Quiz questions.
The benefits of straw as a building material include which of the following? Choose the THREE characteristics that apply. straw is a potentially renewable resource straw produces extra transportation emissions when the straw was growing, it sequestered carbon straw does not require any net carbon dioxide emissions to produce straw does not require as much energy to produce as manufactured fossil-fuel based insulation
Straw is potentially renewable resource. When the straw was growing, it sequestered carbon. Straw does not require as much energy to produce as manufactured fossil-fuel based insulation
The idea that the human population could one day exceed the carrying capacity of Earth is known as the ______________.
Malthusian Theory. explanation; Thomas Malthus was an English clergyman who made dire predictions about the ability of Earth to sustain its growing population. He believed that human population growth would outstrip agricultural production, leading to mass starvation and conflict. This is known as the Malthusian Theory.
If a farmer wants to improve soil quality, what techniques could she use? Choose the THREE characteristics that apply.
agroforestry contour plowing crop rotation Explanation; Agroforestry, contour plowing and crop rotation all result in an improvement to soil quality.
From an environmental science perspective, it is essential to first consider _________________ when choosing among energy sources. renewable and nonrenewable choices effectiveness and inputs conservation and efficiency history and economics emissions and byproducts
conservation and efficiency
Drag and drop the labels to the corresponding soil horizons.
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The basic SI unit (International System of Units) for energy is the ______________. electron joule kilowatt mole photon
joule Explanation; A joule is the energy used when a 1 watt light-bulb is turned on for 1 second and is the SI unit for energy.
The Green Revolution is characterized by all of the following EXCEPT:
decreased plant productivity
What is the name of the category of gases that trap infrared radiation in the atmosphere?
greenhouse gases
The IPCC states that it is "extremely likely" that humans are the cause for unprecedented warming since the 1950s. What are some likely effects of global warming? Choose the TWO characteristics that apply.
warming of atmosphere warming of oceans
Rank the following fuels and energy strategies from best to worst. Assume that the primary goal is reducing carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere that result from electricity generation. 1. 2. 3. 4 - oil -natural gas -conservation -coal
1. Conservation 2. Natural Gas 3. Oil 4. Coal
What is the best estimate for total number (in millions) of species on Earth? (give a whole number as your answer)
10 million
In a steam-electric power plant, 100 units of fuel are put into a boiler, which converts the fuel to 80 units of steam. The steam is then put through a turbine, which transfers 40 units to a generator. The generator is then able to generate 36 units of electricity. What is the overall efficiency of this system? Round your answer to the nearest whole number. Do not include the % sign in your answer.
36%
Generally, an ideal composition for agricultural soils is:
40% sand, 40% silt, 20% clay correct Explanation; A loam is usually the ideal agricultural soil. The typical loam is 40% sand, 40% silt and 20% clay.
Atmospheric CO2 concentrations are currently about ___ ppm (parts per million).
400
What is the approximate human population of Earth today?
7 billion
The least weathered soil horizon, comprised of materials similar to the underlying parent material, is known as the ___ horizon.
C horizons Explanation; The C horizon is comprised of materials similar to the parent material, and is the least weathered horizon.
Rank the following greenhouse gases from greatest to lowest global warming potential (GWP). Drag and drop from the list below. Drop target image Carbon Dioxide CFCs Nitrous Oxide Methane Water Vapour
CFCs 1500-10000 nitrous oxide 125-300 methane 25 carbon dioxide (1) water vapor (<1)
Most CO2 to least CO2 coal oil Nuclear Natural Gas
Coal Oil Natural Gas Nuclear
1st law of thermodynamics
Energy cannot be created or destroyed
Order the following foods from greatest to least in terms of their energy subsidy: beef, tomatoes, chicken Greatest energy subsidy Second greatest energy subsidy Smallest energy subsidy
Greatest energy subsidy [Beef] Second greatest energy subsidy [Chicken] Smallest energy subsidy [Tomatoes]
Which of the following are advantages of a PV solar tracker? Choose the TWO characteristics that apply. it can "follow" the sun like a sunflower it can generate wind energy it is more efficient than a comparable roof-mounted solar system it can generate electricity at night
It can "follow" the sun like a sunflower. It can generate electricity
Which of the following are DISADVANTAGES of wind energy? Choose the TWO characteristics that apply. may cause harm to migrating bird populations will result in the destruction of large areas of agricultural land can create noise disturbances from the turning turbine subject to high fuel costs (relative to other forms of renewables) can potentially generate electricity at night as well as during the day
May cause harm to migrating bird populations. Can create noise disturbance from the turning turbine.
Anaerobic decomposition produces a potent greenhouse gas called: oxygen carbon monoxide ozone methane CFC
Methane CH4
All of the following are soil-forming factors EXCEPT _________.
Nutrients Explanation; The five soil forming factors are climate, organisms, topography, time and parent material. Nutrients are not a soil forming factor.
Over time, dams become less efficient at generating electricity because: methane release increases solar power becomes cheaper evapotranspiration decreases siltation occurs behind the dam migrating fish can't get past the dam
Siltation occurs behind the dam
What is a negawatt?
The idea that saved energy is equal to generating new electricity.
For each farming practice or objective listed below, indicate whether it is associated with organic farming, commercial/conventional farming, or both. Use of mechanization Use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers Reliance on fossil fuels Enhances biodiversity and soil quality
Use of mechanization correct [both] Use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers correct [commercial/conventional] Reliance on fossil fuels incorrect [both] Enhances biodiversity and soil quality correct [organic]
What is the fastest growing source of electricity in the world? algae natural gas nuclear solar wind
Wind
All of the following describe an increase in entropy EXCEPT: a cup of water placed in the freezer turns into ice transmission of electricity over power lines results in loss of energy as heat and sound a pot of hot coffee left alone will gradually cool down a room tends to become disorganized over time
a cup of water placed in the freezer turns into ice Explanation; Energy is required to convert liquid water to solid ice. Ice melting would be an example of increasing entropy.
Change in a system that drives the system away from its original state is referred to as:
a positive feedback loop
Select whether each element is an acid or a base, as it relates to base saturation in soils: aluminum calcium magnesium
aluminum correct [acid] calcium correct [base] magnesium correct [base] Explanation; The soil forming bases are calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. The soil acids are hydrogen and aluminum.
Sustainability Director Rosi Kerr described Dartmouth's organizational strategy to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This is called a ____________ .
climate action plan Explanation; A climate action plan is an organizational strategy to lower greenhouse gas emissions. This can include lower energy use, switching fuels, conservation and increasing efficiency of buildings and machines.
Which of the following energy sources is likely to contribute the greatest quantity of sulfur dioxide emissions to the atmosphere? wood coal nuclear natural gas oil
coal Explanation; Burning fossil fuels can release compounds present in the material and as they combine with oxygen, can create air pollutants. Coal has the highest percentage of sulfur compared to oil (which has some) and natural gas (which has a negligible amount). The use of nuclear fuels does not involve the release of sulfur. Wood contains negligible amounts of sulfur.
Environmental justice is the study of people who are disproportionally affected by pollution and global climate change. These people are more likely to be living in the ___________ world.
developing
Which of the following areas are most likely to be disproportionally affected by global warming? Choose the TWO characteristics that apply.
developing countries correct coastline areas correct
In comparison to commercial agriculture, organic agriculture does all of the following except: avoid using synthetic fertilizers eliminate erosion enhance biodiversity incorrect increase soil biological activity retain organic matter in the soil
eliminate erosion Explanation; Organic agriculture generally enhances ecosystem services however, it still involves plowing the soil, thereby allowing some erosion to occur.
What is the best environmental science response to a request for more electricity generation capacity?
increase conservation and efficiency of existing infrastructure Explanation; From an environmental science perspective increasing conservation and efficiency are always the best and first response to demands for more energy.
Planting peas and corn together in the same field during the same season is an example of: agroforestry interbreeding crop rotation maximum sustainable yield intercropping
intercropping Explanation; Planting peas and corn together is an example of intercropping: the peas fix nitrogen, which is required in greater quantities by corn.
The practice of_________ can lead to both methane release and salinization. fertilizing irrigation monocropping plowing soil removal
irrigation Explanation; Irrigation can lead to both methane release (by waterlogging soils, leading to anaerobic respiration) and salinization (the small amounts of salt in the irrigation water become concentrated in the soil after the water evaporates).
Which of the following is NOT an advantage to using waste vegetable oil as an ingredient of biodiesel fuel?
it reduces vehicular traffic
All of the following are true about synthetic (commercial) fertilizer EXCEPT: it is designed for easy application to crops it is susceptible to runoff it can target the specific needs of the crop it adds organic matter to the soil it is highly concentrated
it adds organic matter to the soil.
a positive feedback loop correct
ocean acidification
A car engine transforms the chemical energy of gasoline into the kinetic energy of moving pistons which allows the car to move forward. The quantity of kinetic energy in the moving car will always be:
less than the quantity of chemical energy because entropy is increasing Explanation; Whenever energy is converted from one form to another, there is always less available energy for the desired task and entropy always increases.
Which of the following is NOT a cause of sea level rise?
melting sea ice (ice floating in the ocean)
Anaerobic decomposition produces a potent greenhouse gas called:
methane
Which of the following is a renewable, but potentially depletable, energy source? wind solar biomass hydroelectric coal
not coal biomass such as wood or corn.
Which of the following energy sources is likely to contribute the least amount of sulfur dioxide emissions?
nuclear Explanation; The use of nuclear fuels does not involve the release of sulfur. Burning fossil fuels can release compounds present in the material and as they combine with oxygen, can create air pollutants. Coal has the highest percentage of sulfur compared to oil (which has some) and natural gas (which has a negligible amount). Biomass burning releases a very small amount of sulfur.
All of the following are energy sources that are indirectly derived from the Sun EXCEPT: coal natural gas nuclear fission oil wood
nuclear fission Explanation; Nuclear power comes from fission - splitting of atoms. Fossil fuels are derived from plant and animal remains that were fossilized millions of years ago. Plants require energy from the Sun to grow and animals eat plants so both are derived from the Sun.
Indicate if the following types of solar energy are passive or active. Large windows on the south side of a building (in the Northern Hemisphere): passive Polar photovoltaic panels on the roof of a building: active Parabolic mirror systems to heat water in a tower: active
passive active active
Global warming can be most precisely quantified through which of the following terms?
positive radiative forcing
A stretched rubber band is an example of _______ energy.
potential
__________ is the rate at which energy is supplied.
power Explanation; Power = Energy / Time and is the measure of the rate at which energy is supplied.
A surface is measured to have a high albedo. __________________________ are most commonly associated with high albedo. correct __________________________ is associated with high albedo. correct
snow covered surface high reflective
The goal of sustainable agriculture is
to be able to farm a piece of land indefinitely Explanation; The goal of sustainable agriculture is to promote farming practices that will allow a farmer to farm the land indefinitely.
Choose the statement about genetically modified crops that is NOT true: they offer the possibility of greater yield they might provide resistance to drought and disease they might provide greater resistance to cold temperatures they are banned in the United States they can decrease the need for pesticides
they are banned in the United States
Which of the following are true about hydroelectric dams? Choose the THREE characteristics that apply. they contribute to evapotranspiration around the dam hydroelectric dams provide recreation from water impounded behind the dam they have almost no impact on the regional environment they promote natural ecosystems they use a non- depletable resource to generate electricity
they contribute to evapotranspiration around the damn. Hydroelectric dams provide recreation from water impounded behind the dam. They use non-depletable resource to generate electricity.
Examine the table below and indicate which means of transporation is most energy efficient. airplane passenger car train bus MJ = megajoule. Passenger-kilometer is one person traveling one kilometer.
train Explanation; The most efficient mode of transportation is that one that uses the lowest quantity of energy (MJ) per distance traveled (km).
What is the name of the coal-fired powerplant device that directly causes the generator to turn?
turbine Explanation; The turbine is driven by the kinetic energy in steam that passes over the blades, that turns the generator that generates electricity.