A type of analysis used to determine the percentage of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, sulphur, and ash in coal is known as?

The process used to determine the percent composition of major elements like carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen in coal is known as ultimate analysis. This method provides a comprehensive evaluation of the elemental makeup of coal, which is crucial for understanding its energy content and combustion characteristics.

Ultimate analysis is particularly important because it gives insights into the coal's behavior when burned and its suitability for various applications. By identifying the exact percentage of these elements, one can assess not only the calorific value but also the environmental impact, such as emissions produced during combustion. This data is essential when selecting coal for specific uses or when considering its environmental compliance.

Understanding ultimate analysis helps in evaluating coal quality and performance, making it a vital tool in fields related to energy production and environmental science. Other forms of analysis, like proximate analysis, focus on moisture content, volatile matter, and ash content, while chemical analyses can refer to a range of techniques that might not strictly quantify these elemental compositions.