Arrange the following fossil fuels in increasing order of their carbon intensities (gC/MJ):
(A) Natural gas

(B) Coal

(C) Petroleum

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is A

The correct order of fossil fuels in increasing carbon intensity (grams of carbon per megajoule of energy) is:
· Natural Gas has the lowest carbon intensity because it burns more cleanly than coal and petroleum.
· Petroleum has a moderate carbon intensity.
· Coal has the highest carbon intensity because it produces more carbon emissions per unit of energy.
Information Booster: 1. Carbon Intensity measures the amount of carbon dioxide emitted per unit of energy produced.
2. Natural Gas: ~15 gC/MJ (lowest carbon intensity among fossil fuels). Natural Gas is considered a cleaner fossil fuel, often used as a transition fuel in the shift to renewable energy.
3. Petroleum: ~20 gC/MJ (moderate carbon intensity). Petroleum is widely used in transportation and industrial processes, contributing significantly to global CO₂ emissions.
4. Coal: ~25 gC/MJ (highest carbon intensity due to its high carbon content). Coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel and is being phased out in many countries to reduce emissions.