Charcoal, also known as carbon, is a porous black substance that is derived from various organic materials such as wood, coconut shells, or bamboo. It is produced by heating these materials in the absence of oxygen. Activated charcoal, on the other hand, undergoes an additional process called activation, which involves treating charcoal with high heat and chemicals to create a highly porous structure. This porous structure increases its surface area, allowing it to effectively absorb and trap substances.