25. Which of the following is a nonrenewable resource?
Answer: B
Natural gas is a nonrenewable resource.
Natural gas is classified as a nonrenewable resource because it is formed from the decomposition of organic matter over millions of years and cannot be replenished within a human timeframe.
A) Wood
Wood is considered a renewable resource as it can be regrown through sustainable forestry practices. Trees can be replanted and harvested in a cycle, allowing for continuous supply without depletion.
B) Natural gas
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that forms from the remains of ancient marine organisms. Its extraction and use deplete finite reserves, making it a nonrenewable resource that will eventually run out.
C) Solar energy
Solar energy is a renewable resource derived from the sun's rays. It is abundant and can be harnessed continuously, making it sustainable and not subject to depletion.
D) Geothermal power
Geothermal power utilizes heat from the Earth's interior, which is continuously replenished by natural processes. This makes geothermal energy a renewable resource, as it can be used indefinitely without depletion.
Conclusion
Natural gas is definitively the correct answer as it is a finite resource that cannot be replaced on a human timescale. In contrast, wood, solar energy, and geothermal power are all renewable resources that can be replenished or harnessed sustainably, highlighting their differences in terms of resource classification.