UNIT 6 AP classroom questions

therm equals 100,000 BTUs. A certain family uses 600therms of energy to heat its home annually using a natural gas furnace that is 80 percent efficient. The family is considering replacing its current furnace with one that is 96percent efficient. Assuming the cost of a therm is $0.30, which of the following would be the family's annual savings in the cost of home heating?

$28.80

In many parts of the United States, homeowners use a significant portion of their energy budget to heat their home in the winter. It has been determined that lowering a thermostat by 3°F in the winter can reduce the energy costs by about 10percent in many homes. An individual homeowner lowers their thermostat by 3 degrees exactly halfway through the billing period. For the month that the thermostat was lowered, the heating bill was $95. How much money did the family save in the month in which they lowered the thermostat setting halfway through the billing period?

$5.00

Which of the following best describes an advantage of burning biomass rather than burning fossil fuels in developing countries? -Biomass production requires less open space than fossil fuel extraction does, so land is available for other purposes. -Burning biomass is associated with fewer human respiratory concerns than fossil fuels are because it does not give off sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. -Biomass production is cheaper than fossil fuel extraction, making it more readily available for use. -Burning biomass is more efficient than burning fossil fuels, providing more available energy from less of the resource.

-Biomass production is cheaper than fossil fuel extraction, making it more readily available for use.

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? -Installing effective ventilation systems in dwellings -Updating dwellings with well-sealed windows -Planting native plants around the dwelling -Equipping dwellings with rainwater collection systems

-Installing effective ventilation systems in dwellings

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

-Nonrenewable energy sources typically take a longer time to replenish than renewable energy sources do.

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

-Renewable energy sources can be replenished naturally, at or near the rate of consumption.

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? -Nuclear energy has low carbon emissions and does not contribute to global warming. -The uranium deposits on Earth are finite. -Nuclear energy is generated by the process of nuclear fission. -Nuclear power plants convert water to steam, similar to fossil fuel-burning power plants.

-The uranium deposits on Earth are finite.

Which of the following is a drawback to using biofuels, such as ethanol, as a fuel source? -Ethanol-blended gasoline has higher carbon emissions than petroleum alone. -The global demand for biofuels is continually decreasing. -There is high energy investment in producing and processing the crops needed for ethanol production. -Ethanol-blended gasoline increases the likelihood of freezing gas lines in winter months.

-There is high energy investment in producing and processing the crops needed for ethanol production.

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? 28 gallons 60 gallons 76 gallons 107 gallons

76 gallons

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? Anthracite is considered the highest grade coal because it is almost pure carbon, and it is often used for domestic heating. Coking coal is most widely available and contains 60-86% carbon, which makes it ideal for use in coal power plants. Steam coal has a high carbon content with low amounts of impurities, which makes it ideal for use in the steel industry. Lignite is the most mature and purest form of coal, and it is often used for large-scale power generation.

Anthracite is considered the highest grade coal because it is almost pure carbon, and it is often used for domestic heating.

Rock layer that can be porous but must have very low to no permeability A B C D

B

Rock layer that must be porous and have enough permeability for fluid to move through the layer A B C D

C

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

Carbon dioxide is a product of the combustion fossil fuels, and it can lead to global climate change when released into the atmosphere.

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? Synergy Cogeneration Synfuels Energy recovery

Cogeneration

Rock layer that must be rich in organic matter that was subjected to heat and pressure over time during the formation of oil and natural gas. A B C D

D

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

Fracking fluids can escape from the drill hole and contaminate surface water and groundwater.

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

Geothermal energy implementation in homes and businesses has a high upfront cost, and electricity is needed to operate pumps.

Which of the following best describes the conditions under which peat is formed? Partially decayed vegetation is placed under low-pressure, aerobic, acidic conditions. Partially decayed vegetation is placed under high-pressure, anaerobic, alkaline conditions. Partially decayed vegetation is placed under high-pressure, anaerobic, acidic conditions. Partially decayed vegetation is placed under low-pressure, aerobic, alkaline conditions.

Partially decayed vegetation is placed under high-pressure, anaerobic, acidic conditions.

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

The combustion of fossil fuels heats water to produce steam, which then turns a turbine.

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

The location of geothermal energy sources ranges from short distances below ground to miles below the surface.

Geothermal energy plants are a viable alternative energy source because they 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 can be built for use in any location where surface drilling is possible and construction of geothermal plants increases land stability can be built for use in any location where surface drilling is possible and construction of geothermal plants increases land stability use the heat from Earth's interior to directly heat buildings and houses and give off no greenhouse gasses use the heat from Earth's interior to directly heat buildings and houses and give off no greenhouse gasses do not give off hazardous air pollutants into the atmosphere and require very little water

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