As an expert in the field of environmental science, I am well-versed in the processes and impacts of various energy sources, including the combustion of coal. The production of carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning coal is a significant concern due to its role in climate change. The amount of CO2 emitted depends on several factors, including the type of coal, its carbon content, and the efficiency of the combustion process.

When coal is burned, the carbon it contains reacts with oxygen in the air to produce CO2. The specific amount of CO2 produced can vary widely based on the carbon content of the coal. For instance, anthracite, which has a high carbon content, will release more CO2 than lignite, which has a lower carbon content.

The example provided gives us a good starting point for understanding the emissions from coal combustion. It states that coal with a carbon content of 78 percent and a heating value of 14,000 Btu per pound emits about **204.3 pounds of carbon dioxide per million Btu** when completely burned. This is a crucial piece of information as it allows us to calculate the emissions based on the energy content of the coal.

To put this into perspective, if we consider the complete combustion of 1 short ton (2,000 pounds) of this coal, it will generate about 5,720 pounds (2.86 short tons) of carbon dioxide. This calculation is based on the assumption of complete combustion, where all the carbon in the coal is converted to CO2. However, in real-world scenarios, not all carbon may be converted due to factors such as incomplete combustion or the presence of other elements in the coal that do not produce CO2.

It's also important to note that the heating value, or the amount of energy that can be derived from burning a unit of coal, is another critical factor. Higher heating values mean that less coal is needed to produce a given amount of energy, which in turn can affect the total CO2 emissions.

Moreover, the efficiency of the combustion process and the technology used in coal-fired power plants can significantly influence the amount of CO2 produced. Modern power plants with advanced emission control technologies can reduce the emissions per unit of energy produced compared to older, less efficient plants.

In summary, calculating the CO2 emissions from coal combustion involves understanding the carbon content of the coal, its heating value, the efficiency of the combustion process, and the technology used in the power plant. The example provided gives a specific case calculation, but the actual emissions can vary based on these factors.

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For example, coal with a carbon content of 78 percent and a heating value of 14,000 Btu per pound emits about 204.3 pounds of carbon dioxide per million Btu when completely burned. Complete combustion of 1 short ton (2,000 pounds) of this coal will generate about 5,720 pounds (2.86 short tons) of carbon dioxide.read more >>