Non-renewable energy sources
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Question
Define fossil fuels.
Answer
Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources formed from ancient organic matter over millions of years, including coal, oil, and natural gas.
💡 Hint
Ancient biomass → energy
Question
Why are fossil fuels considered unsustainable?
Answer
They are finite (non-renewable on human timescales) and cause major environmental impacts, especially climate change and air pollution.
💡 Hint
Finite + impacts
Question
State two extraction impacts of fossil fuels.
Answer
Extraction can cause habitat destruction (mines, drilling sites, pipelines) and water pollution (oil spills, fracking contamination, acid mine drainage).
💡 Hint
Extraction harms before burning
Question
What is the biggest global environmental impact of burning fossil fuels?
Answer
Greenhouse gas emissions (mainly CO2) driving climate change.
💡 Hint
CO2 → warming
Question
Name the three main fossil fuels.
Answer
Coal, oil (petroleum), and natural gas.
💡 Hint
Coal–oil–gas
Question
Which fossil fuel is most associated with transport, and why?
Answer
Oil is most associated with transport because it is refined into petrol, diesel, and jet fuel and is highly energy-dense and portable.
💡 Hint
Oil → fuels
Question
Name two major air pollutants from fossil fuel combustion (besides CO2).
Answer
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) which causes acid rain, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) which contribute to smog; particulates are also important.
💡 Hint
SO2 + NOx
Question
Which fossil fuel is generally the most polluting and why?
Answer
Coal is generally most polluting because it has high carbon content and produces more CO2 and air pollutants (SO2, particulates, mercury) per unit of energy.
💡 Hint
Coal = dirtiest
Question
State two combustion impacts from fossil fuels.
Answer
Combustion releases CO2 (climate change) and air pollutants such as SO2/NOx/particulates (acid rain, smog, respiratory disease).
💡 Hint
CO2 + air pollution
Question
Why is natural gas sometimes called the “cleanest” fossil fuel?
Answer
It produces less CO2 and far fewer SO2/particulates than coal when burned, though methane leakage during extraction can reduce its climate advantage.
💡 Hint
Lower CO2 but leaks matter
Question
What does “peak oil” refer to?
Answer
Peak oil is the point when global oil production reaches its maximum and then begins to decline as reserves become harder to extract.
💡 Hint
Max production then decline
Question
Why can methane leakage undermine the climate benefit of natural gas?
Answer
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas; leaks during extraction and transport can offset the lower CO2 emissions from burning gas compared to coal.
💡 Hint
CH4 potency
Question
What’s a good method for comparing energy sources in exams?
Answer
Use consistent criteria such as GHG emissions, air pollution, water use, land use, reliability, cost, and impacts across the life cycle.
💡 Hint
Same criteria each time
Question
What does “energy return on investment (EROI)” mean for fossil fuels?
Answer
EROI is energy output divided by energy input. As easy reserves are depleted, EROI tends to decline (more effort/energy needed per unit gained).
💡 Hint
Output ÷ input
Question
State one exam question type common for non-renewables.
Answer
Common questions include comparing fossil fuels by impacts, explaining why fossil fuel use is unsustainable, and describing trends in energy consumption from data.
💡 Hint
Compare + trends
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Topic 7.2 hub
Energy sources—uses and management
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