A "piece of coal" refers to a fragment or unit of coal, a solid fossil fuel that is primarily composed of carbon. Coal is formed over millions of years from plant matter and is commonly used as a fuel source for generating electricity, heating, and certain industrial processes.
In its natural state, coal occurs as sedimentary rock, usually black or dark brown in color, and can vary in size and shape. A piece of coal, therefore, refers to an individual portion or section of coal, typically smaller in size compared to a whole lump or chunk.
The size and shape of a piece of coal can vary depending on factors such as the mining process and coal seam characteristics. It can range from small fragments or chips to larger, more distinct pieces. Due to its high carbon content, coal can be friable and break apart easily, resulting in a variety of sizes and shapes.
The term "piece of coal" is often used to describe an individual unit that can be handled, transported, or utilized separately, as it is common to break larger coal lumps into smaller, more manageable pieces. These smaller pieces can then be used as fuel or processed into different grades or forms of coal, such as pulverized coal or coal briquettes, for specific applications.
