What is a nonrenewable resource?
A. a resource that can replace itself quickly
B. a resource that harms the environment when it is used
C. a resource that is in limited supply
D. a resource that is used for energy
C. a resource that is in limited supply
The correct answer is C. a resource that is in limited supply.
To understand what a nonrenewable resource is, we need to break down the options:
A. A resource that can replace itself quickly - This describes a renewable resource. Renewable resources are those that can be naturally replenished or replaced, such as solar energy or wind. They can regrow, reproduce, or replenish themselves relatively quickly.
B. A resource that harms the environment when it is used - This is a description of some nonrenewable resources, but it is not a definition of nonrenewable resources as a whole. While many nonrenewable resources can indeed harm the environment when used (such as coal or oil), it is not the defining characteristic of nonrenewable resources.
C. A resource that is in limited supply - This is the correct definition of a nonrenewable resource. Nonrenewable resources are natural resources that exist in limited quantities and cannot be replenished or replaced within a human lifespan or at a rate comparable to their consumption. Examples include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
D. A resource that is used for energy - While many nonrenewable resources are indeed used for energy production, it is not the sole defining characteristic of nonrenewable resources. There are nonrenewable resources that are used for purposes other than energy, such as metals like gold or copper.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. a resource that is in limited supply. Nonrenewable resources are considered finite and will eventually run out if consumed at a faster rate than they can form naturally.
A nonrenewable resource is an option C: a resource that is in limited supply.
Coal is a very useful rock that formed over millions of years from the remains of plants. Is coal a mineral?
A. no, coal is not a mineral because coal can be burned to produce electricity and heat
B. yes, coal is a mineral because all rocks are nonliving solid minerals
C. yes, coal is a mineral because all rocks that are useful to people are minerals
D. no, coal is not a mineral because coal is made of dead plants
D. no, coal is not a mineral because coal is made of dead plants
Which is a negative aspect of fossil fuels?
A. they are difficult to find
B. they cause pollution on Earth
C. they take a long time to produce energy
D. they are difficult to transport
B. they cause pollution on Earth
Which fossil fuel is considered the most abundant in the United States?
A. natural gas
B. petroleum
C. coal
D. oil
C. coal
Which statement best explains an environmental outcome of using fossil fuels for energy?
A. fossil fuels release carbon dioxide which plants use to make food
B. fossils fuels produce waste that exposes humans to dangerous levels of radiation
C. when fossil fuels are burned hazardous ash is created and carried through the environment by wind and dropped into nearby lakes and ponds
D. when fossil fuels are burned, they release toxic gases into the air that cause pollution and increase globe warming