Earth's Resources

fossil fuel

• the remains or traces of an organism from a past geologic age

• a substance that is used for energy

• a type of fuel that forms from the ancient remains of decomposed plants and animals

• formed from the compacting and cementing of sediments

Answer explanation

Fossil fuels are specifically defined as a type of fuel that forms from the ancient remains of decomposed plants and animals, making this choice the most accurate description of fossil fuels.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-1

alternative energy

• energy generated from the movement of water

• a type of fuel that forms from the ancient remains of decomposed plants and animals

• an energy resource that is used instead of fossil fuels

• energy from the Sun

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'an energy resource that is used instead of fossil fuels', defines alternative energy as it encompasses various renewable sources that replace traditional fossil fuels, promoting sustainability.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

geothermal

• energy generated from the movement of wind

• heat from within the Earth

• a substance that is used for energy

• energy from the Sun

Answer explanation

Geothermal energy specifically refers to heat generated from within the Earth. This distinguishes it from other energy sources like wind, fossil fuels, or solar energy.

hydroelectric

• energy generated from the movement of wind

• electricity generated from the movement of water

• energy from the Sun

• heat from within the Earth

Answer explanation

Hydroelectric energy specifically refers to electricity generated from the movement of water, typically through dams or turbines. This distinguishes it from other energy sources like wind, solar, or geothermal.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

solar

• energy from the Sun

• energy generated from the movement of water

• an energy resource that is used instead of fossil fuels

• a substance that is used for energy

Answer explanation

The term 'solar' specifically refers to 'energy from the Sun', which is the correct choice. Other options describe different energy sources or resources, but do not define solar energy accurately.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

wind

• energy from the Sun

• electricity generated from the movement of water

• energy generated from the movement of wind

• electricity generated from the movement of water

Answer explanation

Wind is the movement of air caused by the uneven heating of the Earth by the Sun. Therefore, the correct answer is 'energy generated from the movement of wind', as it directly relates to the definition of wind.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

natural resource

• a resource that can be replaced over time

• a resource that is found in nature that is useful to humans

• a resource that exists that exists in limited supply; used up faster than it is replaced

• limiting the amount of resources used; protecting natural resources

Answer explanation

The correct choice defines a natural resource as something found in nature that is useful to humans, which aligns with the general understanding of natural resources, such as water, minerals, and forests.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

renewable resource

• limiting the amount of resources used; protecting natural resources

• a resource that exists in limited supply; used up faster than it is replaced

• a resource that is found in nature that is useful to humans

• a resource that can be replaced over time

Answer explanation

A renewable resource is defined as a resource that can be replaced over time, such as solar or wind energy, making it sustainable compared to non-renewable resources that deplete faster than they can be replenished.

nonrenewable resource

• limiting the amount of resources used; protecting natural resources

• a resource that exists in limited supply; used up faster than it is replaced

• a resource that can be replaced over time

• a resource that is found in nature that is useful to humans

Answer explanation

A nonrenewable resource is defined as a resource that exists in limited supply and is used up faster than it is replaced, making the second choice the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

conservation

• limiting the amount of resources used; protecting natural resources

• a resource that exists in limited supply; used up faster than it is replaced

• a resource that can be replaced over time

• a resource that is found in nature that is useful to humans

Answer explanation

The correct choice defines conservation as limiting resource use and protecting natural resources, which aligns with the goal of sustainability and environmental protection.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-5