What are fossil fuels?

Fossil fuels are indeed natural substances that come from the decomposition of organic matter over millions of years, primarily plant and animal remains. This process occurs under specific conditions of heat and pressure in the Earth's crust, leading to the formation of coal, oil, and natural gas. These fuels contain carbon and hydrogen, which can be burned to release energy, making them a significant source of energy for various applications including electricity generation, transportation, and heating.

In contrast, renewable energy sources like solar and wind are derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly, whereas fossil fuels are finite resources that take millions of years to form and are being depleted rapidly due to human consumption. The classification of fossil fuels does not include substances that do not produce energy; instead, they are primarily valued for their ability to produce energy when combusted. Therefore, the characterization of fossil fuels as natural substances formed from decomposed organic matter accurately highlights their origin and nature.