What is the approximate elemental composition formula for coal?

The approximate elemental composition formula for coal is represented by the choice that reflects the complex mixture of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur that characterizes coal.

Coal is primarily composed of carbon, which is the most significant component contributing to its energy content and structure. The general empirical formula for coal indicates that while carbon makes up a large portion of its composition, there are also essential amounts of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur present due to the biological processes that form coal from plant material over millions of years.

The formula chosen encompasses the ratios of these elements that are typical in different grades of coal. In this case, this specific empirical formula suggests a reasonable mixture that reflects variations found in lignite, bituminous, and anthracite coals depending on their formation conditions.

By including significant quantities of carbon (135), hydrogen (96), oxygen (9), nitrogen (1), and sulfur (approximately 1), this formula accurately represents the essential characteristics of coal as a fossil fuel, combining the different elements in a realistic manner that reflects the nature of the material itself.