When coal is burnt, the following energy transformation occurs:

Chemical Energy → Thermal Energy (Heat) + Light Energy

Here's a breakdown:

* Chemical Energy: Coal stores chemical energy in its bonds.

* Burning: Burning involves a chemical reaction (combustion) with oxygen. This reaction breaks the bonds in coal, releasing the stored chemical energy.

* Thermal Energy (Heat): Most of the released energy is converted into heat, making the coal and its surroundings hotter.

* Light Energy: A smaller portion of the energy is released as light, causing the coal to glow.

So, the burning of coal essentially converts the chemical energy stored within it into heat and light energy.