# Explain why nuclear fuel is classed as a non-renewable energy resource but is not a fossil fuel.

> AQA GCSE Physics (8463) — 4.1.3 National and global energy resources · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Nuclear fuel cannot be replenished whilst it is being used / nuclear fuel will eventually run out / nuclear fuel is finite
2. This makes it non-renewable (because a non-renewable resource is one that cannot be replenished whilst it is being used)
3. Fossil fuels are coal, oil and gas (formed from ancient organic matter / biological remains)
4. Nuclear fuel (uranium) is not formed from ancient organic / biological remains / is a mined mineral ore, so it is not a fossil fuel

## Key terms

- [non-renewable](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/non-renewable)
- [renewable energy resource](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/renewable-energy-resource)
- [nuclear fuel](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/nuclear-fuel)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Physics (8463)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-nuclear-fuel-is-classed-7da79fe2) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.