Explain the terms renewable and non-renewable sources of energy. Explain why fossil fuels are called non-renewable sources of energy?
Renewable sources: These are inexhaustible sources of energy and will not get depleted in any future. It can be said that they renew themselves continually. These are called renewable sources of energy. For example, Sun, wind, the water flowing down the mountain slopes and ocean tides are some of the sources which can be used again and again.
Non-renewable sources: These resources can be exhausted over hundreds of years. After they get depleted, they will not renew themselves in the future. These sources are called non-renewable sources of energy. For example, Fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy. Their reserves are bound to be exhausted, so we must use these resources wisely because uncontrolled use and exploitation can lead to their depletion. A comfortable life cannot be imagined if these reserves are exhausted before suitable alternative sources of energy are available.