Final answer:
Natural gas and coal are nonrenewable resources, both fossil fuels, but natural gas is cleaner-burning and emits less CO2. Coal is mainly used for electricity generation and has a larger environmental impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
Natural gas is different from coal in several ways. Both natural gas and coal are nonrenewable resources, meaning they are natural resources that cannot be replenished at the same rate as they are consumed. Natural gas is a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal, and it releases less carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit of energy produced. Coal is a solid fossil fuel, primarily used for electricity generation, and has a greater impact on the environment due to higher CO2 emissions. Additionally, at the current rate of consumption, coal will last longer than natural gas, with coal reserves expected to last until around the year 2250, whereas natural gas supplies are estimated to run out in about 120 years.