Difference Between Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources Overview
The vast majority of natural resources, such as coal and petroleum, were created millions of years ago. Other resources, such as sunshine, existed before the world formed. Regardless, we are all dependent on these resources in some manner. Natural resources are classified into two types- renewable resources and non-renewable resources. Humans rely on both of these resources.
What are Resources?
All of the components in our environment that are utilized by living beings are referred to as resources. Resources are highly useful raw resources found in the environment. These are known as naturally occurring materials. They are advantageous to everyone in a number of ways.
What are Natural Resources?
To exist in our world, humans require many valuable items found in nature. These are known as natural resources. Some examples are air, water, wood, animals, and minerals. A man-made resource is created when humans employ natural resources to create something new that boosts its worth.
Difference Between Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources Definitions
Renewable Resources Definition
Renewable resources are defined as those that cannot be depleted even after continual use. These are natural resources that do not decline or exhaust despite continual usage. These are renewed or replaced by natural processes during a certain time period. Consider sunshine and wind.
Nonrenewable Resources Definition
Non-renewable resources are those that cannot be replenished quickly when they are depleted. Nonrenewable resources include fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, natural gas, and rare minerals found in meteorites. These are natural resources that are depleted or exhausted as a result of continual human usage and are not renewed or replaced. Mineral ores, fossil fuels, groundwater, and so forth.
Difference Between Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources Examples
Examples of Renewable Resources
The following are some of the examples of renewable resources-
Biogas
Biogas is a type of fuel that consists of a mixture of gases such as methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and other gases created by the breakdown of animal and plant wastes such as animal dung in the presence of water using microorganisms. It is frequently used as a fuel for gas burners, especially in rural areas.
Hydro
Hydro energy may be converted into electrical energy in a straightforward method. Electrical energy is a type of energy that is produced as a result of an electric charge. Electrical energy is a type of energy that is produced as a result of an electric charge.
Soil
As the layer in which plants develop, the soil is an important resource. Food is required for all living things to survive. Plants generate the majority of the food required by living beings.
Sun
Solar energy is the energy obtained from sunshine. The sun is the most important natural resource for all living things on the planet. Plants use solar energy to produce their own sustenance via photosynthesis.
Water
Water is essential for existence. Water is used by humans for a multitude of purposes, including drinking, washing, cooking, and agricultural cultivation. Water flowing into a river or water retained in a dam generates hydroelectricity. Hydro energy is energy created by flowing water, such as rivers.
Wind
It is an essential renewable resource for the existence of living beings. Air is required for photosynthesis (the process through which green plants convert carbon dioxide and water into food using solar energy) and respiration (the inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide) in plants and mammals, respectively. Wind energy is the energy that is collected from the wind.
Examples of Nonrenewable Resources
The following are some examples of nonrenewable resources-
Fossil Fuels
They are non-renewable sources of energy. This implies they will eventually be completed, which is why energy prices are rising. Coal, natural gas, and petroleum are examples of fossil fuels.
Coal
It is a fuel that is used to create power, as well as in manufacturing and steam engines.
Natural Gas
It is often known as compressed natural gas, is a great alternative to gasoline and diesel. It burns fast and produces a lot of heat. It's a great source of hydrogen.
Nuclear Energy
This energy source makes use of naturally occurring radioactive material. Uranium is principally utilized in the production of nuclear reactor fuel rods. When neutrons (neutral particles found in the atom) collide with the fuel rods, heat is produced. This turns water into steam, which is then used to power turbines. As a result, it produces power.
Petroleum
They can also be referred to as mineral oil or crude oil. This liquid mineral is used to make gasoline, diesel, cooking gas, and kerosene. It can be found deep underground.
Difference Between Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources Fun Facts
- A single wind turbine may provide enough electricity to power 1,400 homes.
- Renewable energy generates three times the number of employees as fossil fuels.
- Renewable resources are so plentiful that they never run out.
- When nonrenewable resources, such as fossil fuels, are consumed, they emit toxic pollutants into the atmosphere.
Difference Between Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources
The following table gives detailed information about renewable and nonrenewable resources-
|
Parameters |
Renewable Resources |
Nonrenewable Resources |
|
Examples |
Light, wind, water, greenery, and so forth. |
Mineral ores, as well as fossil fuels like coal and petroleum. |
|
Area |
Wind farms, for example, need a large amount of land. |
In comparison, it requires lesser space. |
|
Depletion or exhaustion |
With constant use, there is no depletion. |
Continuous usage depletes these. |
|
Upfront Cost |
The initial investment is substantial. |
The initial investment is modest. |
|
Infrastructure |
Infrastructure costs a lot of money to harvest renewable energy. |
The cost of infrastructure for harvesting nonrenewable resources is minimal and cost-effective. |
|
Impact on the environment |
These produce less carbon and so have a small carbon impact. |
These emit a higher proportion of carbon and hence have a larger carbon footprint. |
Key Takeaways
- While fossil fuels are stable and easy to store, they are becoming increasingly rare. They pollute the air we breathe, contribute to climate change, are dangerous to produce, and, when things go wrong, kill wildlife.
- Renewable energy sources are better for the environment, and increased dependence on wind and solar power will contribute to improved global air quality.
- While renewable energy is less constant (for example, solar electricity can only be used when the sun shines), it is always accessible.
- Renewable energy does not need to grow and develop over millions of years, nor does it need to be carried over land and ocean to be available.
Read more about- Water Conservation and the Multidisciplinary Nature of Environmental Science.
Sample Questions for the Difference Between Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources
Sample Question 1- What exactly are resources?
Resources are the materials that are accessible in our surroundings to meet our requirements and desires. Natural resources are resources that are naturally accessible in the world, such as plants, water, air, and land.
Sample Question 2- What are some of the techniques for transforming natural energy into electricity?
Solar panels, windmills, and water dams are examples of devices that transform natural energy into electrical energy.
Sample Question 3- How can we save water in our everyday lives?
Some simple strategies to preserve water in our daily lives include closing the tap after use, collecting rainwater, repairing leaks, and so on.
Sample Question 4- What exactly is a solar panel?
A solar panel is a system utilized in our daily lives, particularly in villages, to generate power from solar energy. The energy transforms from solar energy to electrical energy, allowing individuals to conduct a variety of tasks using that power.
Sample Question 5- What are the advantages of utilizing natural resources over conventional electricity?
The advantages of using natural resources over normal power are that regular electricity is expensive, but natural energy is derived directly from nature, such as the sun, wind, and so on. As a result, a low-cost arrangement can provide us with significant benefits.
Sample Question 6- What are some of the drawbacks of natural energy?
Natural energy has its drawbacks as well. For example, if it is a foggy day and the sun is obscured by clouds, solar energy will be useless. Similarly, if the air is not flowing quickly, Wind energy will be ineffective.