Coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy are examples of which type of energy?

• A. Renewable Energy
• B. Nonrenewable Energy
• C. Alternative Energy
• D. Inexhaustible Energy

Answer: (B)

These resources are nonrenewable because they come from finite deposits that take geological ages to form and are used up much faster than they can be replenished. Coal, oil, and natural gas are fossil fuels created over millions of years from ancient organic material, so once burned they’re effectively gone for a very long time. Nuclear energy relies on uranium or other fuels that are also finite in supply, not replenished on human timescales. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro can be replenished much more quickly, which is why they are categorized differently. The term that best fits this group is nonrenewable energy.