Which of the following is an example of a non-renewable energy resource?

Study for the Earth Science Standards of Learning Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Prepare for your exam efficiently!

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of a non-renewable energy resource?

Explanation:
Non-renewable resources are those that cannot be replenished on a human timescale. Coal fits this because it is a fossil fuel formed from ancient plant material buried and transformed under heat and pressure for millions of years. Once mined and burned for energy, the coal supply that existed is gone and cannot be quickly replaced. In contrast, solar, wind, and hydroelectric power rely on natural processes (the sun, moving air, and the water cycle) that continuously replenish their energy sources, so they are renewable. That makes coal the non-renewable example.

Non-renewable resources are those that cannot be replenished on a human timescale. Coal fits this because it is a fossil fuel formed from ancient plant material buried and transformed under heat and pressure for millions of years. Once mined and burned for energy, the coal supply that existed is gone and cannot be quickly replaced. In contrast, solar, wind, and hydroelectric power rely on natural processes (the sun, moving air, and the water cycle) that continuously replenish their energy sources, so they are renewable. That makes coal the non-renewable example.

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