Question

key concept how do the three types of natural resources differ? directions: on the line before each term, write n if the term represents a nonrenewable resource, r if the term represents a renewable resource, or i if the term represents an inexhaustible resource. 1. ____ coal 2. __ wind 3. __ solar energy 4. __ air 5. __ oil 6. __ water 7. __ minerals 8. __ natural gas 9. __ geothermal energy 10. ____ land

Explanation:

To solve this, we first recall the definitions:

• Nonrenewable (N): Resources that take millions of years to form and are finite (e.g., fossil fuels, minerals).
• Renewable (R): Resources that can be replenished naturally over time (e.g., water, land, plants).
• Inexhaustible (I): Resources that are unlimited or nearly so (e.g., solar, wind, air).

1. coal

Coal is a fossil fuel, formed over millions of years, and is finite. So, \( \boldsymbol{N} \).

2. wind

Wind energy is derived from atmospheric movements, which are endless. So, \( \boldsymbol{I} \).

3. solar energy

Solar energy comes from the sun, which is an unlimited source. So, \( \boldsymbol{I} \).

4. air

Air is constantly renewed by natural processes and is unlimited. So, \( \boldsymbol{I} \).

5. oil

Oil is a fossil fuel, finite and formed over millions of years. So, \( \boldsymbol{N} \).

6. water

Water is naturally recycled (hydrologic cycle) and can be replenished. So, \( \boldsymbol{R} \).

7. minerals

Minerals (e.g., iron, copper) are formed over millions of years and are finite. So, \( \boldsymbol{N} \).

8. natural gas

Natural gas is a fossil fuel, finite and formed over millions of years. So, \( \boldsymbol{N} \).

9. geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is derived from Earth’s internal heat, which is essentially unlimited. So, \( \boldsymbol{I} \).

10. land

Land can be restored or reused (e.g., through ecological processes) and is renewable. So, \( \boldsymbol{R} \).

Final Answers:

1. \( \boldsymbol{N} \)
2. \( \boldsymbol{I} \)
3. \( \boldsymbol{I} \)
4. \( \boldsymbol{I} \)
5. \( \boldsymbol{N} \)
6. \( \boldsymbol{R} \)
7. \( \boldsymbol{N} \)
8. \( \boldsymbol{N} \)
9. \( \boldsymbol{I} \)
10. \( \boldsymbol{R} \)

Answer:

To solve this, we first recall the definitions:

• Nonrenewable (N): Resources that take millions of years to form and are finite (e.g., fossil fuels, minerals).
• Renewable (R): Resources that can be replenished naturally over time (e.g., water, land, plants).
• Inexhaustible (I): Resources that are unlimited or nearly so (e.g., solar, wind, air).

1. coal

Coal is a fossil fuel, formed over millions of years, and is finite. So, \( \boldsymbol{N} \).

2. wind

Wind energy is derived from atmospheric movements, which are endless. So, \( \boldsymbol{I} \).

3. solar energy

Solar energy comes from the sun, which is an unlimited source. So, \( \boldsymbol{I} \).

4. air

Air is constantly renewed by natural processes and is unlimited. So, \( \boldsymbol{I} \).

5. oil

Oil is a fossil fuel, finite and formed over millions of years. So, \( \boldsymbol{N} \).

6. water

Water is naturally recycled (hydrologic cycle) and can be replenished. So, \( \boldsymbol{R} \).

7. minerals

Minerals (e.g., iron, copper) are formed over millions of years and are finite. So, \( \boldsymbol{N} \).

8. natural gas

Natural gas is a fossil fuel, finite and formed over millions of years. So, \( \boldsymbol{N} \).

9. geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is derived from Earth’s internal heat, which is essentially unlimited. So, \( \boldsymbol{I} \).

10. land

Land can be restored or reused (e.g., through ecological processes) and is renewable. So, \( \boldsymbol{R} \).

Final Answers:

1. \( \boldsymbol{N} \)
2. \( \boldsymbol{I} \)
3. \( \boldsymbol{I} \)
4. \( \boldsymbol{I} \)
5. \( \boldsymbol{N} \)
6. \( \boldsymbol{R} \)
7. \( \boldsymbol{N} \)
8. \( \boldsymbol{N} \)
9. \( \boldsymbol{I} \)
10. \( \boldsymbol{R} \)