Final answer:
Fossil fuels release stored chemical energy as heat when burned, transforming their matter into CO₂ and H₂O while obeying the law of conservation of energy. The process contributes to global CO₂ emissions, prompting interest in renewable energy sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are burned, the matter and energy stored within them undergo a transformation. According to the law of conservation of energy, energy is not destroyed but converted from one form to another. In the case of fossil fuels, the chemical energy that was initially derived from sunlight and stored in organic matter through photosynthesis over millions of years is released as heat energy when these fuels combust with oxygen.
The process of combustion results in chemical reactions that transform the carbon and hydrogen compounds of fossil fuels into carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O), releasing energy. This energy is harnessed for various purposes, including generating electricity and powering vehicles. Considering the finite and non-renewable nature of fossil fuels, it's important to note that they represent a limited supply of energy that was accumulated over geological timescales.
Moreover, the combustion of fossil fuels contributes to CO₂ emissions, which is a major concern regarding climate change and global warming. As a result, there is a significant interest in finding alternative forms of energy that are renewable and less environmentally harmful.