Unit 6 AP College Board Review

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). Air pollutants, such as methane and particulate matter, are emitted into the atmosphere.

Which of the following correctly depicts the nuclear chain reaction that occurs in a nuclear power plant?

Neutron-Neutron&Neutron-Neutron&Neutron&Neutron&Neutron

Which of the following geologic profiles would most likely be found at the circled region in the figure? (Circle Region is around the east coast of the U.S.)

Peat/Peat/Sedimentary Rock/Igneous Rock

Which of the following best describes the total consumption of all fossil fuels in 2040 compared to the consumption of nuclear energy in 2040? A). Consumption of fossil fuels will be approximately 1313 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy. B). Consumption of fossil fuels will be approximately 99 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy. C). Consumption of fossil fuels will be approximately 55 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy. D). Consumption of fossil fuels will be approximately 44 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy.

A). Consumption of fossil fuels will be approximately 1313 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy.

Solar energy systems have been increasing the percentage of energy they contributed to the global energy supply. One of the fastest growing types of solar energy systems uses photovoltaic (PV) cells. The graph below shows the solar power generated in one day in a town in Germany in the month of July. Which of the following graphs best predicts the solar energy output in the town in Germany in December?

Less gigawatts and hours of day.

At which of the following locations in the nuclear power plant would an accident most likely result in the release of fission products?

Containment Building

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). Wood, in the form of firewood and charcoal, is often readily available.

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). water vapor and heat

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). Fossil fuel is burned to boil water.

Refrigerator A uses 500 watts per hour when the motor is operating. The motor needs to run an average of 12 hours per day, every day, to stay at a constant, cold temperature. This model of refrigerator lasts an average of 20 years before it needs to be replaced and costs $1,000. Each kWh of electricity costs $0.12. The homeowner is considering purchasing a new model of refrigerator, Refrigerator B. This model uses 50 percent less energy per year. Which of the following would be the estimated cost savings for the homeowner in a year if she replaces Refrigerator A with Refrigerator B? A). $30.00 B). $131.40 C). $262.80 D). $500.00

B). $131.40

Which of the following is the approximate projected rate of change in renewable energy consumption from 2010-2040 ? A). 4.334.33 quadrillion BTUsBTUs per year B). 2.332.33 quadrillion BTUsBTUs per year C). 2.002.00 quadrillion BTUsBTUs per year D). 0.7330.733 quadrillion BTUsBTUs per year

B). 2.332.33 quadrillion BTUsBTUs per year

Refrigerator A uses 500 watts per hour when the motor is operating. The motor needs to run an average of 12 hours per day, every day, to stay at a constant, cold temperature. This model of refrigerator lasts an average of 20 years before it needs to be replaced and costs $1,000. Each kWh of electricity costs $0.12. How many kilowatt hours (kWh) per year does refrigerator A use? A). 6kWh B). 182kWh C). 2,190kWh D). 2,190,000kWh

C). 2,190kWh

Based on the data above, approximately how much greater is the average cost of electricity produced in the United States from offshore wind than from hydroelectric power? A). 0.42 times greater B). 0.88 times greater C). 2.3 times greater D). 3.9 times greater

C). 2.3 times greater

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). Batteries

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). Renewable energy sources can be replaced naturally at current consumption rates, whereas nonrenewable energy sources cannot be replaced easily.

Solar energy systems have been increasing the percentage of energy they contributed to the global energy supply. One of the fastest growing types of solar energy systems uses photovoltaic (PV) cells. The graph below shows the solar power generated in one day in a town in Germany in the month of July. Which of the following best describes how a homeowner using an off-the-grid PV solar system, as seen in the graph above, can power a home between 9:00 PM and 6:00 AM? A). Switching to the electrical grid to obtain power B). Relying on sources like wind or hydroelectricity in times of darkness C). Using excess energy from a sunny day stored in batteries for power D). Burning wood to create heat and light for the home.

C). Using excess energy from a sunny day stored in batteries for power

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). Wastewater from fracking operations is injected into porous rock formations, which can induce seismic activity.

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). Established technology and transportation infrastructure for fossil fuels allows these resources to be converted into energy to meet consumer demand.

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). Hydrogen gas is not readily available on Earth.

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). Natural gas burns more efficiently and cleanly than other sources of carbon-based fossil fuels, thus contributing to a reduction in atmospheric carbon dioxide.

The map below shows energy-dependent and energy-independent countries around the world. Which of the following statements about the global distribution and use of fossil fuels is best supported by the data on the map? A). Saudi Arabia and Australia produce large volumes of fossil fuels with relatively low energy demand. B). The United States produces more fossil fuels than it consumes. C). Japan has the greatest energy independence because there are abundant reserves of fossil fuels present in the country. D). Russia and Indonesia are reliant on the export of other nations for their fossil fuels.

A). Saudi Arabia and Australia produce large volumes of fossil fuels with relatively low energy demand.

A state is looking to reduce the cost of transportation, which uses 7.10×1014 BTUs per year. Currently the cost of 106 BTUs is $20.00. How much will the state save in one year if they implement regulations requiring all transportation methods to be 20% more efficient? A). 2.10×107dollars B). 2.84×109dollars C). 1.42×1014dollars D). 2.84×1015dollars

B). 2.84×109dollars

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

B). Groundwater

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). Hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce water, which releases energy.

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). Kinetic energy → mechanical energy → electrical energy

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). Renewable energy sources are replenishable and are virtually inexhaustible by human consumption, whereas nonrenewable sources do not form in a short period of time.

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). The operational costs of biomass plants are very high when compared with traditional fossil fuel plants.

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). Using wastewater from electricity production for heating homes

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). Wind turbines can be constructed on either vertical or horizontal axes.

Solar energy systems have been increasing the percentage of energy they contributed to the global energy supply. One of the fastest growing types of solar energy systems uses photovoltaic (PV) cells. The graph below shows the solar power generated in one day in a town in Germany in the month of July. Which of the following time periods has the highest energy output? A). 10 am-12 pm B).12 pm-2 pm C). 2 pm-4 pm D). 4 pm-6 pm

B).12 pm-2 pm

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). Burning ethanol produces fewer air pollutants than burning gasoline alone.

The diagram illustrates the constant formation and destruction of rock, known as the rock cycle. If a country possesses large oil and gas reserves within its borders, which of the labeled rock types must be present in the underlying geology of the country? A). A: Magma B). B: Igneous Rock C). C: Sedimentary Rock D). D: Metamorphic Rock

C). C: Sedimentary Rock

Which of the following identifies the air pollutants most commonly released during the burning of biomass? A). Lead ( Pb ), carbon monoxide ( CO ), and nitric acid ( HNO3 ) B). Particulate matter ( PM ), ozone ( O3 ), and carbon monoxide ( CO ) C). Carbon dioxide ( CO2 ), particulate matter ( PM ), and carbon monoxide ( CO ) D). Polychlorinated biphenyls ( PCBs ), carbon dioxide ( CO2 ), and chlorofluorocarbons ( CFCs )

C). Carbon dioxide ( CO2 ), particulate matter ( PM ), and carbon monoxide ( CO )

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). Geothermal energy can be harnessed without destroying large tracts of habitat, whereas solar farms require large amounts of space.

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). 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.