Which of the following type of coal has the lowest proportion of volatile matter?
(1) Lignite
(2) Peat
(3) Bituminous
(4) Anthracite
Answer: (4) Anthracite has the lowest proportion of volatile matter. Volatile matter in coal refers to the components of coal, except for moisture, which is liberated at high temperatures in the absence of air. This is usually a mixture of short and long-chain hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, and some sulfur. The volatile matter of coal is determined under rigidly controlled standards.
