enviro ap classroom quizzes

Which of the following best identifies a benefit of using renewable energy sources rather than nonrenewable energy sources? A - Renewable energy sources do not have negative environmental impacts, whereas nonrenewable energy sources have many negative environmental impacts. B - Renewable energy sources are replenishable and are virtually inexhaustible by human consumption, whereas nonrenewable sources do not form in a short period of time. C - Renewable energy sources are available uniformly throughout the world, whereas nonrenewable sources are unequally distributed. D - Renewable energy technologies are more developed and more readily available than nonrenewable energy technologies.

B

A hydrogen fuel cell-powered car driving on a highway is different from gasoline-powered cars because hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars only emit A - carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas B - carbon dioxide and heat C -water vapor and hydrogen gas D - water vapor and heat

D

Although nuclear energy is considered a cleaner energy source than fossil fuels, some scientists argue this does not support the claim that nuclear energy is renewable. Which of the following claims best supports the argument that nuclear energy is a nonrenewable energy source? A - Nuclear energy has low carbon emissions and does not contribute to global warming. B - The uranium deposits on Earth are finite. C - Nuclear energy is generated by the process of nuclear fission. D - Nuclear power plants convert water to steam, similar to fossil fuel-burning power plants.

B

In an apartment building, exhaust from a gas-powered electrical generator is captured to produce hot water to heat a swimming pool. Which of the following is illustrated by this process? A - Synergy B - Cogeneration C - Synfuels D - Energy recovery

B

Which of the following best describes a disadvantage of geothermal energy production? A - Geothermal energy production is a significant source of noise pollution. B - Geothermal energy implementation in homes and businesses has a high upfront cost, and electricity is needed to operate pumps. C - Geothermal energy generation costs remain stable when gas and oil prices increase. D - Geothermal energy is weather dependent and can be generated only at certain times of the year.

B

Which of the following best explains energy transformation in hydrogen fuel cells? A - Methane reacts with oxygen to produce carbon and hydrogen atoms, which releases energy. B - Hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce water, which releases energy. C - In the presence of sunlight, carbon dioxide reacts with water to produce sugar and oxygen, requiring energy. D - Hydrogen chloride is dissolved in water, requiring energy.

B

Where did the accidents at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl happen?

Three Mile Island happened at the water pump and Chernobyl happened at the control rods

After the Industrial Revolution, the use of fossil fuels increased significantly. Despite the documented environmental effects of these resources and the availability of renewable resources, the use of nonrenewable sources continues. Which of the following statements best explains why there is continued widespread use of nonrenewable fossil fuels in energy production in the United States? A - Established technology and transportation infrastructure for fossil fuels allows these resources to be converted into energy to meet consumer demand. B - Fossil fuels are significantly cheaper than renewable resources, so they do not require government subsidies, which ultimately saves the government money. C - The environmental effects of fossil fuels are easy to mitigate, while the environmental effects of renewable resources are difficult to understand and reverse. D - Fossil fuels will always be present and are plentiful in quantity, so there is little pressure to find a replacement for them as an energy source.

A

Geothermal energy plants are a viable alternative energy source because they A - use the heat from Earth's interior to create steam that is used to generate electricity and then can be pumped back into the ground B - can be built for use in any location where surface drilling is possible and construction of geothermal plants increases land stability C - use the heat from Earth's interior to directly heat buildings and houses and give off no greenhouse gasses D - do not give off hazardous air pollutants into the atmosphere and require very little water

A

Natural gas, a nonrenewable fossil fuel, is often seen as an alternative fuel in the worldwide transition to a renewable energy future. Which of the following statements best explains why natural gas is often used as a fuel when countries are transitioning from nonrenewable to renewable energy sources? A - Natural gas burns more efficiently and cleanly than other sources of carbon-based fossil fuels, thus contributing to a reduction in atmospheric carbon dioxide. B - The infrastructure for storing and transporting natural gas can be used in the future in conjunction with hydrogen fuel technologies. C - Natural gas can be used in industrial applications only, but it has great potential to replace coal as a fuel source. D - The process of extracting natural gas, known as hydraulic fracturing, requires very little water or energy.

A

Purity is a major factor in determining the type of coal used for energy. Which of the following types of coal are correctly paired with a description of its purity and common use? A - Anthracite is considered the highest grade coal because it is almost pure carbon, and it is often used for domestic heating. B - Coking coal is most widely available and contains 60-86% carbon, which makes it ideal for use in coal power plants. C - Steam coal has a high carbon content with low amounts of impurities, which makes it ideal for use in the steel industry. D - Lignite is the most mature and purest form of coal, and it is often used for large-scale power generation.

A

Which of the following describes a step in the generation of electricity using fossil fuels that can most directly lead to an environmental problem? A - Fossil fuel is burned to boil water. B - Water is converted to steam. C - Steam turns a turbine. D - Turbines power a generator.

A

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using hydrogen fuel cells? A - Hydrogen gas is not readily available on Earth. B - The products of the reactions in hydrogen fuel cells damage the environment. C - Hydrogen fuel cells are much less efficient in powering vehicles than internal combustion engines are. D - Hydrogen fuel cells need to be very large to generate electricity.

A

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

Which of the following would be most likely to be used as a fuel source for electricity generation in the plant displayed in the diagram? A - Uranium-235 B - Cesium-137 C - Iodine-123 D - Yttrium-90 and Yttrium-91

A

Which of the following is an environmental benefit associated with substituting ethanol for gasoline? A - Ethanol is more energy efficient than gasoline. B - Ethanol has a lower cost than gasoline. C - Burning ethanol produces fewer air pollutants than burning gasoline alone. D - Burning ethanol removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

C

Which of the following identifies the air pollutants most commonly released during the burning of biomass? A - Lead ( PbPb ), carbon monoxide ( COCO ), and nitric acid ( HNO3HNO3 ) B - Particulate matter ( PMPM ), ozone ( O3O3 ), and carbon monoxide ( COCO ) C - Carbon dioxide ( CO2CO2 ), particulate matter ( PMPM ), and carbon monoxide ( COCO ) D - Polychlorinated biphenyls ( PCBsPCBs ), carbon dioxide ( CO2CO2 ), and chlorofluorocarbons ( CFCsCFCs )

C

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

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

Which of the following is an example of the process of cogeneration? A - Using timber waste products as biofuel B - Using wastewater from electricity production for heating homes C - Using the corn crops for ethanol fuel production D - Using the reservoir behind a hydroelectric dam for recreation

B

Which of the following is required to convert geothermal energy into electricity? A - Wind B - Groundwater C - Fossil fuel D - Sunlight

B

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

Which of the following statements about geothermal energy is accurate? A - While geothermal energy can heat buildings directly, it is not used to generate electricity. B - The location of geothermal energy sources ranges from short distances below ground to miles below the surface. C - Steam from underground sources must be condensed before it can be used aboveground. D - In some parts of the world, geothermal sources are used to power steam locomotives.

B

Which of the following statements correctly describes a difference between biomass-fired power plants and traditional fossil-fuel-burning power plants, such as coal-fired plants? A - The production of biomass does not release carbon dioxide but burning fossil fuels does. B - The operational costs of biomass plants are very high when compared with traditional fossil fuel plants. C - Biomass plants produce higher levels of mercury emissions than fossil fuel plants. D - Biomass as a fuel source is not widely available all over the world while fossil fuels are abundant around the world.

B

Wind energy is increasingly relied upon to help meet global energy needs. Wind energy can be used to generate electricity using wind turbines. Which of the following best describes electricity generation using wind turbines? A - Newer wind turbines can generate consistent electricity even when there is no wind. B - Wind turbines can be constructed on either vertical or horizontal axes. C - Wind turbines are rarely used offshore because they tend to float in rough seas. D - Wind turbines can be used by individual homeowners but have limited effectiveness when connected to the electrical grid.

B

Geothermal energy is used to run large and complex power stations as well as small and relatively simple pumping systems. Which of the following most accurately explains how geothermal energy is produced and utilized in these applications? A - Geothermal energy uses heat from the Sun to raise the Earth's surface temperatures to a point where these applications can heat homes and buildings. B - Geothermal energy uses heat from the Sun to create atmospheric temperature gradients, which in turn power turbines to generate electricity. C - Geothermal energy uses the natural insulating power of Earth to create temperature differentials that are used to heat buildings in the winter and cool them in the summer. D - Geothermal energy cannot be tapped directly from heat generated by volcanoes or other geologically active areas.

C

Which of the following best describes a potential advantage of using geothermal energy instead of solar farms for power generation? A - Harnessing geothermal energy does not release hydrogen sulfide gas, whereas solar farms do. B - Geothermal energy does not release greenhouse gases, whereas solar farms do. C - Geothermal energy can be harnessed without destroying large tracts of habitat, whereas solar farms require large amounts of space. D - Geothermal energy is easily accessible and can be harnessed in most parts of the world, whereas solar energy is difficult to harness.

C

Which of the following best describes an environmental problem that is often linked to the process of fracking? A - Fracking operations require large tracts of land, which degrades habitat and harms wildlife. B - Fracking can increase stream flow and water volume, disrupting fish migration pathways. C - Wastewater from fracking operations is injected into porous rock formations, which can induce seismic activity. D - Excessive nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, run off the land near fracking sites, which can lead to large algal blooms in nearby waterways.

C

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.

C

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 *what do nuclear power plants release?*

C

Which of the following statements best describes a difference between nonrenewable and renewable energy sources? A - Nonrenewable energy sources release carbon dioxide when used, whereas renewable energy sources do not release carbon dioxide. B - Renewable energy sources are often obtained a long distance away from the customer, whereas nonrenewable energy sources are obtained locally. C - Renewable energy sources can be replaced naturally at current consumption rates, whereas nonrenewable energy sources cannot be replaced easily. D - Renewable energy sources produce energy that can be recycled after use, whereas the energy from nonrenewable energy sources cannot be recycled.

C

Wind energy is increasingly relied upon to help meet global energy needs. Wind energy can be used to generate electricity using wind turbines. Which of the following are often used for energy storage of wind power? A - Converters B - Generators C - Batteries D - Rotor blades

C

Wind energy is increasingly relied upon to help meet global energy needs. Wind energy can be used to generate electricity using wind turbines. Which of the following correctly identifies the sequence of energy conversions that occur in a wind turbine? A - Mechanical energy →→ kinetic energy →→ electrical energy B - Potential energy →→ mechanical energy →→ kinetic energy C - Kinetic energy →→ mechanical energy →→ electrical energy D - Potential energy →→ electrical energy →→ mechanical energy

C

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

Which of the following best describes a potential negative environmental effect of fossil fuel extraction? A - Fossil fuel extraction requires new infrastructure and has a high start-up cost. B - Birds are injured or killed when they fly around extraction sites. C - Thermal energy produced during the extraction process is released into nearby streams and lakes. D - Air pollutants, such as methane and particulate matter, are emitted into the atmosphere.

D

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

Which of the following best describes why people in less developed countries use wood as a primary energy source? A - The infrastructure required to transport wood is well established. B - Wood produces fewer carbon emissions than other energy sources, such as geothermal or natural gas. C - Wood can be converted to peat and cheaply burned for fuel. D - Wood, in the form of firewood and charcoal, is often readily available.

D

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

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