7. What are natural resources? Explain with examples.

Natural resources are substances or materials that occur naturally in the environment and are utilized by living organisms for their sustenance, development, and well-being. These resources are essential for supporting life and various human activities. Natural resources can be broadly categorized into two main types: renewable and non-renewable resources.

1. Renewable Resources: Renewable resources are those that can be replenished or regenerated naturally within a relatively short period of time, either through natural processes or human interventions. Examples of renewable resources include:

   • Solar Energy: Solar energy is harnessed from the sun and is inexhaustible. It is used for generating electricity through photovoltaic cells or solar panels, heating water, and powering various applications.
   • Wind Energy: Wind energy is derived from the movement of air masses caused by solar heating and atmospheric pressure differentials. Wind turbines are used to convert wind energy into electricity.
   • Hydropower: Hydropower is generated from the gravitational force of flowing water, typically in rivers or streams. It is harnessed through the construction of dams and hydroelectric power plants.
   • Biomass: Biomass refers to organic materials derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms. It includes wood, agricultural residues, animal waste, and biofuels. Biomass can be used for heating, cooking, electricity generation, and biofuel production.

2. Non-Renewable Resources: Non-renewable resources are finite and cannot be replenished within a human lifespan or at a rate comparable to their consumption. Examples of non-renewable resources include:

   • Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum (crude oil), and natural gas are formed from the decomposition of organic matter over millions of years. They are used for generating electricity, fueling vehicles, heating, and industrial processes.
   • Minerals: Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances with specific chemical compositions and physical properties. They include metals (e.g., iron, copper, gold) and non-metals (e.g., salt, sulfur, gypsum). Minerals are used in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.
   • Nuclear Fuels: Nuclear fuels such as uranium and thorium are used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity through nuclear fission reactions. While nuclear fuels are technically renewable in the sense that they can be recycled, the primary sources of uranium and thorium are limited.

These are just a few examples of natural resources that play crucial roles in supporting life, sustaining ecosystems, and driving human activities. It is essential to manage natural resources sustainably to ensure their availability for future generations and minimize environmental impacts.