A snapshot: The differences between exhaustible and inexhaustible resources can be found in their availability, usage, replenishing nature, examples, cost, extraction process, and form of existence.


What Differentiates Exhaustible from Inexhaustible Resources?

According to the Cambridge dictionary, inexhaustible refers to “anything that exists in enormous quantities and will never be exhausted,” whereas exhaustible refers to “something that can be utilized completely, leaving nothing behind.” From these definitions, you’ve probably figured out what exhaustible and inexhaustible resources are. There’s more to it than that, though.

Exhaustible resources are those that can be depleted or exhausted due to their limited availability. Coal and fossil fuels are examples of exhaustible resources. When most of these resources are depleted, they are difficult to replace or take a long time to replace.

On the other hand, inexhaustible resources are resources that cannot be exhausted or depleted since they are abundant and limitless. Wind and sunshine (solar) are two examples. According to all theoretical indications, humans will not be able to deplete the endless resources. These resources are also inexhaustible because they can be easily replenished over time. Get more information on inexhaustible resources.

Comparison Chart for Exhaustible and Inexhaustible Resources

S/NExhaustible ResourcesInexhaustible Resources
1These resources are limited in supply. That. they are available in limited quantities.Most of these resources are in endless supply. They are in abundance.
2They can be used upThey can’t be used up
3They can’t easily be replenished when used up. Basically, they are mostly non-renewable.They can easily be replenished. In other words, they are mostly renewable.
4Examples are coal, gas, crude oil, Mineral resources (limestone, iron, copper, aluminum), etc.Examples are Sunlight (solar), wind, water, biomass, geothermal, atmosphere, waves, tides, etc.
5The use of these resources is mostly not environmentally friendly, as they are used improperly and inefficiently.The use of these resources is mostly clean and can cause far less environmental pollution than exhaustible resources.
6Most of these resources can be monopolisedMost of these resources are free for anyone to harness. They can’t be monopolized.
7The resources have to be extracted before they can be used.Many of these resources don’t require extraction.
8They mostly have to undergo a conversion process before they can be used.They can be used directly without conversion. However, they will have to undergo conversion.
9The cost of most of these resources is higher than that of inexhaustible resources.Comparatively, the cost of these resources is lower. In fact, many of these resources don’t require a cent or kobo to use.
10They mostly exist in solid or liquid forms. So, they can be moved from one place to the other.Most of these resources exist in unmovable forms. So, you can’t move them from one place to the other.
Table: Difference between exhaustible and inexhaustible resources

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FAQ

Are natural gases exhaustible or inexhaustible?

Natural gas is example of fossil fuel, and all fossil fuels are exhaustible and non-renewable.

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