Is coal considered a renewable resource or nonrenewable resource and why?

Answer 1

Coal is considered a nonrenewable resource. This classification is due to the fact that coal forms over millions of years from the remains of ancient plants and organic matter subjected to heat and pressure beneath the Earth's surface. The processes that create coal take a very long time, and the rate at which it is extracted and consumed far exceeds the rate at which it can be naturally replaced. Once coal reserves are depleted, they cannot be replenished on a human timescale, making coal nonrenewable.

In contrast, renewable resources, such as solar, wind, and hydro energy, are replenished naturally in a relatively short timeframe and can be used continuously without the risk of depletion.

Answer 2

Simpler

Answer 3

Coal is a nonrenewable resource. This means that it cannot be replaced quickly or easily. It takes millions of years to form from the remains of plants, and once we use it up, it’s gone for a very long time. In contrast, renewable resources, like sunlight and wind, can be used over and over again because they naturally replenish themselves.