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Fossil fuels were originally either prehistoric zooplankton and algae (which became petroleum) or plant material (which generally became coal). In either case, the living organisms converted the energy of sunlight into their structures. By using the energy of the fossil fuel, we use the energy the original organisms captured, and that's the connection to sunlight.

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The energy in fossil fuels is stored sunlight from millions of years ago. When plants and other organisms died and decayed, the organic matter they contained was converted into fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas through heat and pressure processes over time. So, in essence, the energy in fossil fuels ultimately originated from sunlight that these organisms used for photosynthesis.

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Q: In what way does the energy of fossil fuels come from sunlight?
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What are sources of energy that do not come from fossil fuels?

Renewable sources of energy that do not come from fossil fuels include solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass. These sources are considered sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels, as they have minimal impact on the environment and do not contribute to climate change.


What are not considered fossil fuel?

Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy are not considered fossil fuels. These sources come from natural processes that are replenished over time, unlike fossil fuels which are finite and come from ancient organic matter.


Is geothermal energy a fossil fuel?

No. Fossil fuels are coal, oil and natural gas. Geothermal energy is a clean renewable energy powered by the heat from the centre of the earth. It is the only renewable energy whose power does not come from the sun.


What non renewable energy resources are fossil fuels?

Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy resources that come from the remains of ancient plants and animals. The main types of fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas, which are all formed over millions of years from the decomposition of organic matter under heat and pressure.


Which greenhouse gas come from the burning of fossil fuels?

Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas emitted from the burning of fossil fuels. It is released when coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for energy production, transportation, and other human activities.