Nonrenewable Resource Definition
A nonrenewable resource cannot be easily replenished. For example, coal is extracted for energy and may run out.
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Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources
Fun Facts
- It took millions of years to form fossil fuels and we are currently using it up faster than it is being made.
- Nonrenewable resources like fossil fuels have been our primary source of energy because they are relatively inexpensive.
- Pressure from the ground above, combined with the Earth's heat, converted fossils into fuels that can be pumped out of the Earth and used as energy.
Why Do We Need To Know About Nonrenewable Resource
Learning about nonrenewable resources shows why making electricity is important. It’s key for jobs like being an electrical engineer or working at a power plant. These resources are a big part of everyday life and the world’s money.
Finding and getting nonrenewable resources like coal and oil creates lots of jobs in fields like geology and engineering. Knowing about the problems with using these resources up is important for jobs in environmental science and creating new, cleaner energy sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out the Full Lesson on Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources
In this lesson, we learn that:
- Fossil fuels are sources of energy made from prehistoric plants and animals.
- Non-renewable energy comes from sources that could eventually run out.
- Renewable energy comes from sources that can be easily replenished.
- Renewable energy includes sunlight, wind and water power.
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