10.1.3

Natural Resources

Test yourself

Natural Resources

Natural resources form without human involvement. They are usually found in the Earth's crust, oceans or atmosphere and are used for energy, building materials and food. We split natural resources into two categories:

Illustrative background for Renewable resourcesIllustrative background for Renewable resources ?? "content

Renewable resources

  • Renewable resources don't run out as they are regenerated quicker than they're used. Examples include:
    • Timber
    • Fresh water
    • Food
Illustrative background for Non-renewable resourcesIllustrative background for Non-renewable resources ?? "content

Non-renewable resources

  • Non-renewable resources are regenerated at a much slower rate than we use them. Examples include:
    • Fossil fuels
    • Nuclear fuels
    • Metal ores

Supplements to Natural Resources

The human population on Earth has increased rapidly in the last 100 years. This has forced us to find ways to supplement the Earth's natural resources:

Illustrative background for AgricultureIllustrative background for Agriculture ?? "content

Agriculture

  • Agriculture is the main example of a supplement to natural resources.
  • Natural food products (e.g. beef, maize, wheat etc.) are now available in much larger quantities because of the organisation of agriculture.
Illustrative background for Synthetic productsIllustrative background for Synthetic products ?? "content

Synthetic products

  • The development of useful synthetic products has reduced our reliance on natural products.
    • E.g. Rubber in tyres has been gradually replaced by synthetic polymers.

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson