What If It Finishes — Class 5 EVS (CBSE)
Based on the NCERT Looking Around Grade 5 textbook. Learn about the fuels we use and why conservation is essential, then solve the practice set.
1. Why this chapter matters
We use fuels every day — in cars, buses, kitchens, factories, and power plants. But many of these fuels are non-renewable — once they run out, they will be gone forever. This chapter helps students understand what fossil fuels are, how they are formed, what they are used for, and why we must conserve them. It also introduces renewable energy sources that can replace fossil fuels in the future.
2. What are fossil fuels?
Fossil fuels are made from the remains of ancient plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Over time, heat and pressure transformed them into coal, oil, and natural gas.
| Fossil fuel | How it formed | Found as |
|---|---|---|
| Coal | From ancient forests buried under earth | Solid black rock |
| Petroleum (crude oil) | From tiny sea creatures buried under sea | Thick liquid |
| Natural gas | From organic matter under heat and pressure | Gas |
Why are they called 'fossil' fuels?
Because they are made from fossils — the remains of ancient living things. It took millions of years to form them.
3. Types of fuels we use
| Fuel | Where it is used | Renewable? |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | Cars, two-wheelers, small engines | No (non-renewable) |
| Diesel | Trucks, buses, tractors, generators | No |
| CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) | Buses, cars, auto-rickshaws, kitchen | No (but cleaner) |
| LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) | Cooking gas cylinders | No |
| Kerosene | Stoves, lamps (in some areas) | No |
| Coal | Power plants, factories | No |
| Firewood | Cooking in rural areas | Yes (but limited) |
| Cow dung cakes | Cooking in rural areas | Yes |
4. Why fossil fuels will finish
Fossil fuels are non-renewable. This means:
- They take millions of years to form.
- We are using them much faster than they can form.
- At current usage rates, oil may last 50-70 years and coal about 100-150 years.
- Once they are gone, we cannot make more.
What happens when they finish?
- Vehicles stop running (no petrol, diesel, CNG).
- Electricity from coal plants stops.
- Cooking becomes difficult (LPG runs out).
- Industries shut down.
- Life as we know it would change completely.
5. Renewable energy alternatives
Renewable energy comes from sources that will not run out.
| Renewable source | How it works | Used in India? |
|---|---|---|
| Solar energy | Sunlight is converted to electricity using solar panels | Yes, growing rapidly |
| Wind energy | Wind turns turbines to generate electricity | Yes, especially in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat |
| Hydropower | Flowing water turns turbines | Yes, many dams |
| Biogas | Gas produced from cow dung and organic waste | Yes, in villages |
| Tidal energy | Energy from ocean tides | Starting |
Which is better?
Renewable energy is better because:
- It will never run out.
- It does not pollute the air.
- It does not contribute to climate change.
- It can be produced locally.
6. How to conserve fuels
At home
- Turn off lights and fans when not in use.
- Use pressure cookers to save cooking gas.
- Take shorter baths (saves energy for heating water).
- Use public transport or cycle instead of a car.
In the community
- Walk or use a bicycle for short distances.
- Share rides (car-pool) to school or work.
- Use energy-efficient appliances (LED bulbs, 5-star rated appliances).
- Plant trees — they absorb CO2 from burning fuels.
7. Activity corner
Activity 1: Make a list of all the fuels used in your home in one week (LPG, petrol, electricity, kerosene, etc.). Discuss with your family how each could be used more carefully.
Activity 2: Find out about the solar panels in your area. Visit a building that uses solar energy and learn how it works.
Activity 3: Create a poster with the message 'Save Fuel — Save the Future'. Display it in your school.
8. Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking CNG and LPG are renewable Fix: They are cleaner than petrol/diesel but still non-renewable (made from natural gas and petroleum).
- Mistake: Believing fossil fuels are unlimited Fix: Fossil fuels took millions of years to form. We are using them in hundreds of years. They will run out.
- Mistake: Thinking renewable energy cannot replace fossil fuels at all Fix: Renewable energy can replace fossil fuels, but we need technology and investment to make it affordable for everyone.
9. Key facts
- Fossil fuels: coal, petroleum, natural gas — non-renewable.
- They took millions of years to form.
- At current rates, oil may last ~60 years, coal ~150 years.
- Renewable energy: solar, wind, hydro, biogas.
- CNG and LPG are cleaner but still non-renewable.
- Conserve fuel: turn off appliances, use public transport, walk or cycle.
- India is rapidly growing its renewable energy capacity.
10. Self-test
- What are fossil fuels? Give two examples.
- Why are fossil fuels called 'non-renewable'?
- Name two renewable sources of energy.
- Why is CNG considered better than petrol even though both are non-renewable?
- What is one way you can save fuel at home?
11. Answer key
-
What are fossil fuels? Give two examples. Answer: Fossil fuels are energy sources formed from ancient living things. Examples: coal, petroleum (oil), natural gas.
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Why are fossil fuels called 'non-renewable'? Answer: Because they take millions of years to form and are being used up much faster than they can be replaced.
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Name two renewable sources of energy. Answer: Solar energy and wind energy (also hydropower, biogas, tidal energy).
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Why is CNG considered better than petrol even though both are non-renewable? Answer: CNG burns more cleanly than petrol, producing less air pollution.
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What is one way you can save fuel at home? Answer: Turn off lights and fans when not in use. (Also: use pressure cooker, walk/cycle for short trips.)
12. Quick revision
- Fossil fuels = coal, petroleum, natural gas (non-renewable).
- They will run out — oil ~60 years, coal ~150 years.
- Renewable alternatives: solar, wind, hydro, biogas.
- CNG and LPG are cleaner but still finite.
- Conserve: use less, switch to renewable, walk/cycle.
- India is building solar and wind capacity.
- Saving fuel saves money, reduces pollution, and protects the future.
- Small daily habits make a big difference.
