Which resource would be considered Nonrenewable Energy Sources?

Which resource would be considered Nonrenewable Energy Sources?

• A. Solar Energy
• B. Wind Energy
• C. Coal
• D. Hydroelectric

Answer: (C)

Renewable versus nonrenewable energy sources. Coal is nonrenewable because it formed from ancient plant material over millions of years and, once mined and burned for energy, cannot be replaced on human timescales. There's a finite amount available, and it takes far longer to form than we use. In contrast, solar energy comes from the sun and is renewable since sunlight is plentiful and continually available. Wind energy uses air movement caused by the sun’s heating of the Earth, which is also renewable. Hydroelectric power relies on moving water in the water cycle; as rainfall and rivers continually cycle water, this source is considered renewable too. So coal fits the nonrenewable category.

Renewable versus nonrenewable energy sources. Coal is nonrenewable because it formed from ancient plant material over millions of years and, once mined and burned for energy, cannot be replaced on human timescales. There's a finite amount available, and it takes far longer to form than we use. In contrast, solar energy comes from the sun and is renewable since sunlight is plentiful and continually available. Wind energy uses air movement caused by the sun’s heating of the Earth, which is also renewable. Hydroelectric power relies on moving water in the water cycle; as rainfall and rivers continually cycle water, this source is considered renewable too. So coal fits the nonrenewable category.