Coal is a black soft rock. It is mined extensively throughout the world. Since coal burns very fast and hot, it is often used to boil water in large electrical generating plants. The steam is used to turn turbines, which are attached to large generators that produce electricity. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) states the Bull Run Fossil Plant near the city of Oak Ridge utilizes this system. The TVA also states that the plant uses about 7,300 tons of coal daily.
Coke is a form of coal. Its also whats left over after all the other chemicals have been extracted out of petroleum. According to "World of Coke," it is almost pure carbon, with a grayish appearance. A popular use of coke is in foundries, in the central melting pot called the blast furnace. Foundries melt iron ore and other metal ores, and make steel and other metal products.
Gasoline is a very common flammable liquid, used to power car engines. It is readily purchased at a "gas station." Gasoline is made from petroleum. which is is a thick, tar-like liquid. Deep holes are drilled in the ground, and the petroleum is pumped up for underground deposits. It is a complex compound, so many materials are derived from it.
Diesel fuel is also made from petroleum. It is more like a thin oil than a highly flammable liquid like gasoline. Diesel fuel, while not as flammable as gasoline, will still burn. Many large trucks, and some cars, use diesel fuel to power their engines. Diesel fuel is readily available at many truck stops and at some gas stations.
Natural gas also lies deep underground. Natural gas is mostly methane, with other trace gases such as butane or ethane mixed in. It is normally collected and stored in large storage facilities. It is purified, and piped into homes. Many stoves in homes use natural gas to cook with. Also, many furnaces use natural gas to heat homes with.
Fuel oil is also distilled out of petroleum. It is made after the "lighter" fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, are extracted out. Fuel oil is commonly used to power furnaces and heating appliances designed to burn it. These can be in homes, commercial buildings or ships. Refiners seek to make a low sulfur content fuel oil, since sulfur is a known polluter of the environment.