Energy

Fossil fuel and rechargeable batteries power most hybrid cars. Which of the following is the BEST reason to consider using hybrid cars instead of conventional cars? a. Hybrid cars have less of a negative impact on the environment than conventional cars. b. Hybrid cars are less likely to have mechanical failure than conventional cars. c. Hybrid cars use new technology, so they are more convenient than conventional cars. d. Hybrid cars are less expensive than conventional cars.

a. Hybrid cars have less of a negative impact on the environment than conventional cars.

Although solar power is a renewable energy source, why is conservation of solar energy still important? a. It can be expensive to collect a large quantity of solar energy. b. Scientists do not understand how solar energy can be used. c. The supply of solar energy is extremely limited. d. Solar energy creates air and water pollution.

a. It can be expensive to collect a large quantity of solar energy.

Which of the following is an example of how the production of hydroelectric power could potentially harm the environment? a. The dam causes silt and sediment buildup. b. The radioactive waste is a threat to wildlife. c. The dam changes the salt content of the water downstream. d. The generators make a loud noise that disrupts the migration patterns of birds.

a. The dam causes silt and sediment buildup.

Which would most likely result from an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico that begins to leak crude oil? a. The leaking oil would permanently damage or destroy the ecosystems of the Gulf. b. The water would easily dissolve the leaking oil before any damage could be caused. c. The leaking oil would easily be cleaned up and no damage would be done to the Gulf.

a. The leaking oil would permanently damage or destroy the ecosystems of the Gulf.

Which of these statements BEST describes a possible environmental consequence in constructing a large-scale wind farm to generate electricity? a. Wind farms can disrupt migrating wildlife. b. Wind farms alter the regional climate. c. Wind farms use a renewable energy source. d. Wind farms generate direct current electricity.

a. Wind farms can disrupt migrating wildlife.

Which is a problem with using wind turbines to produce energy? a. Wind turbines are efficient only in certain areas. b. Wind turbines occupy a small area of land. c. Wind turbines produce a large amount of energy d. Wind turbines create a large amount of pollution.

a. Wind turbines are efficient only in certain areas.

Which of these in an environmental benefit of converting solar energy? a. a decrease in air pollution b. an increase in the cost of energy c. an increase in the use of fossil fuels d. a decrease in electrical energy production

a. a decrease in air pollution

Which could most likely release a high dose of radiation to the environment? a. a nuclear energy power plant b. a coal-burning power plant c. a hydroelectric power plant

a. a nuclear energy power plant

Modern factories and industrial plants have filters that remove much of the sulfur from their emissions before it reaches the atmosphere. This design feature helps MOST in reducing the contribution of factories to which environmental problem? a. acid rain b. habitat loss c. coastline erosion d. algal growth in lakes

a. acid rain

Which environmental consequence is most often associated with obtaining energy from fossil fuels? a. air pollution b. noise pollution c. disruption of bird migration d. excessive use of valuable land

a. air pollution

Which organisms are most likely to be harmed by the building of wind turbines? a. birds b. people c. insects

a. birds

Most electricity in the United States is generated using coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, or hydropower. Which of these add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere? a. coal and natural gas b. natural gas and nuclear energy c. nuclear energy and hydropower d. hydropower and coal

a. coal and natural gas

Most electricity in the United States is generated using coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, or hydropower. Which of these add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere? a. coal and natural gas b. natural gas and nuclear energy c. nuclear energy and hydropower d. hydropower and coal.

a. coal and natural gas

Which action has the most immediate environmental impact? a. drilling for oil b. erecting a windmill c. setting up a turbine near a river d. creating a nuclear plant in an existing building

a. drilling for oil

Which is a possible disadvantage of using flowing water to produce electricity? a. ecosystem damage and loss of land b. reduced carbon dioxide emission c. only suitable for industrial use d. creates reservoirs

a. ecosystem damage and loss of land

When building a dam for a hydroelectric power plant, which best describes a possible negative effect on the environment? a. flooding b. air pollution c. radioactive waste

a. flooding

A family builds an environmentally-friendly home. They want to use an energy source that is the least dangerous to the environment. Which source of energy should they use to heat their home? a. geothermal b. natural gas c. nuclear power

a. geothermal

Which of these is most necessary for the production of geothermal energy? a. hot rock b. fossil fuel c. thick crust d. warm climate

a. hot rock

If countries drastically reduced the use of fossil fuels which long-term effect would it likely have on the environment? a. increased air quality b. increased global temperatures c. decreased water quality d. decreased plant and animal biodiversity

a. increased air quality

Which is a major global energy source and is used as fuel to generate electricity? a. oil b. sun c. thermal

a. oil

A potential negative impact of building a dam on a river is that the dam a. prevents sediment from flowing downstream b. increases the amount of water available to farms c. prevents seasonal downstream flooding d. increases the rate of water loss from a lake

a. prevents sediment from flowing downstream

Which source of electricity would harm the environment the least? a. solar power b. diesel generators c. hydroelectric dams d. power line

a. solar power

Which statement BEST explains why coal is used to generate electricity despite the amount of pollution produced by burning coal? a. Compared to other fuels, coal produces more energy per kilogram b. Compared to other fuels, coal is relatively cheap and plentiful. c. Coal burns without producing greenhouse gases. d. Coal is a renewable source of energy

b. Compared to other fuels, coal is relatively cheap and plentiful.

Which statement BEST explains why coal is used to generate electricity despite the amount of pollution produced by burning coal? a. Compared to other fuels, coal produces more energy per kilogram. b. Compared to other fuels, coal is relatively cheap and plentiful. c. Coal burns without producing greenhouse gases. d. Coal is a renewable source of energy.

b. Compared to other fuels, coal is relatively cheap and plentiful.

A student created a table to summarize the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power plants. Which statement BEST fits in the box labeled "X"? a. Nuclear power plants affect city economies. b. Disposal of nuclear waste can affect natural habitats. c. Nuclear power reduces dependence on fossil fuels. d. Conversion of nuclear energy to electricity is very efficient.

b. Disposal of nuclear waste can affect natural habitats.

Fluorescent light bulbs use less energy than incandescent light bulbs use to produce the same amount of light. Despite this advantage, many people continue to use incandescent light bulbs. Which fact MOST likely causes some people to continue favoring incandescent light bulbs over fluorescent light bulbs? a. Fluorescent light bulbs last longer than incandescent light bulbs. b. Fluorescent light bulbs cost more to purchase than incandescent light bulbs. c. Fluorescent light bulbs cost less to operate than incandescent light bulbs d. Fluorescent light bulbs produce less heat than incandescent light bulbs.

b. Fluorescent light bulbs cost more to purchase than incandescent light bulbs.

If an ash pond from a coal-fired power plant leaks ash into a local creek, which is an environmental consequence? a. Plants and organisms in the creek will be unaffected. b. Plants and organisms in the creek may die out. c. Plants and organisms in the creek may increase.

b. Plants and organisms in the creek may die out.

Why do many communities use resources other than windmills to obtain energy? a. Windmills make small amounts of energy. b. Some areas have inconsistent winds. c. Windmills are visual pollutants.

b. Some areas have inconsistent winds.

Which best describes an environmental impact of burning propane to provide heat energy for a home? a. The amount of carbon dioxide in the environment will decrease. b. The amount of carbon dioxide in the environment will increase. c. The amount of methane in the environment will decrease.

b. The amount of carbon dioxide in the environment will increase.

The United States has significant deposits of oil shale, and the technology exists to mine and refine the oil. However, this technology has yet to be used on a large scale in this country. Which statement BEST explains this delay? a. There are large oil shale deposits in other countries as well. b. The cost of obtaining and using oil from oil shale currently exceeds the benefit. c. Consumers in the United States have little demand for any oil resources. d. Oil from oil shale requires more time underground before it can be used.

b. The cost of obtaining and using oil from oil shale currently exceeds the benefit.

Why does oil take so long to form in nature? a. The life cycle of the organisms that are fossilize into oil takes millions of years. b. The process of burying remains under deep sediment takes millions of years. c. The reactions that change biochemicals to shale take millions of years. d. The reactions that change shale to oil take millions of years.

b. The process of burying remains under deep sediment takes millions of years.

Which of these statements BEST describes a possible environmental consequence in constructing a large-scale wind farm to generate electricity? a. Wind farms alter the regional climate. b. Wind farms can disrupt migrating wildlife. c. Wind farms use a renewable energy source. d. Wind farms generate direct current electricity.

b. Wind farms can disrupt migrating wildlife.

Greenhouse gases are often produced as a result of obtaining and using fossil fuels. Which greenhouse gas most likely has the greatest impact on global warming? a. carbon monoxide b. carbon dioxide c. methane

b. carbon dioxide

Greenhouse gases are often produced as a result of obtaining and using fossil fuels. Which greenhouse gas most likely has the greatest impact on global warming? a. carbon monoxide b. carbon dioxide c. methane

b. carbon dioxide

Which method of energy production is most likely to have a negative impact upon the environment? a. hydroelectric power plant b. coal-burning power plant c. wind turbine d. solar panel

b. coal-burning power plant

A group of students have decided that the amount of electricity used by the school should be reduced. The students want to develop a plan to solve this problem. What should the group do first? a. determine what materials should be used to implement the plan b. conduct research on energy conservation to form the plan c. improve the design of the plan d. test the validity of the plan

b. conduct research on energy conservation to form the plan

Which of the following will reduce a home electric bill? a. using cloth napkins rather than paper towels b. drying clothes on a clothesline on sunny days c. keeping appliances plugged in when not in use d. using incandescent light bulbs in the lamps

b. drying clothes on a clothesline on sunny days

Which form of energy production creates a radioactive waste product? a. coal combustion b. nuclear power c. wind turbines d. solar cells

b. nuclear power

A house is built in a desert, where there is no electricity and very little wind. Which action could lead to operating the electrical appliances in the house that would cause the least amount of environmental pollution? a. constructing a small hydroelectric plant b. placing solar panels on the roof of the house c. using gasoline generators d. burning coal or wood

b. placing solar panels on the roof of the house

Which of the following could help to reduce a home heating bill in winter? a. replacing wood doors with aluminum doors b. using more insulation in the walls of the home c. removing thick rugs and heavy curtains in the home d. painting the roof of the home white to reflect light

b. using more insulation in the walls of the home

Which of the following correctly identifies how a power plant changes the atmosphere? a. A plant powered by geothermal energy releases nitrogen oxides. b. A plant powered by nuclear energy releases sulfur dioxide. c. A plant powered by natural gas releases carbon dioxide. d. A plant powered by coal releases oxygen.

c. A plant powered by natural gas releases carbon dioxide.

A gasoline is advertised as "releasing fewer pollutants" when it is used in cars. For this claim to be accurate, what has MOST likely happened to the gasoline? a. Its acidity has been increased b. More oxygen has been dissolved in it c. Impurities have been removed d. Its molecules have higher chemical energies

c. Impurities have been removed

Which is an example of conservation (saving) of energy resources? a. Niagara Falls, straddling both countries, produces electricity for Canada and the U.S. b. Windmills in the Netherlands have been capturing wind power for more than 2,000 years. c. In the U.S., households are replacing their incandescent light bulbs (old looking ones) with compact fluorescent light bulbs(spiral ones).

c. In the U.S., households are replacing their incandescent light bulbs (old looking ones) with compact fluorescent light bulbs(spiral ones).

Which is a disadvantage of relying on solar energy? a. Solar energy is only available after the sun sets. b. Solar energy creates a large amount of air pollution. c. Solar energy can only be captured during daylight hours. d. Solar energy is weak and does not provide adequate energy.

c. Solar energy can only be captured during daylight hours.

Which of these renewable resources results in an increase in pollution when used to produce energy? a. water b. wind c. biomass d. geothermal

c. biomass

Which form of energy transformation would result in the emission of the greenhouse gas methane? a. nuclear energy b. solar energy c. coal mining

c. coal mining

A typical nuclear power plant uses about 113 million liters (30 million gallons) of ocean or river water per hour for cooling. The water does not contact the nuclear material. It is taken in and surrounds the reactor where it absorbs thermal energy. Some of the water is released as steam, and the rest is returned to the source. Which subsystems are MOST affected by this use of water? a. atmosphere, biosphere and lithosphere b. atmosphere, lithosphere and hydrosphere c. hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere d. hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere

c. hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere

Which BEST explains what scientists are referring to when they use the term conservation? a. nonliving parts of the environment b. living parts of the environment c. protection, management, and renewal of resources d. health of the living organisms in the environment

c. protection, management, and renewal of resources

An environmental impact statement describes the possible effects a project might have on the environment. Which would most likely be included in an environmental impact statement concerning drilling for oil in Antarctica? a. the costs of setting up drilling equipment b. the effect of increased oil production on the economy c. the effect of oil spills on organisms living in Antarctica d. the estimated amount of oil sent to North America during the project

c. the effect of oil spills on organisms living in Antarctica

Some power plants release heated water into rivers. This practice adds thermal energy to the river that MOST likely a. increases the amount of nutrients in the river. b. provides a better environment for native organisms to grow. c. threatens the existence of aquatic organisms. d. keeps the river at balance with nature.

c. threatens the existence of aquatic organisms.

Wind farms use turbines to generate electricity without using fossil fuels. What is one negative consequence of using wind turbines to generate electricity? a. Wind turbines change global weather patterns. b. Wind turbines produce excess carbon dioxide. c. Power is produced by wind farms using a nonrenewable resource d. Developing and maintaining wind farms damages ecosystems.

d. Developing and maintaining wind farms damages ecosystems.

Wind farms use turbines to generate electricity without using fossil fuels. What is one negative consequence of using wind turbines to generate electricity? a. Wind turbines change global weather patterns. b. Wind turbines produce excess carbon dioxide. c. Power is produced by wind farms using a nonrenewable resource. d. Developing and maintaining wind farms damages ecosystems.

d. Developing and maintaining wind farms damages ecosystems.

Students were investigating the advantages and disadvantages of solar power. According to the information in the chart, which statement describes an advantage of using fossil fuels over solar power? a. Fossil fuel stations require less maintenance than solar panels. b. Fossil fuels are less costly to obtain. c. Fossil fuels are an abundant renewable resource. d. Fossil fuels are available regardless of the weather.

d. Fossil fuels are available regardless of the weather.

Offshore drilling is a common practice for obtaining supplies of oil. Which best describes a concern with using offshore drilling to obtain oil? a. Offshore drilling is not cost effective, requiring specialized equipment. b. Offshore drilling is not very efficient, requiring a large amount of energy input to obtain a small amount of oil. c. Offshore drilling produces oil that cannot be used directly; it must be further refined through several expensive processes. d. Offshore drilling can lead to oil spills and contamination of marine ecosystems, threatening the organisms living in these ecosystems.

d. Offshore drilling can lead to oil spills and contamination of marine ecosystems, threatening the organisms living in these ecosystems.

Which is the most negative environmental consequences of building dams for hydroelectric power? a. air pollution b. chemical spills c. water pollution d. habitat destruction

d. habitat destruction

Which of these best describes wind energy? a. limited b. renewable c. damaging d. inexpensive

d. inexpensive

Which is the best example of the management of natural resources? a. drilling oil wells to produce more energy b. increasing the use of current energy resources c. limiting research of alternate energy resources d. managing and caring for current energy resources

d. managing and caring for current energy resources

Before strip mining for coal, the topsoil in the area is removed and stored. After mining operations are completed, the land is leveled and topsoil is replaced. The purpose of replacing topsoil is a. to prevent wind from weathering and eroding surface coal. b. to prevent radioactive elements from polluting water sources c. to provide an environment for new coal formation. d. to restore the area to a natural condition.

d. to restore the area to a natural condition.

Of the choices listed, what is the BEST way to conserve water in a home? a. take long showers b. run a half full dishwasher c. let the water run while washing the dishes d. turn off the water while brushing your teeth

d. turn off the water while brushing your teeth

Energy companies often produce electricity from a variety of sources. Using which resource would improve air quality the MOST? a. oil b. gas c. coal d. wind

d. wind