carbon cycle

How Are Fossil Fuels Formed? The Science Behind Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas

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Stylized illustration of an oil pump jack with smoke rising from it

Fossil fuels are organic substances derived from ancient plant and animal matter compressed under Earth’s surface. These fuels include coal, petroleum (oil), and natural gas—each vital to daily life. Electricity, transportation, and industrial operations depend heavily on them. Created over millions of years, fossil fuels are used far faster than they can be replenished. Their … Read more

Why Is Photosynthesis Crucial for the Carbon Cycle?

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Why Is Photosynthesis Crucial for the Carbon Cycle

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose. During this process, carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and water (H2O) from the soil are converted into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2). The general equation for photosynthesis … Read more