Fossil Fuel - GCSE Chemistry Definition

Fossil fuels are natural substances that form over millions of years from the remains of dead plants and animals buried under layers of rock and soil. The most common fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas. These fuels are rich in carbon and hydrogen, and when burned, they release energy. This energy is used for heating our homes, powering cars, and generating electricity. However, burning fossil fuels also produces carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. Because fossil fuels are finite resources that take millions of years to form, they are considered non-renewable energy sources.