What is an example of a renewable resource?

A renewable resource is one that can be replenished naturally over a relatively short period of time, making it sustainable for long-term use. Solar energy is a perfect example of this, as it is harnessed from sunlight, which is abundant and inexhaustible on a human timescale. While we may not always have sunlight due to weather conditions or nighttime, the sun itself will continue to shine and produce energy for billions of years, allowing solar energy systems to generate power repeatedly without depleting the source.

In contrast, coal, natural gas, and uranium are non-renewable resources. Coal and natural gas are fossil fuels formed from ancient organic material over millions of years, and their extraction and use deplete these finite resources. Uranium, used in nuclear power, is also limited and requires mining, which isn't sustainable in the way that solar energy is. These differences highlight why solar energy is classified as renewable, as it relies on a continuously available natural process rather than finite resources.