Final answer:
A nonrenewable resource is a natural resource that exists in fixed amounts and is consumed faster than it can be replenished by nature, unlike renewable resources that replenish quickly.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nonrenewable resource is one that can be safely used by only one process at a time and is not depleted by that use. Nonrenewable resources are natural resources that exist in fixed amounts and can be used up. Examples include fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal.
These take millions of years to form and are consumed by humans at a much faster rate than they can be naturally replenished. On the other hand, renewable resources are natural resources that can be replenished by natural processes as quickly as humans use them. These include sunlight, wind, and biomass. Renewable resources and alternative energy sources are essential for maintaining a sustainable environment for future generations.
A nonrenewable resource is one that can be safely used by only one process at a time and is not depleted by that use. Examples include fossil fuels like petroleum, coal, and natural gas. These resources exist in fixed amounts and cannot be replenished quickly enough to keep pace with human use.