What are the three main types of fossil fuels?

The three main types of fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas. These energy sources are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that have been subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years.

Coal is a solid fossil fuel used primarily for electricity generation and in industrial processes. Oil, or crude oil, is a liquid fossil fuel that is refined into various products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. Natural gas is a gaseous fossil fuel often used for heating, electricity generation, and as a raw material for chemicals.

In contrast, other options contain energy sources that do not qualify as fossil fuels. Solar energy and wind energy are renewable resources, not derived from ancient biological materials. Biomass, while sometimes considered in the broader discussion of energy, is not classified as a fossil fuel as it can be derived from currently-growing organic materials rather than ancient ones. Hydroelectric power, generated from flowing water, also fits into the renewable category. Therefore, the identification of coal, oil, and natural gas as the three main types of fossil fuels aligns with the geological and energy production principles recognized in environmental science and energy studies.