Which of the following power plants primarily uses a non-renewable energy source?

Introduction / Context:
Energy sources can be broadly classified as renewable, which are naturally replenished, and non-renewable, which exist in limited quantities and take millions of years to form. Power plants convert these sources into usable electrical energy. This question tests your understanding of which type of plant relies mainly on a non-renewable source.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Wind, flowing water and ocean tides are natural phenomena that repeat regularly.
• Nuclear plants use fuel such as uranium, which is mined from the Earth.
• We classify energy sources based on whether they can be replenished on human timescales.
• The task is to identify the plant powered by a non-renewable resource.

Concept / Approach:
Renewable energy sources include wind, solar radiation, flowing water in rivers (hydro), ocean tides and geothermal heat. They are continually replenished by natural cycles and do not become permanently exhausted when used correctly. Non-renewable sources include fossil fuels and nuclear fuels such as uranium and plutonium, which are finite mineral resources. A nuclear power plant uses nuclear fission of uranium or similar fuel, so it depends on a non-renewable resource, whereas wind, hydro and tidal plants use renewable flows of energy from nature.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the energy source for a wind mill power plant: moving air (wind), which is driven by solar heating of the Earth and is renewable. Step 2: Identify the energy source for a hydroelectric plant: flowing or falling water in rivers and dams, which is part of the water cycle and is renewable. Step 3: Identify the energy source for a tidal power plant: ocean tides, which are caused by gravitational interactions of the Earth, Moon and Sun and are renewable. Step 4: Identify the energy source for a nuclear power plant: fission of heavy atomic nuclei such as uranium-235, a finite mineral resource in the Earth's crust. Step 5: Conclude that only the nuclear power plant relies on a non-renewable energy source.

Verification / Alternative check:
International energy agencies and textbooks consistently classify wind, hydro and tidal power as renewable technologies. Nuclear energy is sometimes grouped separately but is generally regarded as non-renewable because uranium deposits can be depleted and are not replenished on human timescales. Although nuclear fuel is very energy dense and long lasting, it is still mined and limited. Therefore, only the nuclear power plant fits the non-renewable category here.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Wind mill power plant: Uses wind, a renewable resource driven by the Sun and atmospheric processes.

Hydroelectric power plant: Uses the water cycle, which recycles water through evaporation, condensation and rainfall and is effectively renewable.
Tidal power plant: Uses tidal movements that repeatedly occur due to celestial gravity and do not get used up.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students confuse non-polluting with renewable. Nuclear plants emit very little carbon dioxide during operation but still use non-renewable fuel. Conversely, hydro plants are renewable but can have environmental impacts on rivers and ecosystems. Always separate the ideas of renewability (can the source be replenished?) from pollution or safety issues.

Final Answer:
The plant that uses a non-renewable energy source is the Nuclear power plant.