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Fossil Fuels are all organic based substances that can be used to generate energy, be it heat or mechanical work. The parent material of fossil fuels ranges considerably but all of it was once living creatures whose remains were buried and trapped within the earth before being properly decomposed. When fossil fuels will be depleted is a question of much debate. The reserves of specific fossil fuels vary, for example coal is more plentiful than oil or natural gas. It is likely that fossil fuels will never actually be depleted because long before that happens other sources of energy (such as solar/wind/geothermal) will become much more economically viable. Unlike fossil fuels these sources of energy are sustainable and will never be depleted. Also the potential for energy production (especially solar) is much greater than any fossil fuel. This transition is inevitable, but it is impossible to say when it will happen. Over the past few years we have seen a general increase in the cost of energy (particularly oil). This is because the global demand for these resources has increased faster than the global production. Over the last few years World oil production has leveled off, but demand has continued to rise so expect the price at the pump to rise steadily with each year. Though coal reserves are much more vast it is likely that in a few decades world production of that resource will level off as well. In my opinion this will be the breaking point where green energies actually become more affordable than fossil fuels. Short answer to your question NEVER, but you'll probably stop using them in 30-40 years.

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12y ago
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13y ago

A fossil fuel is a fuel that cannot be replaced within a generation. They can however be replaced over millions of years.

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Q: What are fossil fuels and when will they be depleted?
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When fossil fuels are depleted are they gone forever?

Fossil fuels take millions of years to form, so once they are depleted, they are essentially gone for human timescales. However, it is technically possible for more fossil fuels to form over millions of years in the future, but for all practical purposes, once depleted, they are gone.


When fossil fuels are depleted they are essentially gone for?

Gone forever. Fossil fuels are those that were created millions of years ago, and when they are gone, there is no more of them.


Is fossil fuel rewnable or nonrewnable?

Fossil fuels are nonrenewable resources because they take millions of years to form and cannot be replenished at the same rate they are being consumed. Once fossil fuels are used, they are depleted and cannot be replaced within a human lifetime.


Are fossil fuels limited?

Yes, fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are limited resources because they take millions of years to form. Once they are depleted, they cannot be easily replaced on a human timescale. This is why there is a push towards alternative renewable energy sources.


Why have European nations had a second thoughts about using nuclear power instead of fossil fuels to generate electricity?

Disposal of depleted nuclear fuels its self a pollution problem.


Why have European nations had second thought about using nuclear power instead of fossil fuels to generate electricity?

Disposal of depleted nuclear fuels its self a pollution problem.


Why are fossil fuels getting depleted?

Fossil fuels are getting depleted because they are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. The extraction and consumption of these fuels at a rapid rate far exceeds the time it takes for new deposits to form. Additionally, the burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change, which has pushed for a shift towards renewable energy sources.


The majority of the worlds electricity is supplied by burning 2 words?

fossil fuels


What nonrenewable energy source?

nonrenewable energy sources are sources that are depleted sources as fossil fuels (wood, coal, natural gas, and oil)


Why must we be interested in saving fossil fuels?

We should be interested in saving fossil fuels because they are non-renewable resources that take millions of years to form. Overuse of fossil fuels contributes to air and water pollution, as well as climate change. By conserving fossil fuels and shifting to renewable energy sources, we can reduce our environmental impact and ensure a sustainable future.


How long does a fossil fuel last?

Fossil fuels are nonrenewable resources, meaning they are finite in supply and will eventually run out. The length of time it takes for fossil fuels to be depleted depends on various factors such as consumption rates, reserves, and advancement of alternative energy sources. It is estimated that at current consumption rates, fossil fuels could last for several decades to several hundred years.


Are fossil fuels renwable?

No, fossil fuels are not renewable resources. They are formed from organic matter that decomposed over millions of years, and their rate of consumption is much faster than their natural replenishment. Once they are depleted, they cannot be easily replaced within a short timeframe.