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Practice Class 8 Science MCQs on Coal and Petroleum with detailed answers based on NCERT. Learn about fossil fuels, coke, coal tar, PCRA, diesel, and important concepts for exam preparation.
Chapter Information
Class: 8
Subject: Science
Chapter Name: Coal and Petroleum
Chapter Number: 5
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Based On: Latest NCERT Curriculum
Introduction
Coal and petroleum are among the most important natural resources used in our daily lives. They provide energy for transportation, industries, electricity generation, and household activities. Since these resources take millions of years to form, they are known as exhaustible natural resources and must be used wisely.
This MCQ quiz is designed according to the latest NCERT Class 8 Science syllabus. It covers important concepts such as fossil fuels, coal products, petroleum products, naphthalene balls, PCRA, and fuels used in heavy vehicles. Each question is followed by a detailed explanation to help students understand the concept instead of simply memorizing the answer.
Whether you are preparing for school examinations, unit tests, scholarship exams, or simply revising the chapter, this quiz will strengthen your conceptual understanding and improve your confidence.
What You Will Learn
After completing this quiz, you will be able to:
- Understand how fossil fuels are formed.
- Identify the major products obtained from coal.
- Learn the uses of coke, coal tar, and petroleum.
- Understand the role of the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA).
- Identify fuels used in different types of vehicles.
- Improve conceptual knowledge through detailed explanations.
- Revise important NCERT topics quickly and effectively.
Why This Topic Is Important
The chapter Coal and Petroleum introduces students to important energy resources that play a vital role in modern life. Questions from this chapter are frequently asked in school examinations because they test students’ understanding of natural resources, fuel conservation, and environmental awareness.
A strong understanding of this chapter helps students:
- Learn the formation and importance of fossil fuels.
- Differentiate between coal, coke, coal tar, and petroleum.
- Understand the importance of conserving natural resources.
- Build awareness about energy conservation and environmental protection.
- Develop a strong foundation for higher classes in Science and Environmental Studies.
Question 1
Fossil fuels are obtained from?
A. Living organisms
B. Non-living materials
✅ C. Dead remains of living organisms
D. None of these
Correct Answer
C. Dead remains of living organisms
Detailed Explanation
Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Over a very long period, these remains were buried under layers of soil and rocks. Due to high temperature and pressure inside the Earth, they gradually changed into coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
Since fossil fuels take millions of years to form, they are considered non-renewable (exhaustible) natural resources. Therefore, they should be used carefully and conserved for future generations.
Key Concept
- Fossil fuels are formed naturally over millions of years.
- They cannot be replaced within a human lifetime.
- Examples: Coal, Petroleum, and Natural Gas.
Question 2
Which is an almost pure form of carbon?
A. Coal gas
✅ B. Coke
C. Coal tar
D. Petroleum
Correct Answer
B. Coke
Detailed Explanation
Coke is a hard, black, porous substance that contains almost pure carbon. It is obtained by heating coal in the absence of air, a process known as destructive distillation.
Because of its high carbon content and low impurities, coke is widely used in industries.
Uses of Coke
- Manufacture of steel.
- Extraction of metals from their ores.
- Industrial furnaces.
Key Concept
Coke contains almost pure carbon and is an important industrial fuel.
Question 3
Naphthalene balls are obtained from?
✅ A. Coal tar
B. Coke
C. Petroleum
D. Paraffin wax
Correct Answer
A. Coal tar
Detailed Explanation
Coal tar is a thick, black liquid obtained during the processing of coal. It contains many useful chemical substances.
Naphthalene, used for making mothballs (naphthalene balls), is one of the products obtained from coal tar. These balls help protect clothes from insects by slowly releasing vapours that repel moths.
Other Products Obtained from Coal Tar
- Dyes
- Paints
- Synthetic fibres
- Medicines
- Explosives
- Perfumes
- Plastics
Key Concept
Coal tar is an important source of many useful chemicals used in everyday life.
Question 4
PCRA stands for?
A. Pollution Control Research Association
✅ B. Petroleum Conservation Research Association
C. Petroleum Control Research Association
D. Petrol Conservation Resource Association
Correct Answer
B. Petroleum Conservation Research Association
Detailed Explanation
The Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) is an organization that promotes the efficient use and conservation of petroleum products in India.
It spreads awareness among people about saving fuel and reducing unnecessary fuel consumption.
PCRA Advises People To
- Drive at a steady speed.
- Switch off the engine at long traffic signals.
- Maintain correct tyre pressure.
- Service vehicles regularly.
- Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
Key Concept
Saving fuel helps conserve natural resources and reduces environmental pollution.
Question 5
Which fuel is used in heavy motor vehicles?
A. Petrol
✅ B. Diesel
C. Kerosene
D. Coal
Correct Answer
B. Diesel
Detailed Explanation
Diesel is commonly used as fuel in heavy motor vehicles because diesel engines provide high torque, better fuel efficiency, and are suitable for carrying heavy loads over long distances.
Examples of Diesel Vehicles
- Trucks
- Buses
- Tractors
- Heavy construction machines
Key Concept
Petrol is generally used in light vehicles, whereas diesel is preferred for heavy vehicles.
Related Practice Questions
Test your understanding with these additional NCERT-based questions.
1. Which of the following is a fossil fuel?
A. Wood
B. Coal
C. Sunlight
D. Wind
2. Which product is obtained during the refining of petroleum?
A. Diesel
B. Petrol
C. Kerosene
D. All of these
3. Coal is mainly composed of:
A. Oxygen
B. Hydrogen
C. Carbon
D. Nitrogen
4. Which natural resource is considered exhaustible?
A. Air
B. Water
C. Coal
D. Sunlight
5. Why should fossil fuels be conserved?
A. They are unlimited.
B. They can be formed within a few years.
C. They take millions of years to form and are limited in quantity.
D. They are not useful.
Mini Quiz Challenge
Choose the correct answer without looking back:
- Which product obtained from coal is almost pure carbon?
- What is the full form of PCRA?
- Name one fossil fuel other than coal.
- Which fuel is commonly used in buses and trucks?
- Why are fossil fuels called exhaustible natural resources?
Exam Tips
Preparing this chapter is easy if you focus on understanding the concepts instead of memorizing facts. Follow these tips for better performance in your exams:
- Read the NCERT chapter thoroughly before solving MCQs.
- Learn the differences between coal, coke, coal tar, petroleum, and natural gas.
- Remember the full form and role of PCRA.
- Understand how fossil fuels are formed instead of simply memorizing the definition.
- Revise the uses of different petroleum products regularly.
- Practice MCQs to improve speed and accuracy.
- Carefully read all options before selecting the correct answer.
Quick Revision Notes
Fossil Fuels
- Fossil fuels are formed from the dead remains of plants and animals.
- They take millions of years to form.
- Examples: Coal, Petroleum, and Natural Gas.
- They are non-renewable (exhaustible) natural resources.
Coal
- Coal is an important fossil fuel.
- It is mainly composed of carbon.
- Coal is used as a fuel in industries and thermal power plants.
Coke
- Coke is an almost pure form of carbon.
- It is hard, porous, and black in colour.
- Used in the manufacture of steel and extraction of metals.
Coal Tar
- Coal tar is a thick black liquid.
- It contains many useful chemicals.
- Naphthalene balls are obtained from coal tar.
Petroleum
- Petroleum is also called crude oil.
- It is refined to obtain useful products such as petrol, diesel, kerosene, LPG, lubricating oil, paraffin wax, and bitumen.
PCRA
PCRA = Petroleum Conservation Research Association
It promotes fuel conservation and creates awareness about saving petroleum resources.
Diesel
- Diesel is commonly used in buses, trucks, tractors, and other heavy vehicles because of its high fuel efficiency.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Students often lose marks because of these common mistakes:
- Confusing coal with coke.
- Thinking petroleum itself is directly used without refining.
- Forgetting that naphthalene balls are obtained from coal tar.
- Writing the incorrect full form of PCRA.
- Assuming fossil fuels are renewable resources.
- Mixing up the uses of petrol and diesel.
- Memorizing answers without understanding the concepts.
- Ignoring important NCERT facts highlighted in the chapter.
Important Concepts
Fossil Fuel
A fuel formed from the dead remains of plants and animals over millions of years.
Exhaustible Natural Resources
Resources that are available in limited quantities and can be exhausted if used excessively.
Examples:
- Coal
- Petroleum
- Natural Gas
Coke
An almost pure form of carbon obtained from coal.
Coal Tar
A black liquid containing many useful chemicals used for manufacturing dyes, medicines, plastics, perfumes, paints, and naphthalene.
Petroleum
A naturally occurring fossil fuel found beneath the Earth’s surface. It is refined to produce many useful fuels.
PCRA
An organization that promotes the efficient use and conservation of petroleum products in India.
Important Facts to Remember
- Fossil fuels require millions of years to form.
- Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are non-renewable resources.
- Coke is almost pure carbon.
- Naphthalene balls are prepared from coal tar.
- Diesel is commonly used in heavy motor vehicles.
- Conserving fossil fuels helps reduce pollution and protects resources for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are fuels formed from the dead remains of plants and animals buried under the Earth for millions of years. Examples include coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
2. Why are fossil fuels called non-renewable resources?
They take millions of years to form and cannot be replaced within a short period. Therefore, they are called non-renewable or exhaustible resources.
3. Which product is almost pure carbon?
Coke is an almost pure form of carbon and is mainly used in the steel industry and metal extraction.
4. From where are naphthalene balls obtained?
Naphthalene balls are obtained from coal tar, which contains several useful chemical compounds.
5. What is the full form of PCRA?
PCRA stands for Petroleum Conservation Research Association.
6. Why is diesel used in heavy vehicles?
Diesel engines provide better fuel efficiency and high torque, making them suitable for trucks, buses, tractors, and other heavy vehicles.
7. Why should we conserve fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are limited in quantity and take millions of years to form. Conserving them helps ensure their availability for future generations and reduces environmental pollution.
Conclusion
Coal and petroleum are valuable natural resources that play an essential role in transportation, industries, and daily life. Since fossil fuels are limited and cannot be replaced quickly, it is important to use them wisely and conserve them for the future.
Understanding the formation, products, uses, and conservation of fossil fuels not only helps students score better in examinations but also develops awareness about responsible use of natural resources. Regular practice of NCERT-based MCQs and revision of key concepts will strengthen your understanding of this important chapter.
Reference
This educational content is prepared for learning and practice purposes based on the concepts covered in the NCERT Science Textbook for Class 8 – Chapter 5: Coal and Petroleum (Latest Edition). All explanations, examples, and practice questions are written in original language to simplify learning and improve conceptual understanding.
Source: NCERT Science Textbook for Class 8 (Latest Edition), Chapter 5 – Coal and Petroleum, National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), India.
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