Classify the following as renewable or non-renewable resources—coal, natural gas, forests and minerals.
Coal: Non-renewable resource. Natural gas: Non-renewable resource.
Forests: Renewable resource. Minerals: Non-renewable resource.
Coal and natural gas are fossil fuels that take millions of years to form and cannot be replenished within a reasonable period.
Forests can be regrown through natural processes over time.
Minerals are found in limited quantities and take thousands to millions of years to form.
Explanation
The chapter explains that renewable resources (like forests) get replenished through natural processes within a reasonable period, while non-renewable resources (coal, natural gas, minerals) are found in limited quantities and do not get replenished within a reasonable period.
Solution Steps
Coal and natural gas are classified as non-renewable resources because they are fossil fuels formed over millions of years.
Forests are classified as renewable resources because they can be regrown through natural processes.
Minerals are classified as non-renewable resources because they exist in limited quantities and take vast amounts of time to form.