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Title: Coal Identification Activity
Level: Secondary
Day/Time:
KERA Goals: 1.10, 2.1, 2.2 , 2.6, 5.5
Objective:
The student should be able to rank, identify and compare the types of coal.
Materials:
Coal specimens
Hardness kit (optional)
Bunsen burner or alcohol lamp
Activity:
1. Carefully examine the coal specimens and complete the identification chart:
|
Evidence of Plant Origin |
Hardness | Luster | Cleavage | Other Characteristics |
2. Give evidence that demonstrates peat is the youngest form of coal.
3. Why would anthracite be the highest rank of coal?
4. Using tongs, hold a piece of each type of coal in a flame. Note its speed of ignition, remove from flame and observe how it burns. Complete this chart:
| Coal | Speed of Ignition | Flame Color | Speed of Burning | Odor |
| Peat | ||||
| Lignite | ||||
| Bituminous | ||||
| Anthracite |
5. Does burning show that peat is the lowest ranking of coal?
6. Does the manner of burning bituminous coal show that it still has volatile (gas) material in it?
Provided by American Coal Foundation