Which one of the following is an inexhaustible natural resource ?

Options

A. Coal
B. petroleum
C. water
D. forests

Answer

To determine which of the following is an inexhaustible natural resource, we need to analyze each option given in the question. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the concept of inexhaustible natural resources
- **Definition**: Inexhaustible natural resources are those that cannot be depleted or exhausted. They are available in unlimited quantities and can be replenished naturally over time.

### Step 2: Analyze each option
1. **Coal**:
- Coal is a fossil fuel formed from the remains of ancient plants and takes millions of years to form.
- Once extracted and used, it cannot be replenished quickly. Therefore, coal is an exhaustible natural resource.

2. **Petroleum**:
- Like coal, petroleum is formed from the remains of ancient organisms and also takes millions of years to form.
- Once extracted, it is not replaced in a human timeframe. Thus, petroleum is also an exhaustible natural resource.

3. **Water**:
- Water is used extensively in daily life and can be treated and recycled.
- While it can be polluted and mismanaged, the natural water cycle (evaporation, condensation, precipitation) allows for its continuous replenishment.
- Therefore, water is considered an inexhaustible natural resource.

4. **Forest**:
- Forests take many years to grow and regenerate.
- If trees are cut down without replanting, it can lead to deforestation, making forests an exhaustible natural resource.

### Step 3: Conclusion
- Based on the analysis, the only inexhaustible natural resource among the options is **water**.

### Final Answer:
**Water is an inexhaustible natural resource.**

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