evr1001 chapter 16
In what year did uranium oxide production peak in the United States? 1950 1980 1970 1960
1980
The year 2030 goal set by the US Department of Energy is to generate __________. 20% of electricity using wind-powered systems 50% of electricity using wind-powered systems all electricity using solar and wind-powered systems all electricity from wind-powered systems
20% of electricity using wind-powered systems
Assume that photovoltaic conversion of solar energy has 10% efficiency. Calculate how many square meters of photovoltaic cells would be needed to supply one person's electricity for the year, based on the yearly average values. 0.285 m2 2.85 m2 0.0285 m2 28.5 m2
28.5 m2
Based on the yearly average values, calculate one person's residential electricity needs for a year. 130 kWh per year 1,560 kWh per year 4,440 kWh per year 370 kWh per year
4,440 kWh per year
What was the net amount of uranium imported into the United States in 2005? 5 million pounds 45 million pounds 65 million pounds 20 million pounds
45 million pounds
How much uranium oxide did the United States produce in 2005? 5 million pounds 20 million pounds 40 million pounds 65 million pounds
5 million pounds
Approximately what percentage of overall U.S. energy consumption does bioenergy contribute? 5% 9% 12% 49%
5%
If efficiency of photovoltaic cells improves to 40%, how many square meters of photovoltaic cells would be needed for one person's yearly electricity use? 11.4 m2 7.12 m2 2.85 m2 1.14 m2
7.12 m2
Use the information given by authors of both essays to select a strategy that achieves both short-term and long-term greenhouse gas emission reductions. Invest primarily in hydrogen fuel-cell research and development Invest in both hybrids and hydrogen fuel-cell research Invest primarily in hybrid and "plug in" hybrid vehicles Invest in research and development for the hydrogen energy system (e.g., electrolyzers, hydrogen delivery infrastructures, etc.)
Invest in both hybrids and hydrogen fuel-cell research
How is cellulosic ethanol different from traditional corn-based ethanol? Hints It can be made from the nonfood portions of plants and from wood. It is made from sustainably grown corn. It is made from wheat or rice grains instead of corn. It can be made from used grease and oil from restaurants.
It can be made from the nonfood portions of plants and from wood.
Designing buildings to maximize absorption of sunlight during winter and to keep the interiors cool during summer is referred to as ________. geothermal energy collection passive solar energy collection wind energy collection nuclear energy collection active solar energy collection
passive solar energy collection
Corn-produced ethanol ________. does not require inputs of fossil fuel energy yields more than 10x the energy required to produce it does not produce greenhouse gases when burned results in higher food prices for corn and corn products cannot be mixed with other fuels
results in higher food prices for corn and corn products
The first stage in generating power from a hydrogen fuel cell is to ________. reduce water to hydrogen and oxygen gases split hydrogen atoms into hydrogen ions (H+) and electrons split methane (CH4) into hydrogen atoms and carbon convert water into a hydrocarbon react water with CO2
split hydrogen atoms into hydrogen ions (H+) and electrons
Ethanol produced from bioenergy starts with ________ produced by ________. CO2; burning fossil fuels hydrogen gas; wind turbines methane; sewage sludge starch; corn and sugar cane ammonia; anaerobic bacteria
starch; corn and sugar cane
In contrast to Ogden and Sperling, Joseph Romm views hydrogen fuel-cell cars as an "environmental dead end." Which of the following statements from the pro-hydrogen essay would he dispute? "Most major automakers are developing hydrogen vehicles, investing hundreds of millions of their own dollars." "A new refueling infrastructure must be built to supply hydrogen to vehicles." "Technologies that use hydrogen, notably fuel cells, are making rapid progress." "Hydrogen is not a replacement for near-term measures like increasing fuel economy standards for gasoline cars."
"Technologies that use hydrogen, notably fuel cells, are making rapid progress."
Based on the yearly average values, calculate the solar radiation per square meter for one year. 130 kWh per year 370 kWh per year 1,560 kWh per year 4,440 kWh per year
1,560 kWh per year
In the solar panel system presented in the video, which of the following was necessary to generate usable electrical current for a home? The electrical energy had to be converted to nuclear energy. Electrical energy had to be stored in batteries for several days. DC power had to be converted to AC. The heat of the sun had to be used to generate steam.
DC power had to be converted to AC.
Geographically limited
hydroelectric and solar
If solar, wind, and geothermal sources do play a larger role in U.S. electricity generation in the future, predict what graph (b) might look like in 2050. Select all that apply.
1. Solar, wind, and geothermal would make up a larger portion of the renewables bar. 2. The renewable slice of the pie chart would get bigger.
Which of the following statements is NOT accurate regarding geothermal power? Geothermal power reduces but does not eliminate emissions. Geothermal power can deplete groundwater sources. Geothermal energy can be used as heat exchangers for heat pumps for homes and businesses. Geothermal power generators are one of the true fully sustainable energy sources.
Geothermal power generators are one of the true fully sustainable energy sources.
Which of the following statements about ethanol is true? Hints Growing corn for ethanol requires substantial inputs of fossil fuel energy. Corn-based ethanol has a high energy returned on investment (EROI) value. We can easily grow enough corn ethanol and supply the world's food needs. We can supply all of the automotive fuel used in the United States if we just double ethanol production.
Growing corn for ethanol requires substantial inputs of fossil fuel energy.
What is the basis for the use of hydrogen fuel cells? It is extremely energy-efficient. It has not been demonstrated to work for powering vehicles. It is an example of a renewable energy source in action. It will result in the release of pollution to the atmosphere.
It is extremely energy-efficient.
Ogden and Sperling argue that hydrogen is one of the only transportation fuels that can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. How might Romm respond to this statement? Yes. All we need is CO2 - free electricity generation to make hydrogen cost-effective. No. Hydrogen cars are not a good use of renewable energy. We can achieve much greater greenhouse gas reductions by using renewable electricity to displace a future natural gas or coal power plant. Yes. Hydrogen is the easiest and cheapest way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the short term. No. Hydrogen technology is at least 50 years away from having an impact, so we should find a new alternative.
No. Hydrogen cars are not a good use of renewable energy. We can achieve much greater greenhouse gas reductions by using renewable electricity to displace a future natural gas or coal power plant.
________ leads the world in percentage of its electricity derived from hydropower. The United States Sweden Norway Canada Russia
Norway
Which of the following best describes the energy conversion sequence in the solar panel system described in the video? Photons, carrying energy from the sun, are used to create steam that turns turbines to generate electricity. Electrons, carrying energy from the sun, are collected by thin chemical wafers, which concentrate the electrons to make electricity. Photons carrying energy from the sun chemically react with silicon crystals to generate a flow of electrons. Electrons, carrying energy from the sun, are focused by lenses onto wires, which carry the electrons as electricity.
Photons carrying energy from the sun chemically react with silicon crystals to generate a flow of electrons.
Which projection has nonrenewables comprising roughly 50% of our energy production in 2050? Projection 1 Projection 2 both projections neither projection
Projection 2
Of the following, ________ represent proper ranking of the U.S. total primary energy consumed from the greatest to least used. fossil fuels, bioenergy, hydroelectric, new renewables, nuclear fossil fuels, bioenergy, nuclear, hydroelectric, new renewables fossil fuels, bioenergy, hydroelectric, nuclear, new renewables bioenergy, fossil fuels, nuclear, hydroelectric, new renewables fossil fuels, nuclear, bioenergy, hydroelectric, new renewables
fossil fuels, nuclear, bioenergy, hydroelectric, new renewables
Producing electricity using wind instead of fossil fuels __________. generates no carbon dioxide in the process generates a different kind of electricity that can be used only to heat homes generates less sulfur dioxide but more carbon dioxide requires a completely different electrical generating system
generates no carbon dioxide in the process
The form of energy delivered to an electrical generating turbine in a geothermal facility is in the form of ________. molten magma hot water or steam warm soils and crushed rock radioactive isotopes heated hydrogen gas
hot water or steam
The United States generates more electricity from ________ than from any other renewable energy source. solar geothermal bioenergy wind hydroelectric
hydroelectric
Production can be increased on demand
hydroelectric only
Generation process is pollution free
hydroelectric, solar, and wind
Harmful to nearby wildlife
hydroelectric, solar, and wind
Where would you most likely find a solar thermal power plant in the United States? in North Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota in the southwestern states in Oregon and Washington state in states near the Appalachian Mountains
in the southwestern states
Hydropower uses the __________ energy of water to generate electricity. nuclear potential kinetic static
kinetic
A typical wind farm in the United States consists of __________. many very large wind turbines clustered in a region with a low human population millions of small wind turbines in remote regions with low human populations millions of small wind turbines in the back yards of highly populated areas very large wind turbines in the suburbs of major cities
many very large wind turbines clustered in a region with a low human population
According to the data in Step 2, which source represents 32% of renewables? geothermal wind tide solar none of them
none of them
More and more wind farms are being located ________ because winds are stronger there. in densely populated urban areas in mature forests in deserts in the Arctic offshore
offshore
Harnessing energy by designing buildings to maximize or minimize the absorption of incident solar radiation are ________. passive solar energy collection Concentrated solar power (CSP) devices active solar energy collection photovoltaic cell collectors hydrogen fuel-cell collectors
passive solar energy collection
If a home uses a large supply of solar panels to generate electricity, but has no battery system, surplus electricity that is produced is usually __________. used to pump water high up into a tank to store the energy released harmlessly into the ground released into the power grid for others to use, generating a credit to the homeowner used to power chemical reactions that generate water for the home
released into the power grid for others to use, generating a credit to the homeowner
What happens to unused electricity generated by solar panels on a home? The extra electricity is __________. released into the air used to generate heat that is released into the air released safely into the ground sent back into the electrical grid for others to use
sent back into the electrical grid for others to use
Which energy source's annual growth rate is about four times greater than that of tidal power? geothermal solar wind none of the above
solar
Infinitely renewable
solar and wind
No fossil fuel required for production
solar and wind
What is the process behind tidal energy? the back and forth movement of the daily tidal cycle waves rushing back and forth as a result of tides electricity generated by the rise and fall of tides the difference between high and low tides
the difference between high and low tides
Which of the following is a challenge to using solar-generated electricity in places not connected to a power grid? the lack of efficient and inexpensive battery technology the reliance upon fossil fuels to power the system the generation of toxic fumes by the solar panel system the limited supply of silicon to make the wafers used in solar panels
the lack of efficient and inexpensive battery technology
The major problem impeding the widespread use of solar panels on residential buildings is the __________. cost of solar panels need to install expensive power lines danger to wildlife resulting production of carbon dioxide, which contributes to global climate change
cost of solar panels
If current trends continue, the United States is likely to increase domestic production and increase imports and exports. decrease domestic production and decrease imports and exports. increase domestic production and decrease imports and exports. decrease domestic production and increase imports and exports.
decrease domestic production and increase imports and exports.
Regarding PV cells, what is released from the "p-type" layer and transferred to the "n-type" layer, thus initiating an electrical current? atoms solar energy protons electrons
electrons
U.S. hydropower dam construction was greatest during the ________. early 21st century 1970s to 2000 1930s to 1960s late 1800s industrial revolution
1930s to 1960s
Commercially available household photovoltaic systems cost approximately $20,000. The average cost of electricity in the United States is approximately $0.09 per kilowatt hour. At these prices how long would it take for the photovoltaic system to generate $20,000 of electricity? Assume the system will produce enough kilowatt hours for a four-person household in Topeka, Kansas. 0.1 year 12.5 years 35 years 50 years
12.5 years
Why is there little to no growth expected for hydropower? Hints Hydropower uses a nonrenewable resource that is quickly being depleted. Too much pollution is generated when the dams are in operation. Almost all rivers that can be dammed for power generation have been dammed already. The cost of generating power is much too high.
Almost all rivers that can be dammed for power generation have been dammed already.
Bagasse and sugar cane-based ethanol are major items in the energy resources of ________. Tuvalu Mexico Brazil China the Maldives
Brazil
________ built the first offshore wind farm in 1991. Mexico The United States Denmark France Spain
Denmark
Describe the trends in uranium oxide domestic production from the peak production year to 2005. Domestic production declined dramatically. Domestic production increased slightly. Domestic production increased dramatically. Domestic production declined slightly.
Domestic production declined dramatically.
What sort of threat does wind energy pose to certain kinds of wildlife? The towers can topple during storms. Wires leading to the nacelle are often exposed, and this can shock creatures such as squirrels. Flying creatures such as birds and bats are killed when they fly into wind turbine blades. The force of the wind emitted can divert the flight path of birds and other flying animals.
Flying creatures such as birds and bats are killed when they fly into wind turbine blades.
Joan Ogden and Daniel Sperling view hydrogen as an ideal future fuel. Which of the following reasons do they discuss? Refueling mini-networks for hydrogen vehicles currently exist in California, the northeastern United States, Europe, and China. Hydrogen would reduce oil dependence because we can only make hydrogen from renewable sources like biomass, the Sun, and so on. Several countries have committed billions of dollars in public funds to developing hydrogen energy. Fuel-cell technologies for vehicles are already widely available.
Several countries have committed billions of dollars in public funds to developing hydrogen energy.
How is the sun's energy production different from the process in which energy is produced in current nuclear power plants? Both the sun and nuclear power plants release energy through the chemical reaction of uranium and hydrogen. The sun releases energy through nuclear fission, whereas our current nuclear power technology releases energy through nuclear fusion. Both the sun and nuclear power plants release energy through the chemical reaction of hydrogen and helium. The sun releases energy through nuclear fusion, whereas our current nuclear power technology releases energy through nuclear fission.
The sun releases energy through nuclear fusion, whereas our current nuclear power technology releases energy through nuclear fission.
________ strongly influences the amount of energy generated from hydropower. Latitude The temperature of reservoir water The temperature of water in the boiler and turbine The volume of water released and the height of the fall The phase of the moon
The volume of water released and the height of the fall
Which of the following would indicate that a home is using solar power to generate electricity and is NOT using batteries? There are water pipes running to and from the solar panels on the home. There are solar panels on the roof and no power lines going to the home. There are solar panels on the roof and power lines going to the home. There are small plumes of smoke drifting away from the solar panels on the home.
There are solar panels on the roof and power lines going to the home.
Assuming that renewable energy sources will contribute more and more to power generation in the future, do you expect the growth rates for these renewable energy sources to increase or decrease over the next 30-year period (2000 to 2030)? These growth rates will likely stay the same or grow as interest in renewables increases. These growth rates are relative to small absolute numbers. They will most likely decrease as the total contribution by renewables increases.
These growth rates are relative to small absolute numbers. They will most likely decrease as the total contribution by renewables increases.
Which of the following is one of the three current major drawbacks of solar energy? This resource is intermittent in nature. Certain greenhouse gases are emitted with its use. It emits radiation. The resource is nonrenewable.
This resource is intermittent in nature.
Ogden and Sperling also discuss the challenges of using hydrogen as our major fuel. Identify the statement that is one of the challenges. Current energy policy favors solar and wind energy rather than hydrogen. Zero-carbon technologies for producing hydrogen are prohibitively expensive. The current hydrogen refueling infrastructure is outdated and should be replaced. Time is needed to develop mechanisms to store hydrogen on vehicles.
Time is needed to develop mechanisms to store hydrogen on vehicles.
Which of these statements is NOT true of wind power? Wind speeds--and therefore power generation--are greater over water. Wind turbines take up large amounts of land that is then unsuitable for other purposes. Wind power has a better EROI ratio than do nuclear power, coal, or natural gas for electricity production. Enough wind is present in the United States to provide all of the U.S. electricity needs.
Wind turbines take up large amounts of land that is then unsuitable for other purposes.
B20 represents ________. a variety of broccoli used in the production of cellulosic ethanol a ratio of biodiesel to petrodiesel in alternative vehicular fuels a new vitamin recently isolated from sugar cane bagasse a bacterial strain used to ferment corn to make ethanol a synthetic compound that can be mixed with fossil fuel to give more energy
a ratio of biodiesel to petrodiesel in alternative vehicular fuels
According to the data in Step 1, by how much would solar have to grow to match the current level of hydroelectric power? about 100 times about 2 times about 60 times about 10 times
about 60 times
Corn-based ethanol production has a number of drawbacks, including ________. increased use of fertilizers depletion of fresh water substantial inputs of fossil fuel energy increased use of pesticides all of the above are drawbacks of corn-based ethanol production
all of the above are drawbacks of corn-based ethanol production
Assume that the depletion of nonrenewables requires renewables to account for more than 30% of our energy production by 2040. What annual growth rate of renewables must be achieved in order to meet that goal? Current growth rates (5%) are sufficient to meet this goal . at least 15% annual growth rate 1% annual growth rate 10% annual growth rate
at least 15% annual growth rate
What is an example of an energy source that is renewable and has less environmental impact than fossil fuels? natural gas crude oil coal bioenergy
bioenergy
Worldwide, the most widely used renewable energy resource is ________. solar wind bioenergy nuclear hydroelectric
bioenergy
Of the following renewable energy resources, which one has the highest life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions? biomass solar power wind power hydropower
biomass
Recently, how has Germany reduced its dependence on fossil fuels? by mass producing biogas resources by subsidizing the hydraulic fracturing production in oil shale deposits by utilizing the feed-in tariff system by utilizing fusion power
by utilizing the feed-in tariff system
Vegetable oil ________. is a necessary ingredient in biodiesel can be burned as fuel is a fossil fuel is nonrenewable must be processed into biodiesel to operate engines
can be burned as fuel
What this figure does not tell you is ________. whether wind energy plays any role in U.S. energy and electricity production the relative amount of electricity produced from geothermal energy compared to other renewable sources the proportion of U.S. energy consumption that comes from non-renewable sources what proportion of each renewable energy source the United States produces and consumes the relative amount of solar energy used to generate electricity compared to other renewable sources
the proportion of U.S. energy consumption that comes from non-renewable sources
What is the ultimate source for geothermal energy? rocks melting into magma due to geysers the radioactive decay of elements deep within Earth ignition due to crude oil and natural gas deposits magma that wells up from Earth's core
the radioactive decay of elements deep within Earth
What is electrolysis? the conversion of sunlight into electricity in a PV cell the generation of energy from wave motion increasing the efficiency of wind turbines the splitting of water into component hydrogen and oxygen
the splitting of water into component hydrogen and oxygen
The ultimate source of energy that drives wind power is __________. the sun differences in the temperature of the Earth's surface because of internal heating by magma, which occasionally rises to the surface in volcanoes ocean currents friction between the Earth's plates, produced by plate tectonic movements and earthquakes
the sun
The only energy source(s) from ocean water so far put into commercial production are ________. OTEC and ocean wave generators tidal and OTEC generators tidal electrical generators tidal and ocean wave generators OTEC
tidal electrical generators
Massive solar thermal power plants generate electricity by __________. heating up radioactive materials using mirrors to focus sunlight on large photovoltaic panels focusing sunlight onto the blades of turbines using sunlight to boil water, generate steam, and turn the blades of a turbine
using sunlight to boil water, generate steam, and turn the blades of a turbine
Electricity in a wind turbine is generated __________. when electrons are thrown off of a solid, spinning copper core by building pressure in pistons that compress chambers of nitrogen using the heat produced from friction between a spinning shaft and its case when spinning magnets move past a coil of copper wire
when spinning magnets move past a coil of copper wire
