Gold is a natural resource because it occurs naturally in the environment and humans use it. Gold cannot be made from other substances, and there is a finite supply of it. What is gold an example of? A. a fossil fuel B. a renewable resource C. a nonrenewable resource D. a natural pollutant
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C. a nonrenewable resource.
Gold is considered a nonrenewable resource because it forms naturally over geological time periods through processes inside the Earth’s crust. It cannot be replenished on a human timescale once extracted and used. Unlike renewable resources such as sunlight, wind, or timber (when managed sustainably), nonrenewable resources have a limited supply. Once the existing deposits of gold are mined and used, new gold will not form quickly enough to replace what has been taken.
Gold occurs naturally in the environment, typically found in veins within rocks or alluvial deposits in riverbeds. Humans have used gold for thousands of years for jewelry, currency, electronics, and various industrial applications because of its unique properties like malleability, conductivity, and resistance to corrosion.
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are also nonrenewable resources but specifically provide energy. Gold is not a fuel, so it is not classified as a fossil fuel.
Gold is also not a renewable resource because renewable resources are replenished naturally at a rate equal to or faster than their consumption, which does not apply to gold. Furthermore, gold is not a pollutant. A natural pollutant would be a substance harmful to the environment or health that occurs naturally, like certain toxins or harmful algae. Gold itself does not pollute the environment naturally.
In summary, gold is an example of a nonrenewable natural resource due to its limited supply, natural occurrence, and inability to be replenished quickly after use. This classification helps in understanding resource management and the importance of sustainable use and recycling of precious metals.