Difference Between Renewable And Non-Renewable: : Types, Differences, Example, FAQs
Renewable and non-renewable resources are natural resources that differ in their availability and ability to regenerate. Renewable resources such as solar and wind energy are replenished naturally, while non-renewable resources like coal and petroleum are exhaustible. Understanding these resources is essential for sustainable development and is an important topic in Environmental Issues for NEET and Class 11 Biology.
This Story also Contains
- What Are Natural Resources?
- Renewable Resources
- Non-renewable Resources
- Difference Between Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources
- Importance of Renewable Resources
- Renewable & Non-Renewable Resources NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)
What Are Natural Resources?
Natural resources are materials obtained from nature that support human survival, economy, and development. These resources include minerals, water, forest resources, and energy sources necessary for industries, agriculture, and other human needs. Additionally, habitats play a vital role in maintaining species populations and ecosystem structures.
Natural resources can be classified into renewable and non-renewable resources. Renewable resources include sunlight, wind, and forests can regenerate over time, ensuring sustainability. Non-renewable resources, like coal, natural gas, and minerals, cannot be replaced once depleted.
Renewable Resources
Renewable resources are those which can be replenished in a short span and usually do not have a fixed source and are available in nature. As opposed to non-renewable resources they have a long-term availability and serve towards reducing environmental degradation.
Types of Renewable Resources
Solar Energy: Collecting energy directly from the light source as sunlight, with the help of photovoltaic cells.
Wind Energy: Turning or using the wind generator which captures the kinetic energy of wind and then converts it into electricity.
Hydropower: Electrical power production through the conversion of water energy with the help of dams and turbines.
Biomass: The raw materials that include but are not limited to woods, crops, and wastes as they can be used to develop energy typically through combustion or biochemical conversion.
Geothermal Energy: Borrowing the heat energy from deep layers of the earth for generating electricity or for direct heating.
Advantages of Renewable Resources
Sustainable and long-lasting
Lower environmental pollution
Reduces dependence on fossil fuels
Promotes energy security
Non-renewable Resources
Non-renewable sources are limited and are formed through geophysical processes that may take millions of years. When used up, it is clear that the resources are exhaustible in the long run.
Types of Non-renewable Resources
Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gases are found to be formed from plants and animal remains.
Nuclear Energy: Produced as a result of nuclear processes in substances like uranium or plutonium.
Disadvantages of Non-renewable Resources
Exhaustible in nature
Contribute to global warming and climate change
Create geopolitical and economic dependency
Difference Between Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources
The difference between renewable and and non-renewable resources of energy are:
| Aspect | Renewable Resources | Non-Renewable Resources |
|---|---|---|
Definition | Can be replenished naturally over a short period | Finite and take millions of years to form |
Examples | Solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, biomass, geothermal energy | Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), nuclear energy |
Sustainability | sustainable over the long term | Exhaustible over the long term |
Environmental Impact | Generally lower emissions and environmental impact | Higher emissions and environmental impact |
Availability | Abundant and widely distributed | Limited and concentrated in specific regions |
Energy Security | Promotes energy independence and security | Vulnerable to geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions |
Usage | Increasingly used for electricity generation, heating, and transport | Predominantly used for electricity generation, industrial processes, and transportation |
Cost Trends | Decreasing costs due to technological advancements and scalability | Costs influenced by extraction, processing, and geopolitical factors |
Long-term Viability | Essential for sustainable development goals | Transition to alternatives required for sustainability |
Importance of Renewable Resources
The importance of renewable resources is discussed below:
Essential for sustainable development goals
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Conserve natural ecosystems
Ensure long-term energy availability
Reduce dependence on non-renewable sources
Renewable & Non-Renewable Resources NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)
Important questions asked in exams from this topic are:
Types of renewable and non-renewable resources
Renewable vs Non-renewable
Practice Questions for NEET
Q1.Which of the following forms a layer in the atmosphere blocking the ultraviolet light from entering the earth’s atmosphere?
O3
CO2
O2
H2O
Correct answer: 2) O3
Explanation:
Ozone - The oxygen in the atmosphere, when reacts with ultraviolet light changes into ozone O3.It forms a layer in the atmosphere blocking the ultraviolet light from entering the earth's atmosphere.
Hence, the correct answer is option 1) O3
Q2. Snow- blindness in Antarctic region
Freezing of fluids in the temperature
Inflammation of cornea due UV-B radiation
High reflection of light from
Damage to retina caused by infra
Correct answer: 2) Inflammation of cornea due UV-B radiation
Explanation:
Snow blindness is a painful eye condition caused by direct exposure to UV-B radiation, often experienced in snow-covered regions like Antarctica where UV reflection is intense. The excessive UV-B exposure leads to inflammation of the cornea, a condition known as photokeratitis. This temporary condition results in symptoms such as pain, redness, tearing, and a sensation of sand in the eyes. Protective eyewear, such as UV-blocking goggles, is essential to prevent snow blindness in such environments.
Hence the correct answer is option 2) Inflammation of cornea due to UV-B radiation.
Q3. Montreal Protocol aims at
Biodiversity conservation
Control of water pollution
Control of CO2 emission
Reduction of ozone-depleting substances
Correct answer: 4) Reduction of ozone-depleting substances
Explanation:
Recognising the deleterious effects of ozone depletion, an international conference treaty, known as the Montreal Protocol, was signed in Montreal (Canada). In 1987 (effective in 1989) to control the emission of ozone-depleting substances. Subsequently, many more efforts have been made and protocols have laid down definite roadmaps, separately for developed and developing countries, for reducing the emission of CFCs and other ozone-depleting chemicals.
Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Reduction of ozone-depleting substances
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
People can encourage the use of renewable energy by installing solar panels in houses, buying power from renewable sources, pushing for policies on the use of renewable energy, and observing power conservation. The utilisation of localised renewable energy projects and funding of green technology also reduces the shift of the dependency on energy.
Renewable means something can be replaced in a short time while on the other hand, non-renewable requires millions of years to develop. Renewable resources mainly reflect lower emission values and thus are part of sustainable development while on the other, side non-renewable resources increase the emission levels and thus have negative environmental impacts.
Renewable energy is essential to decrease the emission of greenhouse gases, improve energy security and address climate change. They are also sustainable because they reduce reliance on oil and gas and support the emergence of new climate technologies.
Some of these are; solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal energy. Photovoltaic cells are used in solar energy to convert the sun’s energy while wind power employs wind turbines. Hydropower involves the conversion of flowing water to electricity, biomass relies on organic materials to produce energy while geothermal energy is extracted from the earth’s heat.
The sources include fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), and nuclear and the associated negative effects are air and water pollution, loss of habitats and greenhouse gases. They cause negative environmental impacts, pollute the ecosystem, decrease the levels of biological diversity, and influence people’s health adversely.