Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources

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Natural resource Noun

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[nach-uh-ruhl ree-sors]

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Natural resource

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A material or substance supplied by nature, such as minerals or forests, that is used by humans to support life.

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Example: This image displays seven examples of natural resources found on Earth, such as sunlight, water, plants, soil, and fossil fuels.

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Renewable resource Noun

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[ri-noo-uh-buhl ree-sors]

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Renewable resource

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A resource that can be replenished by natural processes as quickly as it is used, or within a human lifetime.

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Example: This image shows that solar energy is a renewable resource. Sunlight, a source that won't run out, shines on solar panels to be converted into usable energy.

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Nonrenewable resource Noun

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[non-ri-noo-uh-buhl ree-sors]

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Nonrenewable resource

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A resource in a fixed amount that cannot be replaced as it is consumed because it takes millions of years to form.

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Example: This diagram shows a pumpjack extracting oil and gas, which are nonrenewable resources because they are finite and trapped deep within the Earth's crust.

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Sustainable use Noun

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[suh-steyn-uh-buhl yoos]

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Sustainable use

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The use of resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

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Example: Sustainable use, shown here as sustainable forestry, means using resources like forests while preserving the surrounding ecosystem of water, soil, plants, and animals.

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Conservation Noun

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[kon-ser-vey-shuhn]

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Conservation

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The practice of using a resource wisely and protecting the natural world in order to prevent waste and loss.

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Example: This image shows students planting new trees, an act of conservation that helps replenish a renewable resource (forests) and protect the environment.

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Solar cells Noun

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[soh-ler selz]

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Solar cells

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Devices, also known as photovoltaic cells, that are used in solar power systems to convert sunlight directly into electricity.

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Example: This diagram shows how a solar cell converts sunlight into electricity by using special layers (silicon) that separate charges, creating a current to power devices.

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Turbines Noun

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[tur-bahynz]

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Turbines

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Rotary machines with blades that are turned by a moving force like wind, water, or steam to generate electricity.

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Example: A moving fluid, such as steam, pushes against the blades of a turbine, causing the central shaft to rotate and generate power.

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Hydropower Noun

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[hahy-droh-pou-er]

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Hydropower

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Energy generated from the force of moving water, which turns turbines to create electricity, often involving dams on rivers.

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Example: This diagram shows how the force of falling water from a reservoir spins a turbine and generator inside a dam to create electricity.

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Geothermal Power Noun

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[jee-oh-thur-muhl pou-er]

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Geothermal Power

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Energy generated by using the natural heat from within the Earth's core to produce steam and turn turbines for electricity.

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Example: Cold water is pumped deep into the Earth, where it is heated by geothermal energy. The resulting steam rises to power a generator, producing electricity.

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Biomass Noun

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[bahy-oh-mas]

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Biomass

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Energy derived from the mass of biological organisms, such as organic matter from plants and animals, often through combustion.

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Example: This diagram shows that biomass is fuel made from different organic materials, like plants from forests and farms, animal waste, and even garbage.