A nonrenewable resource is a natural resource that cannot be replenished or replaced within a human timescale, which means they are limited in supply and will eventually be depleted due to human consumption. These resources are formed through geological processes that take millions of years, making them unsustainable for long-term use.
Examples of nonrenewable resources include:
1. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas - they are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals and are the primary source of energy for most of the world.
2. Uranium - used as fuel in nuclear power plants for generating electricity.
3. Metal ores, such as gold, silver, copper, aluminum, and iron - extracted from the Earth's crust and used in various industries and products.
4. Non-metallic minerals, such as sand, gravel, and limestone - used in construction, glass manufacturing, and agriculture.
Once these nonrenewable resources are depleted, they cannot be replenished, which makes it essential to use them wisely and strive to find alternative, sustainable sources of energy and materials.
What is a nonrenewable resource? Give examples.
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