Question

which fossil fuel releases the most carbon dioxide when burned? natural gas coal

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze fossil fuels' carbon content

Coal has a higher carbon - to - hydrogen ratio compared to natural gas.

Step2: Consider combustion reaction

When burned, the more carbon atoms per unit fuel, the more \(CO_2\) (from \(C + O_2
ightarrow CO_2\)) is produced. Coal, with its high carbon content, releases more \(CO_2\) than natural gas (which has more hydrogen and less carbon per unit energy) when burned.

Answer:

Coal