Question

Why are fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal considered nonrenewable resources? A. They are very costly. B. Burning them adds to air pollution. C. They are found deep within the Earth. D. They take millions of years to be replaced.

Short answer

The correct answer is D.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Question

The exercise asks why fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal are considered nonrenewable resources.

Understand Options

There are four options given: A) They are very costly, B) Burning them adds to air pollution, C) They are found deep within the Earth, and D) They take millions of years to be replaced.

Analyze Each Option

Consider each option to see whether it explains why fossil fuels are nonrenewable:A) Costliness does not determine renewability.B) Air pollution addresses environmental impact, not renewability.C) Location within the Earth does not affect whether resources can be replaced.D) Taking millions of years to be replaced means they cannot be regenerated within a human lifespan, qualifying them as nonrenewable.

Determine Correct Answer

From the analysis, option D is the only answer that explains why fossil fuels are considered nonrenewable.

Key concepts

fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are natural substances formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals. Over millions of years, heat and pressure transformed these remains into rich energy sources like oil, natural gas, and coal.
These fuels are vital because they provide a significant amount of energy that powers industries, homes, and vehicles.
However, the extraction, production, and use of fossil fuels come with several downsides.

• Fossil fuels are a major contributor to air pollution. Burning these fuels releases harmful gases and particulates into the atmosphere, causing health issues and environmental damage.
• They also contribute to climate change. The carbon dioxide (CO2) released when fossil fuels are burned traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate-related problems.

Despite their usefulness, the negative impacts of fossil fuels make finding alternative energy sources imperative.

resource renewability

Renewability refers to how quickly a resource can be replenished compared to how fast it is consumed. Nonrenewable resources, like fossil fuels, take millions of years to form. This means once we use them up, it will take an incredibly long time before new fossil fuels are created.
Renewable resources, on the other hand, can be regenerated naturally within a human lifespan. Examples include solar energy, wind power, and biomass. These resources are virtually limitless as long as we manage and harness them correctly.

• Renewable resources help reduce dependence on nonrenewable energy, thereby decreasing environmental impacts.
• They provide a sustainable way to meet energy demands without depleting the planet's natural reserves.

Understanding the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources is crucial for developing sustainable practices.

environmental science

Environmental science is the interdisciplinary study of the environment and how its components—living and non-living—interact. It seeks to understand and address environmental problems. This field includes aspects of biology, chemistry, geology, and social sciences to find solutions for issues like pollution, climate change, and resource management.
One key focus is the impact of human activities on the environment. Burning fossil fuels, for example, significantly impacts air and water quality and contributes to global warming.

• Environmental scientists research ways to mitigate these effects, such as developing cleaner energy technologies and promoting conservation efforts.
• They also work on policy recommendations to help governments and organizations adopt more sustainable practices.

An understanding of environmental science is crucial for creating a healthier, more sustainable world.

energy sources

Energy sources are classified into two main types: renewable and nonrenewable. Nonrenewable energy sources, like fossil fuels, are limited and cannot be replenished within a human lifespan. These include oil, coal, and natural gas.
Renewable energy sources are those that can be naturally replenished. They include:

• Solar power: Energy from the sun captured using solar panels.
• Wind power: Energy harvested from wind using turbines.
• Hydropower: Energy generated from moving water.
• Biomass: Organic materials used as fuel, such as wood or crop waste.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources is essential for reducing dependency on nonrenewable fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact.
Using renewable energy can help create a more sustainable and cleaner future.