form of coal, having the highest degree of coalification, the highest carbon count and energy content and the fewest impurities. Anthracite contains nearly 95% of carbon and it's the purest form of coal than any other options.

Let us go through the process in depth,

The mineral matter content of coal is initially determined in the sedimentary environment of deposition. If the peat is subject to frequent flooding from adjacent rivers or distributary channels, it contains a lot of mineral matter carried in by moving water. Pure coal would be coal containing very little mineral matter. Anthracite coal is the hardest and contains the most BTU'S, there are some expectations but anthracite is usually the coal that is considered as the purest. It is often subdivided into semi-anthracite, anthracite and meta-anthracite on the basis of carbon content. Coke is then used as a high-carbon fuel for metal processing and other uses where an especially hot-burning flame is needed. Coal is also used in manufacturing. If coal is heated the gases, tars and residues produced can be used in a number of manufacturing processes.

Bituminous coal contains a lower percentage of carbon (45-85%).

Lignite has a carbon content of only 25-35%.

Peat has a carbon content of less than 60%.

So, the purest form of coal is Anthracite. Hence option (B) is correct.

Note: Coal can also be converted into liquid and gaseous fuels, however, these fuels of coal are mainly experimental and are done on a small scale. Remember that anthracite is the highest rank coal.