Question 27

Coal is a nonrenewable fossil fuel.

Coal is classified as a nonrenewable fossil fuel because it is formed from ancient organic matter that has been subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. Once extracted and used, it cannot be replenished within a human timescale.

A) Coal

Coal is indeed a nonrenewable fossil fuel, as it is derived from decomposed plant material that has been buried and transformed over geological time. Once mined and burned for energy, it cannot be regenerated, making it a finite resource.

B) Uranium

Uranium is not a fossil fuel; rather, it is a nuclear fuel used in power generation through fission. While it is also a nonrenewable resource, it does not fall under the category of fossil fuels, which are specifically derived from ancient biological materials.

C) Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source, as it harnesses heat from the Earth's interior. It is sustainable and can be used indefinitely without depleting the Earth's geothermal resources.

D) Ethanol

Ethanol is a biofuel produced from renewable sources, such as crops like corn and sugarcane. Unlike fossil fuels, it can be replenished through agricultural processes, classifying it as a renewable resource.

Conclusion

Coal is the only option listed that qualifies as a nonrenewable fossil fuel, as it is formed from ancient organic materials and cannot be replenished once used. Other options, such as uranium, geothermal energy, and ethanol, do not fit the definition of fossil fuels or are renewable resources, thereby confirming that coal is the correct answer.