apes energy

A clock draws 2.0 watts of power to operate and is in operation 8,600 hours per year. The energy usage of the clock, in kWh per year, is closest to

17

The graph below shows the percent contribution of major fuel sources that have supplied energy for the United States for the past 150 years. The category labeled "Other" includes nuclear power, hydroelectricity, solar power, wind power, and other alternative sources of energy. In what year was the fraction of energy supplied by coal the greatest?

1910

Which of the following best describes the conditions under which peat is formed?

20,000

Based on the data in the graph, which of the following represents the total electricity production in the United States from all energy sources, in billions of kilowatt-hours, in 2017?

3.8×10^12 kWh

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

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

The maximum efficiency possible in an energy conversion process that is not limited by the second law of thermodynamics a. 100% b. 95% c. 30% d. 15% e. 1%

A

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

A

Which of the following best describes the method of vehicle transport that is the most environmentally sustainable? a. The use of a vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells because there are no carbon emissions b. The use of a plug-in hybrid vehicle because the fuel sources do not release any carbon dioxide c. The use of a vehicle powered by biodiesel because it can be used in conjunction with traditional diesel d. The use of a vehicle powered by ethanol because corn is grown to produce energy rather than for human consumption

A

Which of the following best describes the process of electricity generation at a nuclear power plant? a. Nuclear power is generated through fission, which releases a large amount of heat. The heat is used to generate steam, which turns a turbine that powers a generator. b. Nuclear power is generated when photons are converted to a direct current using a semiconducting material such as silicon. An inverter is used to convert the direct-current electricity into an alternating current. c. Nuclear power is generated from the thermal energy of Earth, which is a result of radioactive decay. The water underground is turned to steam, which turns a turbine to produce electricity. d. Nuclear power is generated from the combustion of mined uranium, which provides enough heat to power a generator. The generator turns a turbine to create electricity.

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

A family of four lives in a three-bedroom house and uses an average of 900kWh of electricity per month. The family cools their house for three months during the summer with two window-unit air conditioners that each use 350kWh of electricity per month. Which of the following is the percentage of the family's total annual electricity that is used to run the two air conditioners for the three summer months? a. 9.7% b. 19.4% c. 38.8% d. 77.8%

B

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 x 10^7 b. 2.84 x 10^9 c. 1.42 x 10^14 d. 2.84 x 10^15

B

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

Of the following sources, which supplies the most commercial energy in the world today? a. Solar b. Oil c. Biomass d. Nuclear e. Hydroelectric

B

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 country in the Northern Hemisphere in the month of July. Which of the following graphs best predicts the solar energy output in the country in the Northern Hemisphere in December?

B

Which of the following actions would be most effective in decreasing acid rain and acid deposition problems? a. using higher smokestacks b. reducing use of fossil fuels c. developing acid-resistant crops d. adding lime to acidified lakes e. relocating power plants to areas of lower population density

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 describes acid mine drainage? a. Reclamation of mines by removing excess water b. The leakage of water containing toxic materials from coal and metal mines c. The use of acids to leach minerals from rocks to increase smelting efficiency d. Increased water pollution from acid rain entering copper mines e. Acid production by anaerobic bacteria in coal mines

B

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

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

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

Which of the following correctly depicts the nuclear chain reaction that occurs in a nuclear power plant? (A) (B) (C) (D)

B

Which of the following countries has the largest coal reserves? a. Saudi Arabia b. China c. India d. France e. Japan

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 required to convert geothermal energy into electricity? a. Wind b. Groundwater c. Fossil fuel d. Sunlight

B

Which of the following is the approximate projected rate of change in renewable energy consumption from 2010-2040? a. 4.33 quadrillion BTUs per year b. 2.33 quadrillion BTUs per year c. 2.00 quadrillion BTUs per year d. 0.733 quadrillion BTUs per year

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

Which of the following will be the most likely consequence from the daily operation of a typical hydroelectric power plant?

Beach erosion will increase where the river meets the ocean downstream from the hydroelectric dam project

Which of the following best describes the energy resource used most often for heating and cooking in less developed countries?

Biomass is the predominant fuel source because it is easily obtained locally.

A diagram of a pressurized water nuclear reactor is shown below. In the diagram above, which letter correctly identifies the step where kinetic energy is converted to mechanical energy? (A) (B) (C) (D)

C

All of the following substances are derived from petroleum EXCEPT a. asphalt b. DDT c. cellulose d. polystyrene e. nylon

C

Approximate efficiency of an average coal-fired power plant a. 100% b. 95% c. 30% d. 15% e. 1%

C

At which of the following locations in the nuclear power plant would an accident most likely result in the release of fission products? (A) (B) (C) (D)

C

Directions: The following question(s) refer to the graph below showing the percent contribution of major fuel sources that have supplied energy for the United States for the past 150 years. The category labeled "Other" includes nuclear power, hydroelectricity, solar and wind power, and other alternative sources of energy. The primary cause for the decline in the use of wood as a fuel in the eighteen hundreds was the a. discovery of major oil fields in the Middle East b. lowering of per capita energy consumption c. reduced wood availability resulting from widespread deforestation d. global rise in temperatures during the 1800s e. lower energy density of coal as compared to wood

C

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

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 AA use? a. 6 b. 182 c. 2,190 d. 2,190,000

C

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 country in the Northern Hemisphere in the month of July. Which of the following best describes how a homeowner using an off-the-grid PV solar system, in the same country 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

Which of the following are often used for energy storage of wind power? a. Converters b. Generators c. Batteries d. Rotor blades

C

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

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 describes an environment where large amounts of oil could form millions of years in the future? a. A volcanic island located along the mid-ocean ridge b. A large glacier in a mountainous area c. A river delta in a forested region d. An area of sand dunes in a desert

C

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

C

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

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 is the most likely route for mercury to enter the food web?

Coal-burning emissions ð deposition ð ocean ð plankton ð fishes

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 how the use of hydrogen fuel negatively impacts the environment? a. The harvesting of hydrogen fuel from ocean sediments can result in damage to marine ecosystems and fisheries. b. The transport of hydrogen fuel requires pipelines that can negatively impact terrestrial habitats, especially when these pipelines leak. c. The combustion of hydrogen fuel releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to ocean acidification and global climate change. d. The energy needed to produce the hydrogen fuel may come from fossil fuels, whose use contributes to ocean acidification and global climate change.

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

If peak electricity use occurs around 2p.m. in the Los Angeles area and avoiding brownouts is more important to the installers of the PVPV panels than annual energy output, which of the following PVPV panel systems would be best to use in the area?

No tracking, titled west

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following question(s) refer to the following energy sources. The source that produces long-lived hazardous wastes

Nuclear fission

The separation of the various components of crude oil in refineries is accomplished primarily by taking advantage of differences in which of the following?

The boiling points of the components

Which of the following is a drawback to using biofuels, such as ethanol, as a fuel source?

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

which if the following locations would most likely receive acid deposition

a town downwind from a coal-fired power plant

The primary cause of acid precipitation in the northeastern United States is

burning of sulfur-containing fossil fuels to produce electricity

How does the burning of fossil fuels contribute to the net increase in atmospheric carbon?

carbon that has been sequestered underground is added to the carbon cycle between the atmosphere and the biosphere

The majority of atmospheric mercury is produced by

coal-burning power plants

Which of the following is the best example of cogeneration?

coal-fired power plant captures waste heat and uses it to heat adjacent buildings.

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is the pumping of highly pressurized water with a mixture of sand and chemicals into boreholes to

create cracks within the rock in order to provide pathways for the release of gas and oil

Particulates can be removed from smokestack emissions by which of the following methods?

electrostatic precipitators

Based on the diagram, which processes would provide the energy used to generate electricity at the power plant?

fission in radioactive fuel

The activity with the health risk most likely to be overestimated by the general public in the United States is

living near a nuclear power plant

Of the following ecosystems, which has the lowest net primary productivity, measured as kilocalories of energy produced per square meter per year?

open ocean

Converts solar energy directly into electrical energy

photovoltaics

The graph below shows the percent contribution of major fuel sources that have supplied energy for the United States for the past 150 years. The category labeled "Other" includes nuclear power, hydroelectricity, solar power, wind power, and other alternative sources of energy. The primary cause for the decline in the use of wood as a fuel in the eighteen hundreds was the

reduced wood availability resulting from widespread deforestation

This element in pyrite contributes to acid mine drainage.

sulfur

the water used in this type of power plant is often released back into a reservoir. which of the following effects could this released water have not he reservoir

the temperature of the released water causes a decrease in the amount of dissolved oxygen in the reservoir

which of the following scenarios is an example of co-generation

using the steam given off from a coal-fired electrical generation plant to heat nearby buildings

An industry uses natural gas for manufacturing and uses the waste heat to produce electricity. This is an example of which of the following processes? a. Cogeneration b. Electrolysis c. Gasification d. Gas hydration e. Reclamation

A

Which of the following is a primary air pollutant produced from burning coal? a. Carbon monoxide b. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) c. PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) d. Ozone e. Sulfuric acid

A

Which of the following is a way for the government to encourage efficient energy use? a. Requiring higher fuel economy standards for new cars b. Implementing government subsidies to keep gasoline prices low c. Raising the speed limit from 55 to 70 miles per hour d. Limiting the development of public transportation systems e. Removing all taxes from gasoline at the fuel pump

A

A home uses ten 100-watt lightbulbs for five hours per day. Approximately how many kilowatt-hours of electrical energy are consumed in one year by using the lightbulbs? a. 365 b. 1,825 c .5,000 d. 10,500 e. 365,000

B

Approximate percentage of electrical energy converted to heat in the average incandescent light bulb a. 100% b. 95% c. 30% d. 15% e. 1%

B

Which of the following is a true statement concerning the production of electricity in conventional nuclear power plants using fission reactors? a. New nuclear power plants will be built without containment structures, due to the increased insulation in the reactor core. b. Thermal energy is converted into mechanical energy and then to electrical energy, as in coal-burning power plants .c. Regularly scheduled releases of radioactive gases during production are well below the maximum contamination levels set by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). d. Nuclear production of electricity is much less expensive per kilowatt-hour than production of electricity at a coal-burning or natural- gas-fueled power plant. e. Storage of nuclear waste is no longer an issue, because power plants are now storing all wastes on-site in specialized containment units.

B

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 timers greater c. 2.3 times greater d. 3.9 times greater

C

Burning one gallon of gasoline in a car releases approximately 20 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere.One person drives 60,000 miles in a car that averages 30 miles per gallon (mpg), while another person drives 60,000 miles in a car that averages 20 mpg. Over the course of the 60,000 miles, how many fewer pounds of CO2 are released by the 30 mpg car than by the 20 mpg car? a. 2,000 b. 8,000 c. 20,000 d. 80,000 e. 100,000

C

Which of the following is a negative consequence associated with photovoltaic solar cells? a. Photovoltaic solar cells increase the reliance on transport of fuels long distances from energy sources to homeowners. b. Smog and ground-level ozone can be created from pollutants released from photovoltaic solar cells during electricity generation. c. The manufacture of photovoltaic solar cells involves toxic metals that can be released into the environment. d. The installation of photovoltaic solar cells on houses and other buildings can result in the release of chemicals that destroy stratospheric ozone.

C

Which of the following negative consequences is most often associated with using biomass for energy production? a. Using biomass for energy production requires long-term storage for radioactive waste. b. Using biomass for energy production can increase salinization in agricultural fields. c. Using biomass for energy production releases carbon sequestered in fossil fuels into the atmosphere. d. Using biomass for energy production can result in local deforestation.

D

Which statement best describes the approximate global distribution of coal supplies? a. Brazil and South Africa together contain 33% of proven reserves. b. The United States contains 40% of proven reserves. c. Australia, Japan, and France together contain 45% of proven reserves. d. The United States, the former Soviet Union, and China together contain 50% of proven reserves. e. Germany, Brazil, and India together contain 75% of proven reserves.

D

(A) Uranium-238 (B) Coal (C) Natural gas (D) Oil (E) Solar Is renewable

E

Compared to a coal-fired power plant that produces the same amount of energy, a nuclear power plant generates more a. CO2 b. SO2 c. fly ash d. particulates e. thermal pollution

E

Directions: The following questions(s) refer to the locations indicated on the diagram below. This region has been the largest petroleum exporter for the past four decades. A B C D E2

E

Which of the following is the most valid inference regarding electricity production, based on the graph above?

Electricity production from coal began to decrease in 2008 because of the increasing use of natural gas and renewable energy

The United States has currently used all of the viable sites.

Hydroelectric Correct

A cost-benefit analysis done to investigate a proposed mine site would likely take which of the following into account? I. The medical costs of mine worker injuries II. The cost of environmental restoration of the site when it is shut down III. The value of the ore to be extracted from the mine

I, II, III

Which of the following is an example of an external cost?

Individuals pay for medical treatment of lung disease aggravated by pollution from coal-fired power plant.

The graph below shows the percent contribution of major fuel sources that have supplied energy for the United States for the past 150 years. The category labeled "Other" includes nuclear power, hydroelectricity, solar power, wind power, and other alternative sources of energy. Nuclear power is a component of the line labeled "Other" in the graph. Why is it possible for nuclear energy to completely replace oil and gas in the future?

Nuclear power can supply electricity, but it cannot replace other uses of oil and gas.

Which of the following geologic profiles would most likely be found at the circled region in the figure?

Peat / peat / sedimentary rock / igneous rock

The graph below shows the percent contribution of major fuel sources that have supplied energy for the United States for the past 150 years. The category labeled "Other" includes nuclear power, hydroelectricity, solar power, wind power, and other alternative sources of energy. In approximately what year did oil and gas become the dominant fuels for the United States?

1940

Consumers who get their electricity from coal-fired power plants are not paying the true cost of energy production in their monthly utility bills. Which of the following is true about utility bills for these consumers? a. The bills do not include public health costs, such as those associated with air pollution. b. The bills do not include the cost of power distribution. c. The bills do not include the cost of marketing electricity. d. The bills include the cost of environmental damage associated with transporting coal. e. The bills include the cost of cleaning up acid mine damage.

A

Energy is transferred from one object to another as the result of a temperature difference a. heat flow b. kinetic energy c. potential energy d. first law of thermodynamics e. second law of thermodynamics

A

Extraction of natural gas by the process of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is most likely to result in which of the following environmental problems? a. Groundwater contamination b. Ozone depletion c. Eutrophication d. Denitrification e. Desertification

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

The source whose use is a direct cause of deforestation a. biomass b. wind c. tidal energy d. nuclear fission e. sunlight

A

Which three sources supply the majority of commercial energy in the world today? a. Coal, oil, and natural gas b. Solar, wind, and biomass c. Nuclear, hydropower, and photovoltaics d. Wood, dung, and charcoal e. Fuel cells, geothermal, and tidal power

A

Geothermal energy is the main energy source at this location because it is located on a large divergent boundary. A B C D E

B

Loss of usable energy between successive trophic levels in an ecosystem are best accounted for by which of the following? a. The first law of thermodynamics b. The second law of thermodynamics c. The law of conservation of matter d. The process of ecological succession e. Limiting factors in the ecosystem

B

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 country in the Northern Hemisphere in the month of July. Which of the following time periods has the highest energy output? a. 10am - 12pm b. 12pm - 2 pm c. 2pm-4pm d. 4pm-6pm

B

The diagram shows a power plant designed to generate electricity for a nearby city. Which of the following environmental problems is most often associated with electricity generation in the type of power plant illustrated in the diagram? a. Air pollutants that can lead to acid rain are released and move downwind. b. Spent fuel rods are radioactive and must be disposed of properly. c. Toxic metals are released into nearby reservoirs in the cooling water. d. Intermittent weather patterns can lead to discontinuous generation of electricity

B

There are various stages in the formation of coal as heat and pressure are increased and moisture content is decreased. These stages, in order, are a. bituminous, peat, lignite, anthracite b. peat, lignite, bituminous, anthracite c. peat, lignite, anthracite, bituminous d. lignite, bituminous, anthracite, peat e. anthracite, bituminous, peat, lignite

B

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 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

The town of Fremont Center shares its power plant with the towns of West Fremont and East Fremont. Information about the three towns is shown in the table below. The maximum capacity of the existing power plant is 2,000 MW. (1MW = 1000kW) The percent of the total available power currently being used by West Fremont is nearest to a. 5% b. 10% c. 15% d. 25% e. 50%

C

Which of the following accurately describes a fuel cell vehicle? a. Fuel cell vehicles run on both an internal combustion engine and a backup battery. b. Fuel cell vehicles are able to convert waste oil from the food industry into ethanol, which is burned as a source of power. c. Fuel cell vehicles use hydrogen to generate electricity that runs the motor. d. Fuel cell vehicles generate energy by creating a flow of electrons in a semiconducting material such as silicon. e. Fuel cell vehicles use methane to heat water, which creates steam that turns a turbine to generate electricity.

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 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 best explains the process of electricity generation in a hydrogen fuel cell? a. At the cathode, water reacts with oxygen to release hydrogen and heat. Electricity is generated as the bonds form between hydrogen and oxygen. The by-product of the reaction is heat. b. At the cathode, hydrogen is reduced and then electrons flow to the anode to generate electricity. Oxygen is produced at the cathode. Oxygen and heat are the by-products of the reaction. c. At the anode, hydrogen is oxidized and electrons flow in a circuit to the cathode. At the cathode, oxygen reacts with the hydrogen to produce water. Water and heat are by-products of the reaction. d. At the anode, hydrogen is oxidized and electrons pass through an electrolyte to the cathode. There, the protons react with water to produce oxygen. Water and heat are by-products of the reaction.

C

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

Which of the following is the most successful solution to the problem of fish mortality caused by dams? a. Placing fish repellents on dam turbines b. Eliminating keystone species above the dam c. Building fish ladders around the dam d. Harvesting the fish before they reach the dam e. Dredging the sediments upstream of the dam

C

Which of the following is the primary environmental problem associated with the use of nuclear power to generate electricity? a. Radon leaking into buildings b. Production of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide c. Disposal of radioactive waste d. Depletion of the ozone layer e. Production of acid rain

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

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

An advantage of using natural gas, rather than oil, as a fuel is that natural gas is a. less of a contributor to global warming because it does not release CO2 when it burns b. less expensive because most reserves are in the United States c. more abundant because it is a by-product of photosynthesis d. cleaner because it burns more completely e. safer to store because it is a gas

D

Between 1960 and 1970, world oil consumption approximately doubled. Which of the following explanations is consistent with this increase? a. The number of passengers per car increased. b. People drove less, conserving gasoline. c. The price of gasoline increased. d. The number of cars on the road increased. e. Cars that were more fuel-efficient were manufactured.

D

The amount of energy in an isolated system stays constant a. heat flow b. kinetic energy c. potential energy d. first law of thermodynamics e. second law of thermodynamics

D

An energy transformation occurs and results in increased disorder a. heat flow b. kinetic energy c. potential energy d. first law of thermodynamics e. second law of thermodynamics

E

The combustion of one gallon of automobile fuel produces about 5 pounds of carbon (in CO2). Two autos are making a trip of 600 miles. The first auto gets 20 miles per gallon, and the second gets 30 miles per gallon. Approximately how much less carbon (in CO2) will be produced by the second auto on this trip? a. 300 lbs b. 150s c. 100 lbs d. 75 lbs e. 50 lbs

E

Negative environmental impacts associated with large-scale hydroelectric projects have been demonstrated in which of the following areas? a. James Bay, Quebec b. Three Mile Island, Pennsylvania c. Kissimmee River, Florida d. Mono Lake, California e. Aral Sea, former USSR

A

Economic benefits of building large dams include which of the following? I. Storage of water for agriculture and domestic use II. Controlling floods upstream III. Production of renewable energy a. I only b. II only c. I and III only d. II and III only e. I, II, and III

C

If an incandescent lightbulb used for lighting has an efficiency rating of 5 percent, then for every 1.00 joule of electrical energy consumed by the bulb, which of the following is produced? a. 1.05 joules of light energy b. 1.05 joules of heat energy c. 0.95 joules of light energy d. 0.05 joules of light energy e. 0.05 joules of heat energy

D

According to the data plotted in the graph above, which of the following is true about the increase in world fossil fuel consumption between 1965 and 1980 ? a. Increases in oil, coal, and natural gas consumption occurred at about the same rate. b. Increases in oil and coal consumption outpaced the increase in natural gas consumption. c. The increase in coal consumption outpaced the increases in oil and natural gas consumption. d. The increase in natural gas consumption outpaced the increases in oil and coal consumption. e. The increase in oil consumption outpaced the increases in coal and natural gas consumption.

E

Approximate efficiency of the conversion. of light energy to chemical energy in photosynthesis a. 100% b. 95% c. 30% d. 15% e. 1%

E

Coal was surface mined from five sites, labeled 1 through 5, that had originally been covered by forest. Each site was planted with a mix of tree seedlings to reclaim the area to forest. Grass was also seeded over each site to prevent initial erosion and to provide forage. Ten years after planting, information was collected at the five sites and is given in the table below. Select the letter of the row that indicates the site with the most successful forest reclamation.

E

Coal was surface mined from five sites, labeled 1 through 5, that had originally been covered by forest. Each site was planted with a mix of tree seedlings to reclaim the area to forest. Grass was also seeded over each site to prevent initial erosion and to provide forage. Ten years after planting, information was collected at the five sites and is given in the table below. Select the letter of the row that indicates the site with the most successful forest reclamation. A B C D E

E

The half-life of radon gas is approximately four days. Four weeks after the introduction of radon into a sealed room, the fraction of the original amount remaining is closest to a. 1/ 2 b. 1/ 8 c. 1/ 32 d. 1/ 64 e. 1/128

E

The source that is converted directly into electrical energy by photovoltaic cells a. biomass b. wind c. tidal energy d. nuclear fission e. sunlight

E

Which of the following is considered an advantage of using nuclear power to generate electricity? a. No waste is generated. b. There is a limitless supply of the raw material needed for the process of generating energy. c. Nuclear power plants are inexpensive to build and maintain. d. There is no potential for thermal pollution. e. There is no CO2 emitted from the nuclear reaction

E

How many BTUs were consumed in the United States in 2017 by consumers that used petroleum as a fuel source?

36 quadrillion BTUs

Recent studies have found that fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 mm or less can have negative human health effects. Which of the following correctly links a negative human health effect to an anthropogenic source of fine particulate matter? a. High rates of respiratory disease from power plant emissions b. High rates of skin cancer in urban areas with sewage treatment plants c. High rates of asthma from salt spray in coastal communities d. High rates of genetic deformities from additives in food supplies e. High rates of obesity from exposure to waste from meatpacking

A

The following data table shows the percentage of United States energy consumption by energy source for 2010 and 2017 Based on the provided data, which of the following best explains the change in energy resource use? a. Renewable sources replaced nonrenewable sources for electricity generation but not for transportation. b. Most of the petroleum used in the United States is imported from other oil-rich countries. c. United States power plants changed to nuclear energy for electricity generation rather than using renewable sources during this time period. d. Petroleum power plants replaced natural gas power plants at the same time that new renewable energy plants were constructed.

A

The following questions refer to the table below, which shows population, area, and energy use of several countries. On an annual basis, the per capita electricity usage in Ethiopia is approximately what percent of the per capita electricity usage in the United States? a. 0.2 b. 10 c. 50 d. 100 e. 200

A

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

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 13 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy. b. Consumption of fossil fuels will be approximately 9 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy. c. Consumption of fossil fuels will be approximately 5 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy. d. Consumption of fossil fuels will be approximately 4 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy.

A

Which of the following energy sources is not derived directly or indirectly from solar energy? a. Geothermal b. Photovoltaic c. Hydroelectric d. Biomass e. Wind

A

A major limitation of using photovoltaic cells to generate electricity is that they a. do not produce as much CO2 as other energy sources do b. do not produce as much electricity on cloudy days c. have no moving parts d. present a danger to birds and bats e. cannot be connected to the electrical grid

B

In 1997 the World Resources Institute estimated the world's proven oil reserves to be 1,000 billion barrels and the ultimately recoverable reserves to be 2,000 billion barrels. The table below shows the world consumption of oil from 1986 to 1997. Year - Consumption (million barrels per day) 1986 - 62 1987 - 63 1988 - 65 1989 - 66 1990 - 66 1991 - 67 1992 - 67 1993 - 67 1994 - 68 1995 - 70 1996 - 72 1997 - 74 What was the approximate percent increase in consumption from 1986 to 1997? a. 10% b. 20% c. 30% d. 50% e. 80%

B

Matter in motion has energy a. heat flow b. kinetic energy c. potential energy d. first law of thermodynamics e. second law of thermodynamics

B

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 b. $131.40 c. $262.80 d. $500

B

Some solar energy systems produce high-temperature water for industrial applications and produce steam to run turbines that generate electricity. What type of solar energy system is needed for these kinds of applications? a. A flat-panel solar collector system b. A solar collector system using mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight c. A passive solar system that uses building design to block summer sunlight d. A flat non-tracking array of photovoltaic panels e. A passive solar system that uses building design to collect winter sunlight

B

When water used to cool power plants during normal plant operations is released into adjacent waterways, which of the following is most likely to occur as a result? a. Biodiversity of aquatic life in the adjacent waterways would decrease because the used coolant water is radioactive. b. The dissolved oxygen in the adjacent waterways would decrease because used coolant water is warm and leads to thermal pollution c. Salinity in the adjacent waterways would increase because of dissolved solids in the used coolant water. d. Nutrient levels in the adjacent waterways would increase because of phosphorous in the used coolant water.

B

Which of the following best describes the first law of thermodynamics? a. Energy always changes from a more useful, more concentrated form to a less useful, less concentrated form b. In a closed system of constant mass, the energy involved in any physical or chemical change is neither created nor destroyed, but merely changed from one form to another c. Heat always flows from a hot body to a cold body d. Entropy of a system increases as the state of disorganization in the system increases e. In a reversible process, the entropy of the system is constant whereas in an irreversible process, the entropy of the system increases

B

Which of the following is an environmental problem associated with abandoned coal mines? a. Thermal pollution of streams in the area b. Acid drainage due to leaching of spoil heaps by rainwater c. Air pollution caused by smog from ozone formation d. Alkaline solutions that pollute streams e. Released nutrients that cause eutrophication into streams

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 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

Directions: Select the choice that best fits each statement. The following questions(s) refer to the following sources of energy. (A) Photovoltaics (B) Geothermal (C) Biomass (D) Hydroelectric (E) Hydrogen fuel More commonly used in the least developed countries than in highly developed countries

C

Directions: The following question(s) refer to the graph below showing the percent contribution of major fuel sources that have supplied energy for the United States for the past 150 years. The category labeled "Other" includes nuclear power, hydroelectricity, solar and wind power, and other alternative sources of energy. In approximately what year did oil and gas become the dominant fuels for the United States? a. 1880 b. 1910 c. 1940 d. 1970 e. 2000

C

In 1997 the World Resources Institute estimated the world's proven oil reserves to be 1,000 billion barrels and the ultimately recoverable reserves to be 2,000 billion barrels. The table below shows the world consumption of oil from 1986 to 1997. Year - Consumption (million barrels per day) 1986 - 62 1987 - 63 1988 - 65 1989 - 66 1990 - 66 1991 - 67 1992 - 67 1993 - 67 1994 - 68 1995 - 70 1996 - 72 1997 - 74 At the 1997 rate of consumption, about how long will the estimated 2,000 billion barrels of oil last? a. 25 years b. 50 years c. 75 years d. 200 years e. 500 years

C

In the majority of less developed countries, the major source of energy for domestic use is which of the following? a. Oil b. Coal c. Biomass d. Nuclear e. Geothermal

C

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) (B) (C) (D)

C

Which of the following is a reason why hybrid electric vehicles use less fossil fuel per mile traveled than a typical internal combustion engine vehicle uses? a. Hybrid electric vehicles don't burn fossil fuels; they run on electric energy. b. Hybrid electric vehicles are powered by the Sun using rooftop photovoltaic panels. c. When the brakes are applied in hybrid electric vehicles, kinetic energy is converted into electric energy to charge the batteries that assist the electric motor. d. Batteries in hybrid electric vehicles can be charged in the driveway overnight, when rates for electricity usage are typically low. e. The engines in hybrid electric vehicles are powered by biofuels made from genetically modified corn.

C

Construction of a solar power plant is proposed for a desert area near a school. A student has hypothesized that the shade cast by the solar panels will increase the mortality of creosote bush, a native desert plant in the area. Before construction begins, what experimental data should the student collect in order to eventually test the hypothesis? a. The rate of increase in atmospheric CO 2 worldwide (in ppm) that occurs in the 12-month period prior to the start of construction b. Average noise levels (in decibels) at a construction site, compared to average noise levels in the desert 20 km away from the construction site c. The rate of wind-caused soil erosion (in kg/yr) near solar panels at a similar desert location where creosote bush grows d. The direct sunlight received by creosote bush in the desert area (in kWh/m2) during a 12-month period e. The changes in monthly precipitation (in mm/yr) at a similar desert location where creosote bush grows

D

If the annual consumption of petroleum in the United States is about 23 barrels per capita, the total annual consumption of petroleum in the United States is closest to a. 12 million b. 240 million c. 2 billion d. 6 billion e. 10 billion

D

The source that is not renewable a. biomass b. wind c. tidal energy d. nuclear fission e. sunlight

D

The source that produces long-lived hazardous wastes a. biomass b. wind c. tidal energy d. nuclear fission e. sunlight

D

The town of Fremont Center shares its power plant with the towns of West Fremont and East Fremont. Information about the three towns is shown in the table below. The maximum capacity of the existing power plant is 2,000 MW. Assuming per capita demand remains the same, what will be the approximate power demand in Fremont Center in 40 years? a. 1,000 MW b. 2,000 MW c. 3,000 MW d. 4,000 MW e. 5,000 MW

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