Which energy type is a finite supply and can be exhausted, such as coal?

• A. Nonrenewable Energy
• B. Renewable Energy
• C. Primary Sector
• D. Secondary Sector

Answer: (A)

Nonrenewable energy is defined by a finite supply that can be exhausted. These resources form over geological timescales and, once extracted and used, aren’t replenished on human timescales. Coal is a classic example: large amounts exist, but as we burn it for energy, the usable stock decreases and cannot be quickly replaced. In contrast, renewable energy sources like sunlight or wind are effectively inexhaustible for human timescales, continually replenishing themselves. The other two options describe sectors of the economy rather than types of energy, so they don’t address the idea of finite, exhaustible resources.