Question

Which of the following statements accurately contrasts renewable and non-renewable energy resources?

A) Renewable Energy Resources:

Derived from replenishable sources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.
Sustainable and naturally replenished over time.
Generally, lower environmental impact and emissions compared to non-renewable sources.
Examples include solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, and biomass.
B) Non-Renewable Energy Resources:

Derived from finite sources, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and nuclear fuels (uranium).
Depleted over time and cannot be readily replaced on human timescales.
Typically associated with higher environmental impact, including air and water pollution.
Examples include coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy.
C) Cost and Availability:

Renewable energy sources often have lower ongoing costs and are becoming more economically competitive.
Non-renewable sources may face fluctuating costs influenced by resource availability and geopolitical factors.
D) Environmental Impact:

Renewable resources generally have a smaller ecological footprint and contribute less to climate change.
Non-renewable sources often involve significant environmental degradation, such as habitat disruption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Choose the correct option that highlights the key differences between renewable and non-renewable energy resources.

A) A and B only

B) B and C only

C) A, C, and D only

D) All of the above

Answer 1

Renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind energy, are derived from replenishable sources and have lower environmental impact compared to non-renewable sources, like fossil fuels and nuclear energy. Renewable sources often have lower ongoing costs and a smaller ecological footprint, while non-renewable sources face fluctuating costs and significant environmental degradation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The key differences between renewable and non-renewable energy resources are:

1. Renewable Energy Resources: Derived from replenishable sources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. They are sustainable and naturally replenished over time. Examples include solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, and biomass.
2. Non-Renewable Energy Resources: Derived from finite sources, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and nuclear fuels (uranium). They are depleted over time and cannot be readily replaced on human timescales. Examples include coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy.
3. Cost and Availability: Renewable energy sources often have lower ongoing costs and are becoming more economically competitive. Non-renewable sources may face fluctuating costs influenced by resource availability and geopolitical factors.
4. Environmental Impact: Renewable resources generally have a smaller ecological footprint and contribute less to climate change. Non-renewable sources often involve significant environmental degradation, such as habitat disruption and greenhouse gas emissions.