Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 277

Non Renewable sources of energy are?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the depletion rate and natural replenishment of energy sources.

Correct Answer: C) Natural Gas and Oil.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Energy sources can be broadly classified into two categories: renewable and non-renewable. Renewable energy sources are those that can be replenished naturally within a human timescale, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass. These sources are sustainable and do not deplete the Earth's natural resources. On the other hand, non-renewable energy sources are those that cannot be replenished within a human timescale and are finite in nature. These include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, which are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years.

Non-renewable energy sources are characterized by their limited availability and the fact that they take an extremely long time to form. Once these resources are extracted and used, they cannot be replaced in a short period. This makes them finite and depletable. The extraction and use of non-renewable energy sources also have significant environmental impacts, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the potential for environmental degradation.

Understanding the distinction between renewable and non-renewable energy sources is crucial for addressing issues related to energy sustainability and environmental conservation. Renewable energy sources are increasingly being promoted as alternatives to non-renewable sources to reduce dependence on finite resources and mitigate the environmental impacts associated with their use.

In the context of the given question, the correct answer is "Natural Gas and Oil" because both are non-renewable energy sources. Natural gas is a fossil fuel composed primarily of methane, and it is formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years. Similarly, oil, also known as petroleum, is a liquid fossil fuel that is extracted from underground reservoirs and is formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms. Both of these sources are finite and cannot be replenished within a human timescale, making them non-renewable.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect because solar and water are renewable energy sources. Solar energy is derived from the sun, which is a virtually inexhaustible source, and water (hydroelectric power) is replenished through the water cycle.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect because wind is a renewable energy source, while coal is non-renewable. Wind energy is derived from the movement of air, which is a continuous process driven by the sun and the Earth's rotation.
  • Option C: This option is correct because both natural gas and oil are non-renewable energy sources. They are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years and cannot be replenished within a human timescale.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect because oil is non-renewable, but solar energy is renewable. Solar energy is derived from the sun, which is a virtually inexhaustible source of energy.

Mnemonic: Remember: Non-renewable resources are "finite" and "depletable."

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