Master Plan: A Deep Dive into Coal
This research project is designed to provide a comprehensive
understanding of coal, from its ancient origins to its modern-day implications.
Each group will become an expert on a specific aspect of coal. By sharing your
findings, you will collectively build a complete picture of this critical
energy source.
Group 1: The Origin of Coal ð
Main Research Question (RQ): How did the Earth's
ancient past lead to the formation of the coal we use today?
Guiding Questions:
- What
is coal and what is it made of?
- During
which geologic periods did most of the world's coal form? What was the
Earth's environment like during these times?
- What
types of ancient plants and organic matter are the primary sources of
coal?
- Describe
the initial stages of coal formation, starting from the accumulation of
plant material in swampy environments.
- What
are the different types of coal (e.g., peat, lignite, bituminous,
anthracite)? How do they differ in terms of their properties and
formation?
- Where
are the world's major coal deposits located, and how does this relate to
the ancient geography of the Earth?
Group 2: Extraction and Processing of Coal ⛏️
Main Research Question (RQ): What are the processes
involved in getting coal from the ground to a usable form?
Guiding Questions:
- What
are the two primary methods of coal mining: surface mining and underground
mining?
- Describe
the different techniques used in surface mining (e.g., strip mining,
open-pit mining). What are the advantages and disadvantages of these
methods?
- Explain
the techniques used in underground mining (e.g., room and pillar, longwall
mining). What are the challenges and safety concerns associated with this
type of mining?
- Once
extracted, what steps are involved in processing and preparing coal for
use? (Think about cleaning, crushing, and sorting).
- How is
coal transported from mines to power plants and other industrial
facilities?
- What
are the environmental impacts associated with coal extraction and
processing?
Group 3: The Science Behind Coal Formation ðŽ
Main Research Question (RQ): What are the specific
geological and chemical processes that transform ancient plant matter into
coal?
Guiding Questions:
- What
is the role of pressure and heat in the coalification
process? How do these factors change the chemical composition of the
organic material?
- Explain
the process of carbonization. How does the percentage of carbon
change as peat transforms into different types of coal?
- What
are the key chemical reactions that occur during coal formation? (Think
about the loss of water, methane, and other volatile compounds).
- How do
geologists and scientists determine the age and quality of coal deposits?
- What
is the role of sedimentation and burial in protecting the
organic matter from decomposition and enabling coal formation?
- Investigate
the concept of "coal rank" and explain the scientific basis for
this classification system.
Group 4: Coal as Fuel Energy - Process and Mechanism ðĨ
Main Research Question (RQ): How is the stored energy
in coal converted into electricity and other forms of power?
Guiding Questions:
- Explain
the process of combustion as it relates to coal. What are the
inputs and outputs of this chemical reaction?
- Describe
the key components of a typical coal-fired power plant.
- Trace
the flow of energy, from the burning of coal to the generation of
electricity. Explain the role of the boiler, turbine, and generator.
- What
is the efficiency of a typical coal-fired power plant? What factors can
affect this efficiency?
- Besides
electricity generation, what are some other major industrial uses of coal?
- What
are the primary waste products of coal combustion (e.g., ash, slag), and
how are they managed?
Group 5: Situations of Coal: Coal-Rich Countries vs. Asia
vs. Thailand and ASEAN Countries ð
Main Research Question (RQ): How does the production,
consumption, and importance of coal vary globally and regionally, with a
specific focus on our local context?
Guiding Questions:
- Identify
the top 5 coal-producing and coal-consuming countries in the world. What
are the key factors driving their reliance on coal?
- Provide
an overview of the role of coal in Asia's energy landscape. Which Asian
countries are major players in the coal market?
- Investigate
the current situation of coal in Thailand. Where are Thailand's
coal reserves located? How much coal does Thailand produce and consume?
What are the primary uses of coal in the country?
- Explore
the role of coal in other ASEAN countries. How does Thailand's
reliance on coal compare to its neighbors?
- What
are the economic and social impacts of coal production and consumption in
these different regions?
- What
are the current trends and future outlook for coal in coal-rich countries,
Asia, Thailand, and the broader ASEAN region? Are there any significant
shifts towards or away from coal?
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