- Which one of the following varieties of coal has the highest amount of carbon in it?

Coal is classified into four main ranks based on its carbon content and the degree of coalification it has undergone. Anthracite, also known as hard coal, represents the highest rank and contains the highest amount of carbon, typically ranging from 80% to 97% [3][t1][t5]. It is characterized by a lustrous sheen, low moisture, and very little volatile matter [3][t5]. In contrast, Bituminous coal (soft coal) contains approximately 45% to 86% carbon [t1][t5]. Lignite, or brown coal, is a lower-grade coal with a carbon content of about 25% to 60% [1][t5][t6]. Peat represents the initial stage of coal formation and has the lowest carbon concentration, as it is primarily composed of decayed vegetative matter with high moisture content [t6]. Therefore, anthracite is the variety with the highest carbon content.

Sources

1. [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Classification > p. 1
2. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Classification > p. 2