why are coal electric and oil called fossil fuels
Rating Newest Oldest. Best Answer: Coal, oil and gas are called fossil fuels because they have been formed from the organic remains of prehistoric plants and animals. Find out more about how they formed at www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/chapter08.h...ossil fuels or mineral fuels are fossil source fuels, that is, hydrocarbons found within the top layer of the earthâs crust. They range from very volatile materials with low carbon:hydrogen ratios like methane, to liquid petroleum to nonvolatile materials composed of almost pure carbon, like anthracite coal.