The resource that can be used up but is considered renewable because it can replace itself is trees. Trees can be replanted and grown again, making them a renewable resource when managed sustainably. In contrast, wind and geothermal energy are naturally replenished, while copper is a non-renewable resource since it does not replace itself.
Which resource can be used up, but is considered renewable because it can replace itself?
trees
wind
geothermal
copper
7 answers
Is the resource available naturally?
Is the resource unlimited or able to be replaced within a reasonable time?
Is there a practical use for the resource?
Is the collection of the resource damaging to the environment?
The question a student can ask to determine whether a resource is renewable or nonrenewable is: Is the resource unlimited or able to be replaced within a reasonable time? This question directly addresses the key characteristic that distinguishes renewable resources (which can be replenished) from nonrenewable resources (which cannot be replaced within a human timeframe).
coal
wind
water
biomass
The energy resource that is nonrenewable is coal. Coal is a fossil fuel formed from ancient organic matter and takes millions of years to form, making it a nonrenewable resource. In contrast, wind, water (hydropower), and biomass can be replenished in a relatively short time frame, which categorizes them as renewable resources.
Petroleum harms the environment when it is used.
It takes millions of years for petroleum to form.
Many products are made from petroleum.
Petroleum is a source of energy.
The statement that provides evidence that petroleum is a nonrenewable resource is: It takes millions of years for petroleum to form. This indicates that petroleum cannot be replenished within a human timescale, which is a defining characteristic of nonrenewable resources.