APES Unit 6 Study guide 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?

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

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?

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

which of the following describes a step in the generation of electricity using fossil fuels that can most directly lead to an environmental problem?

fossil fuel is burned to boil water

in the diagram above, which letter correctly identifies the step where kinetic energy is converted to mechanical energy

generator

Which of the following best identifies a benefit of using renewable energy sources rather than nonrenewable energy sources?

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 is an example of the process of cogeneration?

using wastewater from electricity production for heating homes

Which of the following best describes an environmental problem that is often linked to the process of fracking?

wastewater from fracking operations is injected into porous rock formations, which can induce seismic activity

Which of the following best describes why people in less developed countries use wood as a primary energy source?

wood, in the form of firewood and charcoal, is often readily available

Which of the following statements best describes a difference between nonrenewable and renewable energy sources?

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

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?

Sedimentary rock

which of the following best describes a potential negative environmental effect of fossil fuel extraction

Air pollutants, such as methane and particular matter, are emitted into the atmosphere

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