The difference Between Coal and Charcoal is their formation. When the remains of plants and animals transform into fossil fuel, it forms coal.
Coal and Charcoal are not pure carbon. They are in the improper states of carbon and are known as ‘carbon compounds.’ People confuse these two compounds, although they are differently formed and used.
Key Takeaways
- Coal is a natural resource formed by decomposing plant matter, whereas charcoal is made from burning wood in a low-oxygen environment.
- Coal has a higher energy content and burns hotter than charcoal, while charcoal burns more cleanly and is used in cooking and grilling.
- Coal is widely used in electricity generation and industrial processes, while charcoal is used primarily in cooking, heating fuel, and producing activated carbon.
Coal vs Charcoal
Coal is a fossil fuel primarily made of carbon, while charcoal is produced by burning wood in a low-oxygen environment. While coal has a higher energy content and burns at a higher temperature, charcoal is considered a more sustainable fuel source with lower environmental impacts.
They appear in amorphous shapes and look similar. But after close observation, it is noticeable that the former is mainly found in combustible black or dark brown rock colours and can vary with different types.
On the contrary, the latter only appears in the porous black colour.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Coal | Charcoal |
|---|---|---|
| Meanings | Coal is a sedimentary rock composed of carbon with many other elements, including sulfur, nitrogen, and hydrogen. | Charcoal is an improper form of carbon acquired by the biased burning of carbonaceous substances in the presence of limited oxygen. |
| Occurrence | It naturally occurs from fossil fuels. | It occurs naturally or artificially from burning carbonaceous materials. |
| Formation | When the remains of plants and animals transform into fossil fuel, it forms coal. | When water and other volatile substances are removed from the carbonic compounds, their left residues form charcoal. |
| Duration | Coal can take centuries to form. | Charcoal can take very little time to form. |
| Mineral | Coal is a mineral which is why it is mined out. | Charcoal is not a mineral, so it does not need mining. |
| Density | Coal is dense than charcoal. | Charcoal is less dense than coal. |
| Permeability | It is less porous than charcoal. | It is more porous than coal. |
| Heat production | It produces more heat as compared to charcoal. | Compared to coal, it produces less heat. |
| Colour Appearance | Its appearance varies with its different types. But it is mainly found in combustible black or dark brown rock colours. | It appears in a porous black colour. |
| Types | Lignite, Anthracite, Peat, Bituminous, and Sub-bituminous are the main types of coal. | Its main types are Common, Lump, Sugar, Briquettes, Activated, Extruded, and Japanese charcoals. |
| Usage | It is used for industrial purposes and heating systems. | It is used for cooking, barbeques, purification, and other domestic purposes. |
| Environmental Impacts | Air Pollution, Displacement of People, etc. | Deformation, Soil Erosion, Desertification, etc. |
What is Coal?
Coal is a fossil fuel produced by decomposed plants, animals below high temperatures, and pressure underneath the Earth’s crust over centuries. It is a natural phenomenon.
Its sedimentary ore consists of carbon with an evident concentration of other elements, including sulfur, nitrogen, and hydrogen.
When the remains of plants and animals transform into fossil fuel, it forms coal. It can take millions of years for that. It is also a mineral, so it is mined out like any other mineral.
It produces more heat as compared to charcoal. It is dense than charcoal and less porous. Lignite, Anthracite, Peat, Bituminous, and Sub-bituminous are its main types.
For industrial purposes and heating systems, it is most useful. Its appearance varies with different types. But it is mainly found in combustible black or dark brown rock colours.
Coal mines can affect their surroundings by creating problems like Air Pollution, Displacement of people.
What is Charcoal?
Charcoal is a black, porous solid acquired by partially combusting wood and other similar substances.
Charcoal is an impure form of carbon obtained by partially burning carbonaceous materials with limited oxygen. It occurs naturally or human-made from burning carbonaceous materials.
After removing water and other volatile substances from the carbonic compounds, their left residues form charcoal. It can take very little time for its formation. It is not a mineral, so it does not need mining.
It is less dense than coal. It is more porous than coal.
Compared to coal, it produces less heat. It appears in a porous black colour. Its main types are common, Lump, Sugar, Briquettes, Activated, Extruded, and Japanese.
It is helpful for cooking, barbeques, purification, and other domestic purposes. It can cause environmental problems such as Deformation, Soil Erosion, Desertification, etc.
Main Differences Between Coal and Charcoal
- Coal naturally occurs from fossil fuels, whereas charcoal appears naturally or human-made from burning carbonaceous materials.
- Coal can take centuries to form. While Charcoal forms quite rapidly.
- When the remains of plants and animals mutate into fossil fuel, it forms coal. Conversely, after removing water and other volatile substances from the carbonic compounds, their left sediments form charcoal.
- The previous is a mineral which is why it is mined out. On the contrary, the succeeding is not a mineral, so it does not need mining.
- The first produces more heat as compared to the second.
- Coal is denser than charcoal.
- Coal is less porous than charcoal.
- The appearance of the former varies with different types. But it is mainly found in combustible black or dark brown rock colours. And the latter appears in a porous black colour.
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15567030802612028
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969804309000736
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2238785419305757
This article has been written by: Supriya Kandekar
Last Updated : 11 June, 2023
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Piyush Yadav has spent the past 25 years working as a physicist in the local community. He is a physicist passionate about making science more accessible to our readers. He holds a BSc in Natural Sciences and Post Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science. You can read more about him on his bio page.
The detailed comparison between coal and charcoal is quite helpful, especially for individuals with little prior knowledge on the subject. It’s a good starting point for learning about these energy sources.
Absolutely, Aaron11. This article effectively demystifies the differences between coal and charcoal.
The explanation of coal as a fossil fuel is very elucidating. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the natural formation and existence of coal.
It certainly is, Bradley Ward. The article does a great job in imparting knowledge on the origin and characteristics of coal.
The difference between coal and charcoal is made crystal clear in this post. I appreciate the succinct yet detailed explanations.
Couldn’t have said it better, Imason. The post is exceptionally informative.
I found the information presented in a very engaging manner, which made it enjoyable to read while learning about the topic.
The comparison table is extremely useful and makes it easy to understand the disparities between coal and charcoal. Great job on that!
I found some parts of the article to be overly descriptive, which could potentially bore some readers. It’s important to maintain a balance between providing information and keeping the reader engaged.
I think the level of detail is appropriate, Ucollins. It helps to clarify any confusion and provides a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
I respectfully disagree, Ucollins. The comprehensive nature of the article is what makes it valuable. It’s better to have too much information than too little, especially when dealing with scientific topics.
The article effectively highlights the environmental impacts of coal and charcoal, shedding light on the importance of considering these ecological aspects.
Agreed, Jking. It’s necessary to create awareness about environmental consequences associated with our energy sources.
The article might benefit from incorporating more real-world examples or case studies to support the provided information, further solidifying its credibility.
I see your point, Sarah14. Employing case studies could certainly enhance the practicality of the content.
This article is really helpful and informative in explaining the difference between coal and charcoal. I appreciate the clear comparison and the detailed descriptions about both.
I agree, Harvey. The article provides a lot of valuable insight into this topic. It’s well-written and thorough.
The environmental implications of both coal and charcoal are effectively emphasized in the article, helping to raise awareness about their impacts. An excellent addition to the content.
I share the same sentiment, Murphy Helena. The environmental perspective adds significant value to the discussion.
The overall organization and structure of the post allow for a seamless understanding of the complex topic. It’s a highly commendable piece of educational content.
I couldn’t agree more, Bclark. The article is meticulously laid out, making it a beneficial read for all audiences.