Explain the process of the formation of petroleum.


A fossil fuel, petroleum is formed when large quantities of dead organisms, mostly zooplankton and algae, are buried underneath sedimentary rock and subjected to both intense heat and pressure.

It was basically formed from organisms living in the sea. As these organisms died, their bodies settled at the bottom of the sea and got covered with layers of sand and clay. Over millions of years, absence of air, high temperature and high pressure transformed the dead organisms into petroleum and natural gas. Petroleum has mostly been recovered by oil drilling (natural petroleum springs are rare).


[Extra information:  Petroleum is a liquid mixture of hydrocarbons that is present in suitable rock strata and can be extracted and refined to produce fuels including petrol, paraffin, and diesel oil. 

Constituents of Petroleum and their uses are given below:
Constituents of petroleum
Uses
Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Fuel for home and industry
PetrolUsed as fuel for light automobiles.
KeroseneFuel for lamps, stoves and jet aircrafts
DieselUsed as fuel for large automobiles and electric generators
Lubricating OilUsed as a lubricant for engines
Paraffin waxUsed in the preparation of Ointments, candles, vaseline etc.
BitumenUsed in the preparation of Paints, road surfacing
]

Updated on: 17-Mar-2023

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