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CBSE Class 8 Science Chapter 3 Coal and Petroleum Worksheet with Answers

This printable worksheet for CBSE Class 8 Science Chapter 3 Coal and Petroleum aligns completely with the NCERT curriculum and provides comprehensive practice across all question types. Students will work through multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, short and long answers, and a case-study to build mastery of fossil fuels, their formation, processing, and conservation. The complete answer key with explanations supports self-study and helps identify knowledge gaps.

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Key takeaways

✓Coal forms through the slow decomposition of vegetation under high pressure and temperature over millions of years, creating different coal varieties like peat, lignite, bituminous, and anthracite.
✓Petroleum is refined through fractional distillation to separate useful products like LPG, petrol, diesel, kerosene, and lubricating oil based on their boiling points.
✓Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel, primarily composed of methane, and is stored under high pressure as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicle use.
✓Coal tar, a by-product of coal processing, yields important substances including naphthalene, benzene, and phenol used in manufacturing dyes, explosives, and medicines.
✓Fossil fuels take millions of years to form but are being consumed rapidly, making conservation through alternative energy sources and judicious use absolutely essential.
✓Complete combustion of fossil fuels requires sufficient oxygen; incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas that can be fatal.
✓The worksheet format provides progressive difficulty levels from basic recall to HOTS questions, ideal for both classroom assessment and home practice before exams.

Worksheet Overview and Instructions

This worksheet is designed for CBSE Class 8 students studying Coal and Petroleum as per the NCERT Science textbook. It covers all essential topics: natural resources, formation of fossil fuels including coal and petroleum, the refining process of petroleum through fractional distillation, and the critical importance of conservation. The difficulty level is moderate to challenging, suitable for regular practice, revision before unit tests, or preparation for the annual CBSE board-aligned examinations. Students should attempt this worksheet without referring to notes initially to gauge their understanding accurately. The suggested time to complete this worksheet is 60 minutes for all sections. After completion, check your answers against the detailed answer key provided at the end. Each answer includes brief explanations to help you understand the correct response and clarify any misconceptions. Parents can use this as a diagnostic tool to identify topics requiring additional attention. For personalized doubt-clearing and instant solutions to similar questions, CBSETUTOR.ai offers 24×7 AI tutoring with photo-upload problem solving at just ₹999/month for all classes 6-12, with a 3-day free trial to get started.

Total marks: 50 | Suggested time: 60 minutes
Difficulty level: Moderate (mix of recall, application, and HOTS)
Covers complete NCERT Class 8 Science Chapter 3 syllabus
Suitable for school tests, home practice, and exam preparation
Answer key with explanations provided for self-assessment

Quick Chapter Recap: Coal and Petroleum Essentials

Before attempting the worksheet, refresh your understanding of the chapter fundamentals. Natural resources are materials obtained from nature that support life and human activities. Exhaustible resources like coal, petroleum, and natural gas are fossil fuels formed from the decomposition of ancient organisms over millions of years under specific conditions of heat and pressure. Coal formed from vegetation buried in swamps, progressing through stages: peat, lignite, bituminous coal, and anthracite, with carbon content increasing at each stage. Petroleum, meaning 'rock oil', formed from marine organisms and is found trapped between layers of impervious rocks. The refining of petroleum occurs in refineries through fractional distillation, where crude oil is heated and different fractions are separated based on their boiling points—LPG, petrol, kerosene, diesel, and lubricating oil. Coal processing produces coal gas, coal tar, coke, and ammoniacal liquor. Conservation is essential because fossil fuels are non-renewable, take millions of years to form, cause pollution, and have limited reserves. Alternative energy sources include solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear energy. This foundational understanding will help you tackle the worksheet questions with confidence and accuracy.

Fossil fuels: Coal, petroleum, natural gas (exhaustible resources)
Coal types: Peat → Lignite → Bituminous → Anthracite (increasing carbon %)
Petroleum products: LPG, petrol, kerosene, diesel, paraffin wax, lubricants
CNG and LPG are cleaner fuels with less pollution compared to petrol/diesel
Conservation methods: Use public transport, switch off engines at signals, use LED bulbs

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)

Multiple-choice questions test your conceptual clarity and ability to distinguish between similar concepts. Read each question carefully and eliminate obviously incorrect options first. Pay special attention to words like 'NOT', 'EXCEPT', or 'INCORRECT' in the question stem. These six MCQs cover natural resources classification, fossil fuel formation, petroleum refining products, and conservation strategies as per the NCERT Class 8 Science curriculum. Each question has four options with only one correct answer. Do not spend more than one minute per question. If unsure, mark your best guess and move forward, returning to difficult questions after completing easier sections. Remember that in the CBSE examination pattern, MCQs often appear in the objective section and carry equal weightage, so practicing them thoroughly improves your overall score significantly and builds confidence for the actual examination.

Q1. Which of the following is an exhaustible natural resource? (a) Sunlight (b) Air (c) Coal (d) Wind
Q2. The process of conversion of dead vegetation into coal is called: (a) Carbonisation (b) Refining (c) Fractional distillation (d) Photosynthesis
Q3. Petroleum is refined by the process of: (a) Oxidation (b) Fractional distillation (c) Sedimentation (d) Filtration
Q4. Which of these is NOT obtained from petroleum? (a) Kerosene (b) Coke (c) Diesel (d) Petrol
Q5. CNG stands for: (a) Converted Natural Gas (b) Compressed Natural Gas (c) Carbonised Natural Gas (d) Condensed Natural Gas
Q6. The least polluting fuel for vehicles is: (a) Petrol (b) Diesel (c) CNG (d) Kerosene

Section B: Fill in the Blanks (1 mark each)

Fill-in-the-blank questions require precise recall of terminology, definitions, and factual information from the NCERT Class 8 Science textbook. Write your answers clearly in the space provided. Spelling matters—marks may be deducted for incorrect spelling of technical terms like 'anthracite' or 'fractional distillation'. These five questions test your memory of key concepts including coal formation stages, petroleum composition, natural gas properties, coal tar derivatives, and conservation principles. Before writing your answer, read the complete sentence to ensure grammatical agreement and contextual appropriateness. If a numerical answer is expected, include appropriate units. Review all your answers once before moving to the next section to catch any obvious errors or omissions. This question type frequently appears in CBSE Class 8 Science examinations and unit tests conducted by schools across India, making regular practice essential for scoring well in the theory paper sections.

Q7. The most pure form of coal with the highest carbon content is __________.
Q8. Petroleum was formed from organisms living in the __________ millions of years ago.
Q9. Natural gas is stored under high pressure as __________ for use in vehicles.
Q10. Coal tar is a black, thick liquid that is a source of many useful substances like __________ balls.
Q11. We should use fossil fuels __________ to conserve them for future generations.

Section C: Match the Following and True/False (1 mark each)

This section contains two parts. Part I requires you to match items in Column A with their correct pairs in Column B by writing the appropriate letter in the space provided. Read all items in both columns before making your matches to avoid confusion. Part II presents five statements that you must identify as True or False. If a statement is false, you should be prepared to correct it mentally, as this helps reinforce accurate concepts. These questions assess your understanding of the relationships between different concepts in Coal and Petroleum—such as matching petroleum products with their uses, or coal types with their properties. Take your time with matching questions as they often contain deliberate distractors. For true/false statements, watch for absolute words like 'always', 'never', 'all', or 'none' which often indicate false statements, though not always. This mixed format appears regularly in CBSE Class 8 Science worksheets and term examinations, testing both factual knowledge and conceptual understanding in an efficient manner that covers multiple topics quickly.

Part I - Match the Following: Column A lists 5 items (LPG, Kerosene, Bitumen, Paraffin wax, Diesel), Column B lists uses/properties
Part II - True or False: Statement 1: Coal gas was used for street lighting in earlier times.
Statement 2: Petroleum is found below layers of hard rock.
Statement 3: Burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide which causes global warming.
Statement 4: Natural gas is a renewable source of energy.

Section D: Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)

Short-answer questions require concise, focused responses of 30-40 words each. These five questions carry 2 marks each, and examiners look for two distinct points or one well-explained point with an example. Structure your answer in two clear sentences or use bullet points if the question asks you to 'list' or 'name'. Avoid lengthy introductions—get straight to the answer. Topics covered include the conditions necessary for coal formation, advantages of using CNG and LPG over conventional fuels, the purpose and process of petroleum refining, products obtained from coal besides fuel, and practical conservation tips for daily life. When a question asks 'Why?', provide reasoning; when it asks 'What?', provide factual information; when it asks 'How?', explain the process. Always use correct scientific terminology from the NCERT textbook—for example, write 'fractional distillation' rather than 'separation process'. In CBSE Class 8 Science examinations, short-answer questions typically constitute 30-40% of the theory paper marks, making them crucial for achieving a strong overall score in the subject.

Q16. What conditions are necessary for the formation of coal from dead vegetation?
Q17. Name any two advantages of using CNG and LPG as fuels over petrol and diesel.
Q18. What is the purpose of refining petroleum? Name the process used.
Q19. List three useful products obtained from coal other than its use as a fuel.
Q20. Suggest any three ways to conserve fossil fuels in daily life.

Section E: Long Answer and HOTS Questions (3-5 marks each)

Long-answer questions demand detailed, structured responses of 80-100 words with multiple points, proper explanations, and sometimes diagrams. These three questions test higher-order thinking skills including analysis, application, and evaluation. Question 21 asks you to explain coal formation stages with a labeled diagram—draw a simple flowchart showing vegetation → peat → lignite → bituminous → anthracite with brief descriptions of conditions at each stage. Question 22 requires you to describe petroleum refining with product separation—explain fractional distillation, the heating process, and list at least 5 products with their uses. Question 23 is a HOTS question on conservation importance and alternative energy—discuss exhaustible nature, pollution concerns, and describe 3-4 alternatives like solar, wind, hydro, and biogas with brief advantages. Organize your answer in clear paragraphs with topic sentences. Use connecting words like 'firstly', 'moreover', 'consequently', and 'therefore'. Include technical terms and, where relevant, real-world examples. CBSE mark schemes reward well-structured answers with accurate content, so spend 5-7 minutes per question in this section to ensure completeness and clarity.

Q21. Describe the process of formation of coal in nature. Draw a labeled diagram showing different stages. (5 marks)
Q22. Explain the process of refining of petroleum. Name any five products obtained and their uses. (4 marks)
Q23. Why is conservation of fossil fuels necessary? Discuss any three alternative sources of energy. (5 marks)

Section F: Case Study Question (4 marks)

Case-study questions present a real-world scenario or data set followed by 3-4 sub-questions that test your ability to apply chapter concepts to unfamiliar situations. Read the passage carefully, underlining key facts and numbers. The case study presented here describes a city's transition from conventional fuels to CNG for public transport, including data on pollution reduction and cost savings. Sub-questions ask you to identify the fuel discussed, explain why it is cleaner, calculate percentage pollution reduction using given data, and suggest one more step the city could take for sustainability. This question format has become increasingly common in CBSE examinations from 2020 onwards as it assesses critical thinking, data interpretation, and application skills rather than rote memorization. Take time to understand the context before answering. Refer back to specific information in the passage when answering—do not rely solely on your textbook knowledge. Show your working for any calculations. Write answers in complete sentences even for one-word answers to demonstrate comprehension of the context provided in the case study scenario.

Complete Answer Key with Explanations

This comprehensive answer key provides correct answers for all sections with brief explanations to aid understanding and self-assessment. Use this section only after attempting the entire worksheet yourself to get maximum learning benefit. When checking your answers, do not just mark right or wrong—read the explanations carefully to understand why an answer is correct and where your thinking might have gone astray. If you scored below 35 out of 50, revisit the NCERT Class 8 Science Chapter 3 thoroughly and make notes on weak areas. If you scored 35-42, you have good understanding but need to work on precision and detail in descriptive answers. A score above 42 indicates strong conceptual clarity—focus on HOTS questions and previous years' CBSE question papers for further challenge. For topics where you consistently make errors, consider seeking additional help. CBSETUTOR.ai provides unlimited doubt-solving with AI tutors who can explain concepts in multiple ways, offer additional practice questions, and provide instant feedback on your answers through photo upload—all at ₹999/month covering every subject from Class 6-12.

Section A Answers (MCQs): 1(c), 2(a), 3(b), 4(b), 5(b), 6(c)
Section B Answers (Fill-ups): 7-Anthracite, 8-sea/ocean, 9-CNG, 10-naphthalene, 11-judiciously
Section C Answers: Matching and True/False with corrections for false statements
Section D Answers: Detailed 2-mark responses for short questions 16-20
Section E Answers: Comprehensive answers with diagrams and explanations for questions 21-23
Section F Answer: Complete case-study solution with calculation for question 24

Section A Answers: Multiple Choice Questions

Answer 1: (c) Coal. Explanation: Coal is an exhaustible natural resource because it takes millions of years to form and cannot be replenished quickly. Sunlight, air, and wind are inexhaustible resources available continuously. Answer 2: (a) Carbonisation. Explanation: Carbonisation is the slow process by which dead plants buried deep under Earth's surface convert into coal due to high pressure and temperature over millions of years. Answer 3: (b) Fractional distillation. Explanation: Petroleum refining is done through fractional distillation where crude oil is heated and different components separate based on their boiling points at different heights in a fractionating column. Answer 4: (b) Coke. Explanation: Coke is obtained from coal, not petroleum. It is produced when coal is heated in the absence of air. Kerosene, diesel, and petrol are all petroleum products. Answer 5: (b) Compressed Natural Gas. Explanation: CNG is natural gas stored under high pressure to reduce volume, making it easier to transport and use as fuel in vehicles. Answer 6: (c) CNG. Explanation: CNG burns completely producing minimal smoke and harmful gases, making it the least polluting fuel among the options given.

Section B, C, D, E, and F: Complete Answers with Explanations

Section B Answers: 7-Anthracite (highest carbon percentage, around 90%, burns with little smoke); 8-sea/ocean (marine organisms like algae deposited on sea beds); 9-CNG or Compressed Natural Gas (stored under 200 bar pressure); 10-naphthalene (used in mothballs to repel insects); 11-judiciously/wisely/carefully (to ensure availability for future). Section C Part I Matching: LPG-cooking fuel, Kerosene-jet fuel/lamps, Bitumen-road surfacing, Paraffin wax-candles/ointments, Diesel-heavy vehicles. Part II True/False: 1-True, 2-False (petroleum is found trapped between layers of hard rock, not below them), 3-True, 4-False (natural gas is exhaustible, not renewable). Section D: Q16-High pressure, high temperature, absence of air, millions of years, burial under sediments. Q17-Less pollution/smoke, complete combustion, no residue, cost-effective, better engine life. Q18-To separate useful components; Fractional distillation. Q19-Coal tar (dyes, medicines), coal gas (fuel), coke (steel manufacturing), ammoniacal liquor (fertilizers). Q20-Use public transport, carpool, switch off vehicle engines at signals, use energy-efficient appliances, walk/cycle for short distances. Section E and F: Detailed 80-100 word answers with diagrams for Q21-23 and case-study solution showing 560 tonnes CO after 30% reduction for Q24(c).

Q21 Detailed Answer: Coal forms when dead vegetation in swampy areas gets buried under sediments. Over millions of years, with increasing depth, temperature and pressure rise while oxygen is cut off. The vegetation slowly converts: first to peat (early stage, low carbon), then lignite (soft brown coal), then bituminous coal (most common commercial coal), and finally anthracite (hardest, highest carbon ~90%). Diagram should show these four stages vertically with depth increasing and labels for pressure/temperature conditions.
Q22 Detailed Answer: Crude petroleum is a complex mixture requiring refining. In fractional distillation, crude oil is heated to about 400°C in a furnace and vapors enter a fractionating column. Different fractions condense at different heights based on boiling points. Products obtained: LPG (cooking), Petrol (automobiles), Kerosene (jet fuel, lamps), Diesel (heavy vehicles), Lubricating oil (machinery), Paraffin wax (candles), Bitumen (roads).
Q23 Detailed Answer: Conservation is necessary because fossil fuels are exhaustible—they took millions of years to form but are being consumed rapidly and cannot be renewed quickly. Burning them causes air pollution and releases CO2 leading to global warming. Reserves are limited. Alternatives: (1) Solar energy—clean, abundant, used in solar panels and cookers; (2) Wind energy—renewable, wind turbines generate electricity without pollution; (3) Hydroelectricity—from flowing water in dams, renewable and clean; (4) Biogas—from animal and plant waste, sustainable and reduces waste.
Q24 Case Study Answers: (a) CNG or Compressed Natural Gas. (b) It burns completely with less smoke, produces minimal CO and no sulphur dioxide, leaves no residue. (c) Original emissions = 800 tonnes; Decrease = 30%; Reduction = 800 × 30/100 = 240 tonnes; New emissions = 800 - 240 = 560 tonnes. (d) Promote electric vehicles, improve metro rail network, encourage cycling lanes, implement odd-even vehicle schemes.

Frequently asked questions

What is the recommended time limit to complete this Coal and Petroleum worksheet for Class 8?+

The suggested time is 60 minutes for all sections combined. Allocate approximately 6-8 minutes for MCQs, 5 minutes for fill-in-the-blanks, 5 minutes for matching/true-false, 10-12 minutes for short answers, 20-25 minutes for long answers and HOTS questions, and 8-10 minutes for the case study. Adjust based on your speed and difficulty level experienced.

How is coal formed from dead vegetation according to NCERT Class 8 Science?+

Coal forms through carbonisation—a slow process taking millions of years. Dead plants in swampy areas get buried under sediments. With increasing pressure, temperature, and absence of air, the vegetation slowly converts into coal through stages: peat, lignite, bituminous coal, and finally anthracite, with carbon content increasing at each stage.

What products are obtained from refining of petroleum and what is the process called?+

Petroleum is refined through fractional distillation. When crude oil is heated, different components separate based on boiling points. Products include: LPG (cooking), petrol (vehicles), kerosene (jet fuel), diesel (heavy vehicles), lubricating oil (machinery), paraffin wax (candles, ointments), and bitumen (road surfacing).

Why is CNG considered better than petrol and diesel for vehicles?+

CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is cleaner because it undergoes complete combustion, producing minimal smoke and harmful gases. It releases very little carbon monoxide, no sulphur dioxide, and leaves no residue. This reduces air pollution significantly, causes less engine wear, and is more cost-effective than conventional fuels.

What are the uses of coal tar obtained during coal processing?+

Coal tar is a thick black liquid by-product of coal processing that is a rich source of many organic compounds. It yields naphthalene (mothballs), benzene (solvent), toluene, phenol, and aniline. These substances are used to manufacture synthetic dyes, explosives, medicines, perfumes, plastics, paints, and photographic materials.

How can students conserve fossil fuels in their daily life as mentioned in Chapter 3?+

Students can conserve fossil fuels by: using bicycles or walking for short distances, encouraging family to use public transport or carpool, switching off vehicle engines at traffic signals, using energy-efficient LED bulbs and appliances, reducing air conditioner usage, and spreading awareness about conservation. Every small action collectively makes a significant difference.

What is the difference between exhaustible and inexhaustible natural resources?+

Exhaustible resources like coal, petroleum, and natural gas are present in limited quantities and took millions of years to form. Once used, they cannot be replenished quickly. Inexhaustible resources like sunlight, air, and wind are available continuously in unlimited amounts and do not get depleted with use. Conservation focuses on exhaustible resources.

Should students attempt the worksheet without referring to NCERT textbook first?+

Yes, students should first attempt the entire worksheet without referring to notes or textbook to honestly assess their understanding and retention. This simulates exam conditions and helps identify knowledge gaps. After completing all sections, check answers against the answer key, then revisit NCERT Class 8 Science Chapter 3 for topics where errors occurred.

How does CBSETUTOR.ai help with Coal and Petroleum chapter doubts and practice?+

CBSETUTOR.ai provides 24×7 AI tutoring where students can upload photos of any question from this worksheet or similar problems and receive instant step-by-step solutions with explanations. The platform covers all CBSE subjects for classes 6-12 at a flat rate of ₹999/month with a 3-day free trial, offering unlimited doubt-solving and personalized practice.

What is the marking scheme for this worksheet and how should students interpret their scores?+

Total marks: 50 (MCQs-6, Fill-ups-5, Matching/T-F-5, Short answers-10, Long answers-14, Case study-4, HOTS-6). Score below 35 indicates need for thorough chapter revision; 35-42 shows good understanding but requires work on detail and application; above 42 indicates strong grasp—focus on previous years' questions and advanced problems for further improvement.

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