Geothermal, biomass, solar, wind, and water energy are examples of which energy category?

• A. Nonrenewable Energy
• B. Fossil Energy
• C. Renewable Energy
• D. Nuclear Energy

Answer: (C)

Renewable energy sources are those that replenish naturally and are effectively inexhaustible on human timescales. Geothermal, biomass, solar, wind, and hydro power all come from natural processes that continually renew: the sun provides energy for solar and drives wind; the water cycle powers hydro; plants produce biomass through growth using sunlight; and Earth's interior heat supplies geothermal energy. Because these sources are renewed faster than we use them, they’re classified as renewable.

Nonrenewable energy includes resources that form over geological time and are finite, like fossil fuels. Nuclear energy relies on uranium, which is also finite, so it’s not considered renewable.