How expensive is nuclear energy?

very expensive, about $59.00 per pound

very cheap, like about $6.00 per pound

a fair amount, about $12.00 per pound

What do wind, hydroelectric, tidal, solar energy have in common? Choose the best answer related to energy souces.

they don't have anything in common; they work different ways

Tidal energy is produced by trapping rising tides.

True, the water force spins the turbines

False, it has nothing to do with water, but with the moon in the sky

Biomass is non-renewable energy if we didn't care about planting.

False, because trees can plant itself with seeds

True, you need an actual human there to help it spread more trees

What does non-continuous mean to tidal energy and solar energy and wind energy?

tides only run twice a day, can be too cloudy for solar energy, wind may not blow

tidal energy runs every minute, solar energy only runs half a day and wind runs all day

what do you mean? they always run!

What do oil and gas energy, coal energy, and nuclear energy all have in common?

They all are used to create heat energy.

They all are nonrenewable energy resources.

Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Resources Lesson

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Updated: Mar 25, 2025

Lesson

Lesson Overview

What Are Energy Resources?
What Are Renewable Energy Resources?
What Are Nonrenewable Energy Resources?
Comparing Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy
What Is the Importance of Energy Conservation?

Energy powers everything we do, from turning on lights and charging devices, to cooking meals and driving cars. Understanding renewable and nonrenewable energy resources helps us recognize their importance, how they're used, and their impact on our environment. This lesson explores the different types of energy resources clearly and engagingly, highlighting their benefits, limitations, and how they shape our daily lives.

What Are Energy Resources?

Energy resources provide the power needed for our everyday activities, like lighting homes, running cars, and charging electronic devices. Energy comes from different sources, classified into two main types: renewable and nonrenewable. Understanding these helps us make smart decisions for our planet's future.

What Are Renewable Energy Resources?

Renewable energy resources are naturally replenished sources of energy that will never run out. They have minimal environmental impacts and help reduce pollution.

Types of Renewable Energy:

1. Solar Energy

Solar energy is energy from the sun, captured using solar panels.

How it Works: Sunlight is turned into electricity or heat.
Advantages: Does not produce pollution; abundant and free.
Disadvantages: Depends on weather and daytime availability.

2. Wind Energy

Wind energy uses wind turbines to convert wind into electricity.

How it Works: The wind moves turbine blades connected to generators.
Advantages: Clean energy source; cost-effective.
Disadvantages: Requires windy locations; turbines can affect wildlife.

3. Hydropower

Hydropower generates electricity from flowing water, typically using dams.

How it Works: Water flows through dams, spinning turbines.
Advantages: Reliable and clean; easy to control energy production.
Disadvantages: Can disrupt natural water flow and wildlife habitats.

4. Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy uses heat from within the Earth.

How it Works: Heat from beneath the Earth's surface heats water into steam, turning turbines.
Advantages: Constant and reliable; minimal surface impact.
Disadvantages: Limited to areas near tectonic plates; high setup costs.

5. Biomass Energy

Biomass energy uses organic material (like plants and animal waste).

How it Works: Organic matter is burned or converted into biofuels.
Advantages: Reduces waste; renewable source.
Disadvantages: Burning biomass can produce air pollution, and may impact the food supply.

Ready to Challenge Yourself? Start the Quiz!

Renewable & Nonrenewable Energy Resources Quiz

What Are Nonrenewable Energy Resources?

Nonrenewable energy resources exist in limited amounts and cannot be replaced quickly enough to keep pace with usage. They are known for significant environmental impacts.

Types of Nonrenewable Energy:

1. Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas formed from ancient plant and animal remains.

How it Works: Burned to create heat, generating electricity or powering engines.
Advantages: Provide large amounts of energy; widely available infrastructure.
Disadvantages: Causes pollution, contributes to climate change; finite resources.

2. Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is generated through the fission of uranium atoms.

How it Works: Atoms are split, releasing heat used to generate electricity.
Advantages: Produces significant energy; low air pollution.
Disadvantages: Produces dangerous radioactive waste; high risks in accidents.

Comparing Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy

Factor	Renewable Energy	Nonrenewable Energy
Availability	Endless supply; constantly replenished	Limited supply; takes millions of years
Environmental Impact	Minimal pollution and low emissions	High pollution, contributes to global warming
Cost	High initial setup but lower long-term costs	Lower initial setup but higher long-term cost
Sustainability	Highly sustainable	Unsustainable