Classify the energy sources as either renewable or nonrenewable.
A. Energy obtained from coal
B. Energy obtained from burning plant waste.
C. Energy obtained from water springs inside the Earth.
D. Energy obtained from natural gas.
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
Here is the classification of the energy sources provided:
- A. Energy obtained from coal: Nonrenewable
- B. Energy obtained from burning plant waste: Renewable
- C. Energy obtained from water springs inside the Earth: Renewable
- D. Energy obtained from natural gas: Nonrenewable
Explanation
Nonrenewable Energy Sources
- Energy obtained from coal: Coal is a fossil fuel formed from ancient plant material subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. It is considered a nonrenewable energy source because it cannot be replenished on a human timescale. Once extracted and used, coal reserves diminish, leading to depletion. Additionally, burning coal releases significant greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change and air pollution.
- Energy obtained from natural gas: Similar to coal, natural gas is a fossil fuel derived from decomposed organic matter buried beneath the Earth. It is also a nonrenewable energy source because it takes millions of years to form. The extraction and use of natural gas contribute to environmental issues, including methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that exacerbates climate change.
Renewable Energy Sources
- Energy obtained from burning plant waste: This energy source is renewable because plant waste is part of the natural cycle of growth, decay, and regrowth. Biomass energy, derived from organic materials like plant waste, can be replenished as new plants grow. When burned, biomass releases carbon dioxide; however, the carbon released can be offset by the carbon absorbed by new plant growth, making it more sustainable than fossil fuels.
- Energy obtained from water springs inside the Earth: This refers to geothermal energy, which harnesses heat from the Earth’s interior. It is a renewable energy source because it relies on the Earth’s constant thermal energy. Geothermal systems are sustainable and produce minimal emissions, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
In summary, renewable energy sources, such as biomass and geothermal energy, can be replenished naturally and sustainably, while nonrenewable sources like coal and natural gas are finite and contribute to environmental degradation.