Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources – GCSE Physics
Introduction
- Studying Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources is vital because it helps us understand our energy resources. By studying them we get to know that how we can use them wisely.
- Studying about the differences between Renewable & Non-Renewable resources is crucial so that we can sustainably use our resources without the environmental damage.
- Understanding about these Energy Resources includes understanding environmental concepts too as the use of these resources is dependent of these environmental factors.
Renewable Resources
- Renewable Resources can be easily replaced, therefore we can continuously use them. Examples include – Sunlight, Water, Geothermal Energy, Wind etc.
- These resources can be used sustainably. But using them at large scale is costly.
- As the population increases the demand of these resources is increasing too.
- These resources are weather dependent. Suppose the generation of solar power which is totally dependent of sunlight but the conditions may vary according to the season of the year, time of the day and existing weather conditions.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Resources
Advantages
- Reduce harmful green house gas production.
- Clean air and fresh water.
- These resources are constantly renewed by nature itself and are sustainable.
- Long-term availability.
- Minimal or no pollution.
Disadvantages
- These resources are weather dependent that means energy is produced inconsistently.
- Their storage is difficult and expensive if large amount of energy is generated.
- The energy production from natural resources like sunlight and wind are location specific limiting their overall performance.
- More Land usage.
Non-Renewable Resources
- Non Renewable Resources cannot be easily renewed because they are finite and thus we need to use them wisely. Examples include- Fossil Fuels (coal), Oil, Natural Gas.
- These resources are limited and thus can’t be sustainably used.
- These resources are directly extracted from Earth. After exraction they are converted to fulfill the needs.
- Burning these resources is harmful for our environment.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Non- Renewable Resources
Advantages
- High output
- Easily Affordable
- Reliable
- Easily stored, transported because there are well developed techniques and infrastructure for these purposes
Disadvantages
- Pollution: Burning these resources like coal produces harmful gases like Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides and Sulphur dioxides.
- These resources produce significant amount of the gases which causes acid rain and climate.
Difference between Renewable and Non- Renewable Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Solution:
They difference between them is that Renewable Resources can be renewed they are naturally available and can be reused like Wind Energy, but on the other hand Non-Renewable resources are finite and we need to them wisely because they cannot be renewed like fossil fuels.
Solution:
Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Water and Geothermal Energy.
Solution:
Yes, Non-Renewable enrgy resources like fossil fuels when burn produce harmful green house gases and results in air pollution.
Solution:
Renewable energy resources are sustainable and can be used for long time providing a secure future, but Non-Renewable resources are limited and have environmental issues too.
Solution:
Geothermal Energy.
Solution:
Studying Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources is vital because it helps us understand our energy resources. By studying them we get to know that how we can use them wisely.