Consider the following statements regarding the environmental impact of fossil fuels: 1. Their use helps in reducing the global temperature. 2. Their burning results in air pollution. 3. Their availability is limited to a few hundred years. Which of the statements given above are correct?

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation Fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas, are exhaustible natural resources formed from the remains of living organisms over millions of years. Their combustion is the primary source of energy globally but is also a major driver of environmental degradation. - Statement 1 is Incorrect: The burning of fossil fuels releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to the greenhouse effect, which results in an increase in global temperatures (Global Warming), rather than a reduction. - Statement 2 is Correct: The combustion of fossil fuels releases various harmful by-products, including oxides of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur, as well as particulate matter. These emissions are the primary cause of air pollution and contribute to respiratory ailments, acid rain, and smog. - Statement 3 is Correct: Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources. They take millions of years to form, and their known reserves are limited. At current rates of consumption, these reserves are expected to last only for a few hundred years. Key Takeaway: Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources that, upon combustion, release greenhouse gases causing global warming and pollutants that degrade air quality.

NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 1: Coal and petroleum

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements regarding the environmental impact of fossil fuels:

Their use helps in reducing the global temperature.
Their burning results in air pollution.
Their availability is limited to a few hundred years.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Fossil fuels, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas, are exhaustible natural resources formed from the remains of living organisms over millions of years. Their combustion is the primary source of energy globally but is also a major driver of environmental degradation.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The burning of fossil fuels releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to the greenhouse effect, which results in an increase in global temperatures (Global Warming), rather than a reduction.
Statement 2 is Correct: The combustion of fossil fuels releases various harmful by-products, including oxides of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur, as well as particulate matter. These emissions are the primary cause of air pollution and contribute to respiratory ailments, acid rain, and smog.
Statement 3 is Correct: Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources. They take millions of years to form, and their known reserves are limited. At current rates of consumption, these reserves are expected to last only for a few hundred years.

Key Takeaway: Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources that, upon combustion, release greenhouse gases causing global warming and pollutants that degrade air quality.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Coal and petroleum

Which of the following is NOT a constituent of petroleum?

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Consider the following statements about Coal Gas: 1. It was used for street lighting for the first time in London in 1950. 2. Nowadays, it is primarily used as a source of heat rather than light. 3. It is used as a fuel in industries situated near coal processing plants. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the constituents of petroleum, consider the following statements: 1. Kerosene is primarily used as a fuel for heavy motor vehicles. 2. Lubricating oil is used for lubrication. 3. Paraffin wax is used in ointments and candles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the formation of petroleum: 1. It is formed from the remains of vegetation on land. 2. It is formed from organisms living in the sea. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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What is the primary reason petroleum is often referred to as ‘black gold’?

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The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The burning of fossil fuels releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to the greenhouse effect, which results in an increase in global temperatures (Global Warming), rather than a reduction.
Statement 2 is Correct: The combustion of fossil fuels releases various harmful by-products, including oxides of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur, as well as particulate matter. These emissions are the primary cause of air pollution and contribute to respiratory ailments, acid rain, and smog.
Statement 3 is Correct: Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources. They take millions of years to form, and their known reserves are limited. At current rates of consumption, these reserves are expected to last only for a few hundred years.

Key Takeaway: Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources that, upon combustion, release greenhouse gases causing global warming and pollutants that degrade air quality.