A nonrenewable source of energy refers to energy resources that are finite and cannot be replenished on a human timescale once they are depleted. This means that after their extraction and use, they cannot be readily replaced. Common examples of nonrenewable energy sources include fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and natural gas) and nuclear energy, which relies on uranium or other radioactive materials.
These energy sources take millions of years to form and are extracted from the Earth's crust or through significant technological processes. As a result, as these resources are consumed, they become increasingly scarce, leading to concerns about sustainability, energy security, and environmental impacts. In contrast, renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, can be regenerated naturally and sustainably over short periods.
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