Examples of nonrenewable resources
Nuclear Energy
Urannium
Biomas Energy
Natural Gas
Coal
Liquid Oil
Renewable and nonrenewable resources represent two distinct types of energy sources that sustain daily human activities. The crucial difference lies in the renewable resources’ ability to regenerate, while nonrenewable resources do not.
Nonrenewable Resources With Examples
These resources, being inherently limited, renew at a slow pace. Unfortunately, human dependence on these resources is extensive. Over time, nonrenewable resources like coal, liquid oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, biomass energy, etc., will inevitably deplete.
Most nonrenewable resources fall under the category of fossil fuels, including coal and natural gas. Carbon, a vital element on Earth, plays a central role in these resources’ composition.
Fossil fuels share a common origin, forming from ancient wetlands where plants, algae, and plankton thrived.
Coal
Coal is a black or brownish rock composed of the remains of plants and animals that perished hundreds of millions of years ago. It serves as a crucial energy source for electricity generation, cooking, and various industrial applications.
Historically, coal was employed as fuel for trains, but in contemporary times, its usage has extended to numerous industries. However, despite its utility, coal has significant drawbacks. The combustion of coal releases toxic gases, contributing to atmospheric pollution. Additionally, coal mining activities can lead to underground fires that persist for extended periods, posing environmental challenges.
Natural Gas
Natural gas, a fossil fuel predominantly composed of methane, is extracted from underground reservoirs within the Earth. This resource is a key component of nonrenewable energy sources.
Primarily utilized for cooking and heating, natural gas is favored for its efficiency in these applications. The decomposition of organic matter in landfills releases methane, identifiable by its distinctive odor resembling rotten eggs.
Furthermore, natural gas has the capability to undergo liquefaction, resulting in the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG is a clear liquid, distinguishing it from other fossil fuels.
Liquid OIL
Crude oil, a fossil fuel, is a significant nonrenewable resource found underground and trapped by rocks. The formation of liquid oil is attributed to the decomposition of animals over thousands of years, preserved as tar.
This valuable resource originates from the remnants of large animals that lived millions of years ago, including dinosaurs and others from ancient times. The transformation of these organic remains into crude oil through natural processes has resulted in its availability as a crucial nonrenewable energy source on Earth.
Nuclear Energy
Biomass Energy
Biomass energy is derived from plants and trees, with common biomass materials including plants like corn and soy. The energy stored in these organisms can be utilized by burning them to produce heat or converting them into electricity.
As for examples of nuclear energy, it is electricity generated by a nuclear reactor, serving as a major power source in countries like Japan.
Biomass energy finds application in the production of liquid biofuels, making it a versatile renewable energy source, especially for powering vehicles.
The list of six nonrenewable resources includes coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, biomass, and uranium. These resources are finite and have various applications, contributing to global energy needs.
Question 1: How is biomass energy generated?
Biomass energy is produced by burning biomass in a combustor or furnace, generating hot gas that is then fed into a boiler. The steam produced in the boiler is expanded through a steam turbine or steam engine to generate either mechanical or electrical energy.
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