Coal

Coal is a special kind of rock that looks black or dark brown. It is called a fossil fuel because it comes from old plants that lived a very long time ago. These plants grew in wet forests, then turned into coal after millions of years under heat and pressure.

People use coal to make electricity. It burns very well and gives off a lot of energy. In fact, coal helps light up many homes around the world! Some factories also use coal to make strong metals like iron and steel.

Coal can be found deep underground or sometimes close to the surface. Big machines dig it up from places called mines. Countries such as China, India, Indonesia, and Australia dig up lots of coal and share it with other parts of the world.

Even though coal is useful, people are learning new ways to use cleaner energy. This helps keep our air and water safe. Many places are trying to use less coal and more sunshine, wind, and other friendly energy sources.

Coal has been important for a very long time. It helped power big machines during a time called the Industrial Revolution and still plays a big role in our world today.