Environmental Science Unit 6 Progress Check: MCQ Part A

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?

2.3 times greater

Which of the following is the approximate projected rate of change in renewable energy consumption from 2010-2040 ?

2.33 quadrillion BTUs per year

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

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

Which of the following best describes the total consumption of all fossil fuels in 2040 compared to the consumption of nuclear energy in 2040?

Consumption of fossil fuels will be approximately 13 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy.

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.

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.

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

Peat, Peat, Sedimentary, Igneous

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 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.

Which of the following statements about the global distribution and use of fossil fuels is best supported by the data on the map?

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

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.

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?

c. sedimentary rock

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

C

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

C (Correct. The reactor vessel holds the uranium fuel that is undergoing fission reactions that result in heat production.)