CBSE Class 6 General Knowledge

Unit 5: Environment & Ecology

Lesson: Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy

📘 Study Module: Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy

1. Introduction

Energy is required for all activities in daily life such as cooking, lighting, transportation, and industries. Energy sources are divided into renewable and non-renewable types based on their availability and ability to be replenished.

2. Meaning of Energy Resources

Energy resources are natural sources that provide energy for human use. These resources help run machines, produce electricity, and support development.

3. Renewable Energy

Renewable energy comes from sources that can be replenished naturally in a short period of time. These sources are environment-friendly and do not get exhausted easily.

4. Examples of Renewable Energy

Major renewable energy sources include:

• Solar energy
• Wind energy
• Water (hydel) energy
• Biogas

These sources reduce pollution and protect the environment.

5. Non-Renewable Energy

Non-renewable energy comes from sources that are available in limited quantities. They take millions of years to form and cannot be replaced quickly once used.

6. Examples of Non-Renewable Energy

Major non-renewable energy sources include:

• Coal
• Petroleum
• Natural gas

These fuels are widely used but cause pollution.

7. Differences Between Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is clean and sustainable, while non-renewable energy is limited and polluting. Renewable sources help conserve nature, whereas non-renewable sources can harm the environment.

8. Importance of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy helps reduce pollution and saves non-renewable resources. It ensures energy for future generations and supports sustainable development.

9. Conservation of Energy Resources

Energy should be used carefully to avoid wastage. Saving electricity and using renewable sources help conserve energy resources.

📝 Questions and Answers

A. Short Answer Questions

(One sentence each)

1. What is energy?
   Answer: Energy is the ability to do work.
2. What are energy resources?
   Answer: Energy resources are natural sources that provide energy.
3. What is renewable energy?
   Answer: Renewable energy comes from sources that can be naturally replenished.
4. Give one example of renewable energy.
   Answer: Solar energy is a renewable energy source.
5. What is non-renewable energy?
   Answer: Non-renewable energy comes from limited sources.
6. Give one example of non-renewable energy.
   Answer: Coal is a non-renewable energy source.
7. Which energy source comes from the Sun?
   Answer: Solar energy comes from the Sun.
8. Which fuel is used in vehicles?
   Answer: Petroleum is used in vehicles.
9. Why should energy be conserved?
   Answer: Energy should be conserved to save resources for the future.
10. Which energy source causes less pollution?
    Answer: Renewable energy causes less pollution.

B. Long Answer Questions

(3–5 sentences each)

11. Explain renewable energy with examples.
    Answer: Renewable energy comes from natural sources that do not get exhausted easily. These sources can be reused again and again. Examples include solar, wind, and water energy. Renewable energy is clean and safe for the environment.
12. Describe non-renewable energy sources.
    Answer: Non-renewable energy sources are limited in quantity. They take millions of years to form. Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are examples. Overuse can lead to exhaustion.
13. Write a note on solar energy.
    Answer: Solar energy is obtained from the Sun. It is used to generate electricity and heat. Solar panels convert sunlight into energy. It is a clean and renewable source.
14. Explain wind energy.
    Answer: Wind energy is produced using windmills. Moving air rotates the blades of windmills. This energy is converted into electricity. Wind energy does not cause pollution.
15. What is hydel energy?
    Answer: Hydel energy is produced from flowing water. Dams are built on rivers to generate electricity. It is a renewable source of energy. Hydel power supports large-scale electricity generation.
16. Describe fossil fuels.
    Answer: Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources. They include coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Fossil fuels are formed from dead plants and animals. Burning them causes pollution.
17. Why are non-renewable energy sources harmful?
    Answer: Non-renewable sources release harmful gases. They cause air pollution and global warming. They are limited in supply. Overuse leads to environmental damage.
18. How does renewable energy protect the environment?
    Answer: Renewable energy produces less pollution. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It helps fight climate change. It protects natural resources.
19. What is the importance of conserving energy?
    Answer: Conserving energy prevents wastage. It reduces pollution. It saves money and resources. It ensures energy for future generations.
20. How can students help conserve energy?
    Answer: Students can switch off lights when not in use. They can use energy-efficient devices. Saving electricity helps conservation. Awareness among others is also important.

🧠 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

(With Answers and Detailed Explanations)

1. Energy is needed to ______.
   a) sleep
   b) do work
   c) rest
   d) play
   Answer: b) do work
   Explanation: Energy enables work to be done.
2. Which of the following is a renewable energy source?
   a) Coal
   b) Petroleum
   c) Solar
   d) Natural gas
   Answer: c) Solar
   Explanation: Solar energy is renewable.
3. Which is a non-renewable energy source?
   a) Wind
   b) Water
   c) Coal
   d) Sun
   Answer: c) Coal
   Explanation: Coal is limited in supply.
4. Energy obtained from flowing water is called ______.
   a) wind energy
   b) solar energy
   c) hydel energy
   d) thermal energy
   Answer: c) hydel energy
   Explanation: Flowing water generates hydel energy.
5. Which energy source causes pollution?
   a) Wind
   b) Solar
   c) Coal
   d) Water
   Answer: c) Coal
   Explanation: Burning coal causes pollution.
6. Wind energy is produced using ______.
   a) panels
   b) dams
   c) windmills
   d) engines
   Answer: c) windmills
   Explanation: Windmills convert wind energy.
7. Which fuel is used to generate electricity in thermal plants?
   a) Coal
   b) Wind
   c) Sun
   d) Water
   Answer: a) Coal
   Explanation: Coal is commonly used in thermal plants.
8. Which energy source will not get exhausted?
   a) Coal
   b) Petroleum
   c) Solar
   d) Natural gas
   Answer: c) Solar
   Explanation: Solar energy is renewable.
9. Fossil fuels are formed from ______.
   a) rocks
   b) metals
   c) dead plants and animals
   d) water
   Answer: c) dead plants and animals
   Explanation: Fossil fuels form over millions of years.
10. Which energy source is environment-friendly?
    a) Coal
    b) Petroleum
    c) Solar
    d) Natural gas
    Answer: c) Solar
    Explanation: Solar energy causes less pollution.
11. Which non-renewable fuel is used in vehicles?
    a) Wind
    b) Petroleum
    c) Solar
    d) Water
    Answer: b) Petroleum
    Explanation: Petrol and diesel come from petroleum.
12. Renewable energy helps reduce ______.
    a) rainfall
    b) pollution
    c) sunlight
    d) wind
    Answer: b) pollution
    Explanation: Renewable sources are clean.
13. Which energy source uses sunlight directly?
    a) Wind
    b) Coal
    c) Solar
    d) Water
    Answer: c) Solar
    Explanation: Solar panels use sunlight.
14. Which source takes millions of years to form?
    a) Wind
    b) Solar
    c) Coal
    d) Water
    Answer: c) Coal
    Explanation: Coal is a fossil fuel.
15. Which is NOT a renewable energy source?
    a) Wind
    b) Water
    c) Sun
    d) Petroleum
    Answer: d) Petroleum
    Explanation: Petroleum is non-renewable.
16. Saving electricity helps in ______.
    a) pollution
    b) conservation
    c) wastage
    d) deforestation
    Answer: b) conservation
    Explanation: Saving energy conserves resources.
17. Which energy source is best for the future?
    a) Coal
    b) Petroleum
    c) Renewable energy
    d) Natural gas
    Answer: c) Renewable energy
    Explanation: It is sustainable.
18. Hydel energy is generated using ______.
    a) wind
    b) sunlight
    c) flowing water
    d) coal
    Answer: c) flowing water
    Explanation: Dams use water flow.
19. Using renewable energy helps fight ______.
    a) floods
    b) earthquakes
    c) climate change
    d) rainfall
    Answer: c) climate change
    Explanation: It reduces greenhouse gases.
20. Energy conservation means ______.
    a) wasting energy
    b) careful use of energy
    c) stopping energy
    d) producing more pollution
    Answer: b) careful use of energy
    Explanation: Conservation means saving energy.

✅ End of Lesson

Prepared strictly in accordance with the NCERT syllabus and CBSE Class 6 examination standards.