APES ch 12/13

Which of the following energy sources is not derived directly or indirectly from solar energy? A Geothermal B Photovoltaic C Hydroelectric D Biomass E Wind

A Geothermal

Extraction of natural gas by the process of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is most likely to result in which of the following environmental problems? Extraction of natural gas by the process of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is most likely to result in which of the following environmental problems? A Groundwater contamination B Ozone depletion C Eutrophication D Denitrification E Desertification

A Groundwater contamination

Throughout the world, especially the less-developed countries, burning wood or other biomass for heating or cooking in homes is common. One negative environmental impact of this practice is the production of particulates indoors, which can be a health hazard to humans. Which of the following describes the best strategy for mitigating this potential problem? A Installing effective ventilation systems in dwellings B Updating dwellings with well-sealed windows C Planting native plants around the dwelling D Equipping dwellings with rainwater collection systems

A Installing effective ventilation systems in dwellings (explanation: Effective ventilation systems can remove particulates and air pollutants and/or reduce the concentration of particulates to levels that are less dangerous for humans.)

Scientists are looking for new locations to generate electricity using geothermal energy. Which of the following locations would be the best choice for a geothermal energy generating plant? A Near tectonic plate boundaries B Near fossil fuel resources C Near the equator D Near warm ocean currents

A Near tectonic plate boundaries (explanation: Plate boundaries often have volcanic activity and high geothermal gradients that provide sources of geothermal energy.)

A family of four lives in a three-bedroom house and uses an average of 900kWh900kWh of electricity per month. The family cools their house for three months during the summer with two window-unit air conditioners that each use 350kWh350kWh of electricity per month. Which of the following is the percentage of the family's total annual electricity that is used to run the two air conditioners for the three summer months? A 9.7% B 19.4% C 38.8% D 77.8%

B 19.4% [explanation: The family uses a total of 10800 kWh of electricity for the year (12 months × 900 kWh). It takes 2100 kWh to run the two air conditioners for three months (2 units × 350 kWh × 3month s= 2100 kWh). 2100 kWh / 10800 kWh ×100=19.4%]

The graphs below show the energy output of one kilowatt of photovoltaic (PV) capacity of different PV panel systems over a day (graph on the left) and the annual energy production (graph on the right) of the same systems. Dual-axis tracking means that the PV panels are constantly moving to always face the Sun directly. If the PV panels are tilted in a fixed position, the direction of tilt is indicated. Flat PV panels are not tilted in any direction. If peak electricity use occurs around 2p.m.2p.m. in the Los Angeles area and avoiding brownouts is more important to the installers of the PV panels than annual energy output, which of the following PV panel systems would be best to use in the area? A No tracking, tilted south B No tracking, tilted west C No tracking, tilted east D No tracking, flat

B No tracking, tilted west

Which of the following areas shown on the map of the United States has a history of coal deposits and is most likely to have mining operations? A Point A B Point B C Point C D Point D

B Point B (explanation: The southern Appalachian Mountains are rich in bituminous coal deposits and have been mined since the 1800s. Kentucky and West Virginia have several active surface mining operations and produce approximately 20%20% of the coal in the United States)

Which of the following is a true statement concerning the production of electricity in conventional nuclear power plants using fission reactors? A New nuclear power plants will be built without containment structures, due to the increased insulation in the reactor core. B Thermal energy is converted into mechanical energy and then to electrical energy, as in coal-burning power plants. C Regularly scheduled releases of radioactive gases during production are well below the maximum contamination levels set by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). D Nuclear production of electricity is much less expensive per kilowatt-hour than production of electricity at a coal-burning or natural- gas-fueled power plant. E Storage of nuclear waste is no longer an issue, because power plants are now storing all wastes on-site in specialized containment units.

B Thermal energy is converted into mechanical energy and then to electrical energy, as in coal-burning power plants.

An automobile travels at an average speed of 55 miles per hour (mph) with a maximum speed of 65mph. It travels a distance of 75 miles and consumes a total of 2.8 gallons of fuel. Which of the following represents the correct calculation for the fuel efficiency of the automobile? A 65mph/55mph B 75miles/55mph C 65mph/2.8gallons D 75miles/2.8gallons

C 65mph/2.8gallons (explanation: This calculation is the measure of distance traveled per unit of fuel (such as miles per gallon), which is fuel efficiency.)

An individual has been driving a passenger vehicle to work, averaging 60 miles a week in a car that averages 22 miles per gallon. The individual plans to purchase a hybrid vehicle that averages 50 miles per gallon. If the individual drives to work 50 weeks a year, how much gas will they save if they switch to a hybrid vehicle for their commute? A 28 gallons B 60 gallons C 76 gallons D 107 gallons

C 76 gallons (explanation: The original vehicle used 136 gallons in one year for the commute original car: {60miles per week}/{22 miles per gallon} × 50 weeks = 136 gallons and hybrid car: {60miles per week}/{50miles per gallon} × 50 weeks = 60gallons. The difference between the original vehicle's 136 gallons and the hybrid car's 60 gallons is 76 gallons saved.

Which of the following best describes the energy resource used most often for heating and cooking in less developed countries? A Bituminous coal is primarily used because of its relative abundance and high moisture content. B Cogeneration from fuel oil systems is primarily used because it has low up-front costs. C Biomass is the predominant fuel source because it is easily obtained locally. D Natural gas is the most prevalent fuel source because it is readily available and produces few air pollutants.

C Biomass is the predominant fuel source because it is easily obtained locally. (explanation: Bituminous coal is primarily used for generating electricity and not for heating and cooking purposes. Bituminous coal also has a low moisture content, not a high moisture content, compared with other types of coal.)

Which of the following is the primary environmental problem associated with the use of nuclear power to generate electricity? A Radon leaking into buildings B Production of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide C Disposal of radioactive waste D Depletion of the ozone layer E Production of acid rain

C Disposal of radioactive waste

Which of the following best describes how electricity is generated using photovoltaic cells? A The Sun's rays warm water that boils and spins a turbine. B The Sun's rays warm air that turns propeller blades attached to a rotor. C Photons of light excite electrons that result in a flow of current. D Photons of light activate a generator that converts chemical energy into mechanical energy.

C Photons of light excite electrons that result in a flow of current. (explanation: The semiconductor releases electrons that flow as current when sunlight strikes the surface of a photovoltaic cell.)

Which of the following is a negative consequence associated with photovoltaic solar cells? A Photovoltaic solar cells increase the reliance on transport of fuels long distances from energy sources to homeowners. B Smog and ground-level ozone can be created from pollutants released from photovoltaic solar cells during electricity generation. C The manufacture of photovoltaic solar cells involves toxic metals that can be released into the environment. D The installation of photovoltaic solar cells on houses and other buildings can result in the release of chemicals that destroy stratospheric ozone.

C The manufacture of photovoltaic solar cells involves toxic metals that can be released into the environment. (explanation: The manufacture of photovoltaic solar cells can release cadmium telluride, copper indium selenide, lead, polyvinyl fluoride, and other toxic metals into the environment.)

Which of the following would be the best location for a wind farm with ten industrial turbines? A Adjacent to a wetland area with a large migratory avian population in the fall and spring B Scattered throughout a residential neighborhood where strong wind gusts are common C Just outside a town near a cave housing a large bat population D Arranged uniformly on a local farm that has fields and pastureland for dairy and grain production

D Arranged uniformly on a local farm that has fields and pastureland for dairy and grain production (explanation: Wind farms take very little space on the ground, making them ideal for installation in agricultural lands. The turbines are more than 5050 feet above the ground at their lowest point, allowing enough clearance for farmers to grow agricultural crops and for animals to graze in the pastureland below.)

The table below shows regional electricity demands in 2016 and projected demands in 2040. Which of the following correctly pairs a region with its percent increase in electricity demand between 2016 and 2040? A Africa; 61% B United States; 0.17% C China; 158% D India; 227%

D India; 227% (explanation: The Indian region is predicted to undergo rapid industrialization between 2016 and 2040. The percent increase in energy usage is calculated using ([3606−1102] / 1102)×100%=227%.)

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster led to the release of massive radiation, specifically iodine-131iodine-131 and cesium-137cesium-137, which has been connected to a variety of environmental problems in the 3030 years following the disaster. A meltdown in which of the following structures at a nuclear power plant, such as Chernobyl, would most likely lead to the accidental release of radiation? A Cooling tower B Turbine C Generator D Reactor core

D Reactor core

Which of the following negative consequences is most often associated with using biomass for energy production? A Using biomass for energy production requires long-term storage for radioactive waste. B Using biomass for energy production can increase salinization in agricultural fields. C Using biomass for energy production releases carbon sequestered in fossil fuels into the atmosphere. D Using biomass for energy production can result in local deforestation.

D Using biomass for energy production can result in local deforestation. (explanation: Trees can be overharvested in areas using biomass for energy production, resulting in deforestation in those areas.)

Which of the following scenarios is an example of cogeneration? A Using dishwashing liquid and bacteria to clean up oil spills B Using electricity to cool a house and releasing the heat into the atmosphere C Using two alternative energy sources to produce electricity for a city Which of the following scenarios is an example of cogeneration? D Using the steam given off from a coal-fired electrical generation plant to heat nearby buildings

D Using the steam given off from a coal-fired electrical generation plant to heat nearby buildings (explanation: Cogeneration occurs when a fuel source is used to generate both useful heat and electricity. In this case the coal is used to produce electricity, and the heat given off is used productively rather than just emitted into the atmosphere.)

One solution for reducing the amount of atmospheric carbon dioxide would be to A increase oceanic temperatures to enhance carbon dioxide uptake B increase the rate of removal of tropical rain forests C decrease the total area of rice paddies D decrease the use of fossil fuels E decrease the production of chlorofluorocarbons

D decrease the use of fossil fuels

A reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei

Nuclear fission

A reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei are combined to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic particles

Nuclear fusion

Cogeneration occurs when a fuel source is used to generate both useful heat and electricity. In this case the coal is used to produce electricity, and the heat given off is used productively rather than just emitted into the atmosphere.

Ok

An accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter

Peat

(final number - initial number) / initial number above equation x 100

Percent Increase calculation

maximum electrical output that a powerplant has

capacity

nonrenewable energy source examples

coal, oil, fossil fuels, natural gas, nuclear fuels

are bought an sold; ex: coal, oil, natural gas

commercial energy sources

finidng ways to consume less energy and waste less energy

conservation

things you obtain directly as sources of energy; ex: coal, oil, biomass, sun, hydropower, nuclear materials undergoing radioactive decay

primary energy sources

have undergone some kind of reformation from primary source before used by consumers; ex: electricity from coal/natural gas/hydropower/solar power, fossil fuels (bc they are refined before we use them) like gasoline, airplane fuel, diesel

secondary energy sources

are gathered by individuals for their own use; ex: wood, charcoal, animal waste

subsistence energy sources

Which of the following fuel sources is commonly used in less developed countries because it is easily accessible? A Peat B Oil C Wood D Anthracite

C Wood (explanation: Wood is easily accessible, making it a reliable fuel source for less developed countries.)

The following data table shows the percentage of United States energy consumption by energy source for 2010 and 2017. Based on the provided data, which of the following best explains the change in energy resource use? A Renewable sources replaced nonrenewable sources for electricity generation but not for transportation. B Most of the petroleum used in the United States is imported from other oil-rich countries. C United States power plants changed to nuclear energy for electricity generation rather than using renewable sources during this time period. D Petroleum power plants replaced natural gas power plants at the same time that new renewable energy plants were constructed.

A Renewable sources replaced nonrenewable sources for electricity generation but not for transportation. (explanation: The transportation sector is the largest end user of petroleum resources, which remained constant. Based on the provided data, the renewable energy sources are not typically used for transportation.)

Which of the following statements correctly explains the role of fossil fuels in the production of energy? A The combustion of fossil fuels heats water to produce steam, which then turns a turbine. B The steam released from the combustion of fossil fuels turns a generator, which then powers a turbine. C The heat released from burning fossil fuels rises and turns a turbine, which then releases carbon dioxide. D Steam produced from a turbine ignites the fossil fuels, which then powers the generator.

A The combustion of fossil fuels heats water to produce steam, which then turns a turbine. (explanation: The burning of fossil fuels releases heat. The heat converts water to steam and the steam turns a turbine, which runs the generator to produce electricity.)

Which of the following is the best example of cogeneration? A A power plant uses both coal and natural gas as fuel. B A trash-to-steam power plant accepts both residential and commercial waste. C Several power plants supply the same city with electrical energy. D Emissions from power plants are captured and stripped of sulfur for commercial sale. E A coal-fired power plant captures waste heat and uses it to heat adjacent buildings.

A coal-fired power plant captures waste heat and uses it to heat adjacent buildings. (definition: Cogeneration or combined heat and power is the use of a heat engine or power station to generate electricity and useful heat at the same time.)

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster led to the release of massive radiation, specifically iodine-131iodine-131 and cesium-137cesium-137, which has been connected to a variety of environmental problems in the 3030 years following the disaster. A soil sample near Chernobyl was found to contain 187kBq/m2187kBq/m2 of cesium-137cesium-137. If the half-lifehalf-life of cesium-137cesium-137 is approximately 3030 years, how much cesium-137cesium-137 will remain in the sample after 9090 years? A 93.50kBq/m293.50kBq/m2 B 23.38kBq/m223.38kBq/m2 C 6.23kBq/m26.23kBq/m2 D 1.58kBq/m2

B 23.38kBq/m223.38kBq/m2

Some solar energy systems produce high-temperature water for industrial applications and produce steam to run turbines that generate electricity. What type of solar energy system is needed for these kinds of applications? A A flat-panel solar collector system B A solar collector system using mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight C A passive solar system that uses building design to block summer sunlight D A flat non-tracking array of photovoltaic panels E A passive solar system that uses building design to collect winter sunlight

B A solar collector system using mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight

Which of the following describes an environmental problem that can result from the combustion of fossil fuels to generate electricity? A A chemical reaction occurs between the fossil fuel and oxygen to produce energy for the generation of electricity. B Carbon dioxide is a product of the combustion fossil fuels, and it can lead to global climate change when released into the atmosphere. C The combustion of fossil fuels can heat water to convert the water into steam to turn turbines that are connected to electrical generators. D Combustion reactions using fossil fuels require more energy than they produce and are therefore very inefficient.

B Carbon dioxide is a product of the combustion fossil fuels, and it can lead to global climate change when released into the atmosphere. (explanation: Carbon dioxide is a product of the combustion of fossil fuels and is a greenhouse gas that can cause global warming when released into the atmosphere.)

Which of the following is the most valid inference regarding electricity production, based on the graph above? A Electricity production from coal began to decrease in 2008 because of shortages in coal supplies. B Electricity production from coal began to decrease in 2008 because of the increasing use of natural gas and renewable energy. C The use of nuclear energy increased from 1970 to 2010 because of the low cost of constructing nuclear power plants. D The use of nuclear energy increased from 1970 to 2010 because of shortages in coal supplies. E Renewable energy has not increased as much as nuclear energy has since 1970 because of federal laws restricting construction of wind farms.

B Electricity production from coal began to decrease in 2008 because of the increasing use of natural gas and renewable energy.

During the Cretaceous period of Earth's geological history, eastern Montana was covered with lowland swamps rich in plant life. These plants were buried and slowly decomposed. Which of the following resources would most likely be mined from the plant remains buried in eastern Montana during the Cretaceous? A Building materials such as limestone. B Fossil fuels such as coal C Precious minerals such as gold D Radioactive materials such as uranium

B Fossil fuels such as coal (explanation: Coal forms from plant material that is heated and compressed. Environments such as swamps produce significant amounts of plant matter and typically generate coal.)

Which of the following explains why some energy sources are renewable? A Renewable energy sources exist in a fixed amount and cannot be easily replaced. B Renewable energy sources can be replenished naturally, at or near the rate of consumption. C Renewable energy sources include natural gas and other fossil fuels because they are made from the remains of ancient organisms. D Renewable energy sources use advanced technologies and have been discovered in recent years, making them newer energy sources.

B Renewable energy sources can be replenished naturally, at or near the rate of consumption. (explanation: Renewable energy sources can be replenished on a human timeline, whereas nonrenewable energy sources cannot.)

Which of the following is the most practical solution to maximizing energy production at wind farms while minimizing the risk to wildlife? A Turn on turbines only at night when most birds and bats are not flying. B Turn off turbines during periods of maximum migration. C Turn on turbines only when winds are below 5mph5mph. D Limit the height of turbines to 1010 meters and the width of the blades to 55 meters.

B Turn off turbines during periods of maximum migration. (explanation: If the turbines are not turning when birds and bats are passing by at their greatest numbers, mortality will be reduced. The maximum energy possible could be produced when animals, such as birds and bats, are not migrating.)

Which of the following best describes the conditions under which peat is formed? A Partially decayed vegetation is placed under low-pressure, aerobic, acidic conditions. B Partially decayed vegetation is placed under high-pressure, anaerobic, alkaline conditions. C Partially decayed vegetation is placed under high-pressure, anaerobic, acidic conditions. D Partially decayed vegetation is placed under low-pressure, aerobic, alkaline conditions. Answer C Correct. Peat is formed in bogs where high-pressure conditions prevent fresh air from being introduced (anaerobic conditions) while also compressing the decayed vegetation and allowing the CO2CO2 to be converted into carbonic acid.

C Partially decayed vegetation is placed under high-pressure, anaerobic, acidic conditions. (explanation: Peat is formed in bogs where high-pressure conditions prevent fresh air from being introduced (anaerobic conditions) while also compressing the decayed vegetation and allowing the CO2CO2 to be converted into carbonic acid.)

Which of the following actions would reduce global greenhouse emissions? A Increasing the use of automobiles B Decreasing the number of nuclear power plants C Replacing coal-burning power plants with wind farms D Converting tropical forests to rice paddies E Switching from hydroelectric power generation to power generation using natural gas as the primary fuel

C Replacing coal-burning power plants with wind farms

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using nuclear energy as a source of electricity? A Energy production is not consistent from day to day. B Cooling towers release contaminants into the atmosphere. C Spent fuel rods must be disposed of properly. D Volatile organic compounds are released into groundwater.

C Spent fuel rods must be disposed of properly. (explanation: Nuclear power plants use radioactive materials such as uranium to produce steam that turns turbines. The half-life of the nuclear waste that is generated can be very long, and therefore trying to find a safe storage place for radioactive material is challenging.)

Which of the following gases is released from the structure labeled C in the diagram? A Carbon dioxide B Methane C Water vapor D Radon-222

C Water vapor (explanation: The structure labeled C in the diagram is a cooling tower, which releases water vapor as a by-product of the process used to cool the water that passes through the turbine.)

Which of the following is a reason why hybrid electric vehicles use less fossil fuel per mile traveled than a typical internal combustion engine vehicle uses? A Hybrid electric vehicles don't burn fossil fuels; they run on electric energy. B Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by the Sun using rooftop photovoltaic panels. C When the brakes are applied in hybrid electric vehicles, kinetic energy is converted into electric energy to charge the batteries that assist the electric motor. D Batteries in hybrid electric vehicles can be charged in the driveway overnight, when rates for electricity usage are typically low. E The engines in hybrid electric vehicles are powered by biofuels made from genetically modified corn.

C When the brakes are applied in hybrid electric vehicles, kinetic energy is converted into electric energy to charge the batteries that assist the electric motor.

The diagram shows a power plant designed to generate electricity for a nearby city. Based on the diagram, which processes would provide the energy used to generate electricity at the power plant? A Absorption of incoming solar radiation B Fusion of atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei C Combustion of fossil fuels D Fission in radioactive fuel

D Fission in radioactive fuel (explanation: The fission of uranium or other radioactive isotopes is used to generate heat in a nuclear power plant, which is illustrated in the diagram.)

Which of the following best describes an environmental problem associated with hydrologic fracturing, or fracking? A Fracking has led to an increase in the production of oil and natural gas, lowering energy prices. B Fractures in the shale will close up once the fracking fluid is removed unless fine particles, like sand, are introduced to hold them open. C The products of fracking release more carbon dioxide and sulfur compounds into the atmosphere than other fossil fuels. D Fracking fluids can escape from the drill hole and contaminate surface water and groundwater.

D Fracking fluids can escape from the drill hole and contaminate surface water and groundwater. (explanation: The contaminated surface water and groundwater can affect humans and wildlife. Groundwater contamination is a major concern with fracking sites.)

The graphs below show the energy output of one kilowatt of photovoltaic (PV) capacity of different PV panel systems over a day (graph on the left) and the annual energy production (graph on the right) of the same systems. Dual-axis tracking means that the PV panels are constantly moving to always face the Sun directly. If the PV panels are tilted in a fixed position, the direction of tilt is indicated. Flat PV panels are not tilted in any direction. Which of the following PV panel systems is least effective at producing energy? A Tracking, dual-axis B No tracking, tilted south C No tracking, tilted west D No tracking, tilted east

D No tracking, tilted east

Which of the following is a characteristic of nonrenewable energy sources that distinguishes them from renewable energy sources? A The construction of power plants that use nonrenewable energy sources is typically more expensive than the construction of those that use renewable energy sources. B Nonrenewable energy sources are typically less harmful to wildlife and ecosystems than renewable energy sources are. C Nonrenewable energy sources typically require additional new technology in order to be used than renewable energy sources do. D Nonrenewable energy sources typically take a longer time to replenish than renewable energy sources do.

D Nonrenewable energy sources typically take a longer time to replenish than renewable energy sources do. (explanation: Nonrenewable energy sources (such as coal) can take millions of years to replenish, whereas renewable energy sources can be replenished at or near the rate of consumption and can be reused.)

Which of the following best describes a benefit of increasing the number of offshore wind farms rather than onshore wind farms? A Offshore wind farms will consume less water during operation than wind farms on land because the turbines require less steam for electricity generation. B Offshore wind farms will decrease the maintenance costs associated with electricity generation because they are cheaper to operate than wind farms on land. C Offshore wind farms will emit less carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide than wind farms on land because they are farther from urban areas. D Offshore winds farms will produce up to three times as much electricity as wind farms on land because of increased wind speeds offshore.

D Offshore winds farms will produce up to three times as much electricity as wind farms on land because of increased wind speeds offshore. (explanation: Offshore winds are much steadier and faster than land winds because of a lack of obstruction by other vertical structures.)

The graphs below show the energy output of one kilowatt of photovoltaic (PV) capacity of different PV panel systems over a day (graph on the left) and the annual energy production (graph on the right) of the same systems. Dual-axis tracking means that the PV panels are constantly moving to always face the Sun directly. If the PV panels are tilted in a fixed position, the direction of tilt is indicated. Flat PV panels are not tilted in any direction. Which of the following statements is best supported by the data shown in the graph? A PV panels that cannot track the Sun and are in a fixed position tilted to the east produce the most electricity daily and annually. B Of the PV panels that cannot track the Sun, those in a fixed position tilted to the west produce more electricity daily and annually than do those in a fixed position tilted to the south. C PV panels that cannot track the Sun and are in a fixed position tilted to the south produce the least electricity daily and annually. D PV panels that can track the Sun and are constantly moving to always directly face the Sun produce the most electricity daily and annually.

D PV panels that can track the Sun and are constantly moving to always directly face the Sun produce the most electricity daily and annually.

Buildings designed to partially heat rooms by passive solar heating rely on A solar cells to generate electricity to power a heater in the room B solar collectors to warm water that is pumped into the room C warm water pumped from underground to warm the room D materials that absorb and store solar energy to warm the room

D materials that absorb and store solar energy to warm the room (explanation: Passive solar heating design relies on stone or other materials in the walls and floors that are warmed by the sun and radiate heat into the building.)

sources of energy that can be renewed, wont run out if we use them wisely

renewable energy