Understanding the Difference Between Coal and Charcoal for 9 Year Olds

What is Coal?

Coal is a natural mineral that is found deep in the ground. It is made from plants that lived a long, long time ago. Over millions of years, these plants got buried and changed into coal because of pressure and heat. People use coal to make electricity and to heat their homes.

What is Charcoal?

Charcoal, on the other hand, is made by heating wood in a way that doesn't allow it to burn completely. This process is called pyrolysis. It removes water and gases from the wood, leaving behind a black chunk that burns hot and clean. People often use charcoal for grilling food because it makes a nice smoky flavor.

Key Differences

• Source: Coal is a fossil fuel made from plants over millions of years, while charcoal is made by burning wood in a special way.
• Uses: Coal is mostly used for energy and electricity, while charcoal is mainly used for cooking and barbecuing.
• Burning: When coal burns, it creates a lot of smoke and can be dirty, but charcoal burns cleaner and produces less smoke.

Conclusion

So, in summary, coal comes from the earth and is used for power, while charcoal is made from wood and is great for cooking delicious meals!