What term refers to natural resources that, once used, are gone forever?

• A. Renewable Resource
• B. Non Renewable Resource
• C. Sustainable Resource
• D. Infinite Resource

Answer: (B)

Natural resources that are gone forever after using them are non-renewable resources. They exist in finite amounts or take geological time to form, so when we extract and consume them, they aren’t replenished on human timescales. That’s why they can run out. Examples include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, plus many minerals. In contrast, renewable resources such as sunlight and wind can be replenished relatively quickly, and sustainable use means using resources at a rate that keeps them available over the long term. The idea of infinite resources isn’t realistic, as no resource supplies are truly endless.