The coal question is a specific type of question that is asked to test someone's understanding of coal and how it is used. It usually involves knowing how much energy coal provides, how it is mined, where it is found, and what other uses it can have. Coal is a black or brown rock that is found in the ground. It is made up of several different kinds of trapped plants and animals that died millions of years ago. Coal is mined by digging it out of the ground and then burning it. Burning coal makes heat and energy. This energy is used to help make electricity that powers our homes, schools and businesses. Coal is also used to make things like paper and rubber.