Which energy resource is nonrenewable?

Which energy resource is nonrenewable?

• A. Water energy
• B. Biomass energy
• C. Oil
• D. Wind energy

Answer: (C)

Oil is nonrenewable because it’s a fossil fuel formed from ancient organic matter over millions of years under heat and pressure deep underground. The amount available is finite, and we burn through it far faster than new oil can form, so it won’t be replenished on human timescales. In contrast, water energy relies on the water cycle, which continuously moves water through rivers and reservoirs. Biomass energy comes from plants and trees that can regrow if managed sustainably. Wind energy comes from atmospheric processes driven by the sun, providing a renewable, ongoing source as long as weather patterns continue.

Oil is nonrenewable because it’s a fossil fuel formed from ancient organic matter over millions of years under heat and pressure deep underground. The amount available is finite, and we burn through it far faster than new oil can form, so it won’t be replenished on human timescales.

In contrast, water energy relies on the water cycle, which continuously moves water through rivers and reservoirs. Biomass energy comes from plants and trees that can regrow if managed sustainably. Wind energy comes from atmospheric processes driven by the sun, providing a renewable, ongoing source as long as weather patterns continue.