Question

I sometimes hear people talking about how we should replace coal burning plants with natural gas ones, to alleviate the case of particulate matter pollution. What exactly is the difference between coal fuel and natural gas that makes the latter seem cleaner?

Answer 1

Natural gas is considered cleaner than coal because it produces fewer emissions when burned for energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Natural gas is considered cleaner than coal because it produces fewer emissions when burned for energy. When coal is burned, it releases sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and particulate matter. These emissions contribute to air pollution, acid rain, and climate change. On the other hand, natural gas combustion emits less SO₂, NOx, CO₂, and particulate matter compared to coal. For example, natural gas emits almost half the CO₂ emissions per unit of energy compared to coal. This makes natural gas a cleaner and more environmentally-friendly alternative to coal.