which scenario describes a renewable resource being used for energy?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
A power plant burns biomass, such as wood or crop waste, to generate electricity.
Explanation:
A renewable resource is one that can naturally replenish itself over time and can be used repeatedly without the risk of permanent depletion. In the context of energy, renewable resources include sources such as solar power, wind energy, hydroelectric power, geothermal energy, and biomass. Among these, biomass refers to organic materials derived from living or recently living organisms, including wood, crop residues, and animal waste.
When a power plant burns biomass, it converts the stored chemical energy in the organic material into thermal energy. This thermal energy is then used to produce steam that drives turbines, which in turn generate electricity. Since plants and other organic materials can regrow relatively quickly through natural processes or agricultural cycles, biomass is considered renewable as long as it is harvested sustainably.
This approach stands in contrast to fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which take millions of years to form and are nonrenewable. Once these fossil fuels are extracted and burned, they are gone forever, and their combustion contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Using biomass for energy can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, manage agricultural waste, and lower greenhouse gas emissions when the biomass is sourced responsibly. However, it is essential to ensure that the rate of biomass consumption does not exceed the rate of regeneration, as this could lead to deforestation and habitat loss. Moreover, efficient combustion technology must be used to minimize pollution.
In summary, burning biomass like wood or crop waste in a power plant to generate electricity is a clear example of utilizing a renewable resource for energy production. It combines energy generation with sustainable resource use when managed properly.