Renewable energy — Science definition

Defined in 2 courses:

Where it is taught

In use

Renewable energy draws on replenishing processes such as sunlight, wind, flowing water, geothermal heat, and biomass growth.

Renewable Energy

Questions using renewable energy

Problem 1

Which renewable energy source uses the kinetic energy of moving air?
  1. Hydroelectric
  2. Geothermal
  3. Wind
  4. Biomass
Answer and explanation

Wind

Wind turbines capture the kinetic energy of moving air and convert it into electricity.

Problem 2

Which of the following is a renewable energy source?
  1. Coal
  2. Natural gas
  3. Oil
  4. Wind
Answer and explanation

Wind

Wind is naturally and continuously replenished; coal, natural gas, and oil are finite fossil fuels that release carbon when burned.

Problem 3

Explain the difference between an individual action (like recycling at home) and a systemic solution (like a national shift to renewable energy), and why both are useful.
Answer and explanation

An individual action is a personal choice with a small direct effect but which, multiplied across many people and shifting norms, still matters. A systemic solution changes the rules, infrastructure, or technology for everyone at once — like replacing fossil-fuel power plants with renewables — so it has far greater leverage over the largest sources of impact. Both are useful: individual actions build support and habits, while systemic changes deliver the large-scale reductions that individual choices alone cannot.

Problem 4

Which of these is NOT a renewable energy source?
  1. Solar
  2. Wind
  3. Geothermal
  4. Coal
Answer and explanation

Coal

Coal is a finite fossil fuel that releases carbon when burned; sunlight, wind, and geothermal heat are continuously replenished by nature.

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