Answer: Oil.
Some extra relevant information:
The liquid fossil fuel formed from marine organisms that is burned to obtain energy and used to manufacture plastics is called petroleum or crude oil.
Petroleum is a non-renewable resource that has played a vital role in global energy production for many decades. It is a mixture of hydrocarbon compounds, primarily consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms. This complex blend of organic matter is formed over millions of years through the decomposition and transformation of marine plants and animals.
The extraction of petroleum involves drilling wells into underground reservoirs where the oil is trapped. Once extracted, it undergoes a refining process to separate it into various components, such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petrochemicals. These components serve as crucial energy sources for transportation, heating, and industrial activities.
In addition to its energy applications, petroleum is also a fundamental raw material in manufacturing plastics. Plastics are produced by manipulating the molecular structure of certain hydrocarbon components derived from crude oil. Through a process called polymerization, these hydrocarbons are transformed into long chains of repeating units known as polymers. These polymers can be molded into various shapes, making plastics versatile and widely used in countless applications.
However, it’s worth noting that petroleum-based plastics have raised environmental concerns due to their long-lasting nature and the challenges associated with their disposal. As the world strives for sustainability, alternative sources and production methods for plastics, such as bioplastics derived from renewable resources, are being explored to reduce our reliance on petroleum and mitigate environmental impacts.
In conclusion, petroleum is the liquid fossil fuel derived from marine organisms that is burned to obtain energy and used to manufacture plastics. Its significant role in energy production and plastic manufacturing has shaped various aspects of modern life. However, the need for sustainable alternatives highlights the evolving nature of our energy and materials choices.