Question 1

What is one of the drawbacks of biomass as an energy source?

Accepted Answer

A) It needs to be converted into a liquid form to be easily transported. 
B) It can only be produced in areas with large amounts of water. 
C) It releases greenhouse gasses. 
D) all of the above 
E) only a or b 
A) It needs to be converted into a liquid form to be easily transported. 
B) It can only be produced in areas with large amounts of water. 
C) It releases greenhouse gasses. 
D) all of the above 
E) only a or b

Question 2

Where does the electric energy from windmills ultimately come from?

Accepted Answer

A) solar radiation 
B) the soil 
C) wind energy 
D) nuclear fission 
E) none of the above 
A) solar radiation 
B) the soil 
C) wind energy 
D) nuclear fission 
E) none of the above

Question 3

If the average energy demand of a small city of typical U.S. households is 80 megawatts, why does the local power plant need to have a power rating of 300 megawatts or higher?

Accepted Answer

A) It has to deal with times of peak demand when everyone is pulling power at once. 
B) It has to serve more than one community at a time. 
C) The power is quantized and can only come in discrete packets of 150 megawatts. 
D) The extra capacity is sold to other power grids. 
E) all of the above 
A) It has to deal with times of peak demand when everyone is pulling power at once. 
B) It has to serve more than one community at a time. 
C) The power is quantized and can only come in discrete packets of 150 megawatts. 
D) The extra capacity is sold to other power grids. 
E) all of the above

Question 4

Which of the following statements about electricity is true?

Accepted Answer

A) Electricity is not an energy source. 
B) Electricity powers generators. 
C) It is hard to transmit electricity long distances. 
D) Electricity is the movement of metal ions. 
E) all of the above 
A) Electricity is not an energy source. 
B) Electricity powers generators. 
C) It is hard to transmit electricity long distances. 
D) Electricity is the movement of metal ions. 
E) all of the above

Question 5

Suggest how solar energy might help eliminate pathogens in drinking water.

Accepted Answer

A) Exposure of the drinking water to the Sun's ultraviolet rays. 
B) Use the solar energy to distill the water. 
C) Pass the drinking water through the hot zone of a solar collector. 
D) all of the above 
A) Exposure of the drinking water to the Sun's ultraviolet rays. 
B) Use the solar energy to distill the water. 
C) Pass the drinking water through the hot zone of a solar collector. 
D) all of the above

Question 6

Why are gas turbines more efficient at generating electricity than steam turbines?

Accepted Answer

A) Gas is combustible, but steam is not. 
B) Electricity conducts better through the gas exhausts, which are ionized. 
C) Water has a relatively high specific heat capacity. 
D) Their hot combustion products provide more energy to turn the turbine. 
A) Gas is combustible, but steam is not. 
B) Electricity conducts better through the gas exhausts, which are ionized. 
C) Water has a relatively high specific heat capacity. 
D) Their hot combustion products provide more energy to turn the turbine.

Question 7

How does a nonsolar pool cover increase the efficiency of a nonsolar pool heater?

Accepted Answer

A) It absorbs more heat from the sun. 
B) It reduces the amount of evaporation. 
C) It keeps the heater cool. 
D) It does not allow chlorine to escape. 
A) It absorbs more heat from the sun. 
B) It reduces the amount of evaporation. 
C) It keeps the heater cool. 
D) It does not allow chlorine to escape.

Question 8

How much does it cost to operate five 80-watt light bulbs for 24 hours at a rate of 5 cents per kWh?

Accepted Answer

A) 96 cents 
B) 83 cents 
C) 0.48 cents 
D) 48 cents 
E) 9.6 cents 
A) 96 cents 
B) 83 cents 
C) 0.48 cents 
D) 48 cents 
E) 9.6 cents

Question 9

Which of these applications are passive solar heating methods that are practical for home owners?

Accepted Answer

A) using solar heated water to heat the home 
B) using solar heated water to heat the pool 
C) using solar heated water to generate electricity 
D) using solar heated water as a way to provide air conditioning 
E) only a and b 
A) using solar heated water to heat the home 
B) using solar heated water to heat the pool 
C) using solar heated water to generate electricity 
D) using solar heated water as a way to provide air conditioning 
E) only a and b

Question 10

Why are fossil fuels so popular?

Accepted Answer

A) They are readily available. 
B) They have very little negative environmental impact. 
C) They can be regenerated using photosynthesis. 
D) They can be used to purify air of harmful particles. 
E) all of the above 
A) They are readily available. 
B) They have very little negative environmental impact. 
C) They can be regenerated using photosynthesis. 
D) They can be used to purify air of harmful particles. 
E) all of the above

Question 11

What is the greatest impediment to the widespread application of sustainable energy?

Accepted Answer

A) fossil fuels are too cheap so there is no motivation to improve 
B) government restrictions on use of public lands 
C) negative public opinion 
D) lack of technology 
E) all of the above 
A) fossil fuels are too cheap so there is no motivation to improve 
B) government restrictions on use of public lands 
C) negative public opinion 
D) lack of technology 
E) all of the above

Question 12

The world's most abundant fossil fuel is ________.

Accepted Answer

A) petroleum 
B) coal 
C) oil sand 
D) methane hydrate 
A) petroleum 
B) coal 
C) oil sand 
D) methane hydrate

Question 13

Which of the following statements about nuclear energy is true?

Accepted Answer

A) Nuclear fission leads to a reduction in fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. 
B) Energy from nuclear fission costs less than that from fossil fuels. 
C) Nuclear fission does not produce any pollution. 
D) The fuel for fission is easily extracted and prepared for reactor use. 
E) None of the above are true. 
A) Nuclear fission leads to a reduction in fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. 
B) Energy from nuclear fission costs less than that from fossil fuels. 
C) Nuclear fission does not produce any pollution. 
D) The fuel for fission is easily extracted and prepared for reactor use. 
E) None of the above are true.

Question 14

What fact does ocean thermal energy conversion take advantage of?

Accepted Answer

A) The sun warms surface water but deep water is often much cooler. 
B) Waste heat can be stored in the ocean. 
C) Carbon dioxide can be treated by the warm water in the ocean and removed from the atmosphere. 
D) Ocean water has a higher salinity and therefore it is converted into steam at a higher temperature. 
E) none of the above 
A) The sun warms surface water but deep water is often much cooler. 
B) Waste heat can be stored in the ocean. 
C) Carbon dioxide can be treated by the warm water in the ocean and removed from the atmosphere. 
D) Ocean water has a higher salinity and therefore it is converted into steam at a higher temperature. 
E) none of the above

Question 15

How are hydroelectric dams similar to coal-fired power plants?

Accepted Answer

A) Both use kinetic energy of water to turn a turbine. 
B) Both use heat energy to boil water. 
C) Both convert steam into electricity. 
D) Neither have a negative environmental impact. 
E) all of the above 
A) Both use kinetic energy of water to turn a turbine. 
B) Both use heat energy to boil water. 
C) Both convert steam into electricity. 
D) Neither have a negative environmental impact. 
E) all of the above

Question 16

Where does the chemical energy in fossil fuels ultimately come from?

Accepted Answer

A) solar radiation 
B) the soil 
C) wind energy 
D) nuclear fission 
E) none of the above 
A) solar radiation 
B) the soil 
C) wind energy 
D) nuclear fission 
E) none of the above

Question 17

Which of the following is an advantage of biomass as an energy source?

Accepted Answer

A) Burning biomass generates more energy than burning fossil fuels. 
B) Burning biomass releases less sulfur and ash than burning coal. 
C) Growing biomass doesn't strip nutrients from the soil. 
D) Growing biomass for energy enhances the world's food supply. 
A) Burning biomass generates more energy than burning fossil fuels. 
B) Burning biomass releases less sulfur and ash than burning coal. 
C) Growing biomass doesn't strip nutrients from the soil. 
D) Growing biomass for energy enhances the world's food supply.

Question 18

What is the difference between a kilowatt and a kilowatt hour? Which is a quantity of energy? Which is a measurement of available power?

Accepted Answer

A) A kilowatt is measure of force. A kilowatt hour is a measure of energy. Therefore a kilowatt hour is a measurement of available power. 
B) A kilowatt is a measure of force per unit area and therefore a measurement of energy. A kilowatt hour is a measure of available power, metered on your electric bill. 
C) A kilowatt is a measurement of the rate at which energy is delivered, which is power. A kilowatt hour is an amount of energy, which is metered on your electric bill. 
D) A kilowatt is a measure of force while a kilowatt hour is a measure of energy flow. Neither is a measure of available power. Available power is the term used by the power company for its output potential. 
A) A kilowatt is measure of force. A kilowatt hour is a measure of energy. Therefore a kilowatt hour is a measurement of available power. 
B) A kilowatt is a measure of force per unit area and therefore a measurement of energy. A kilowatt hour is a measure of available power, metered on your electric bill. 
C) A kilowatt is a measurement of the rate at which energy is delivered, which is power. A kilowatt hour is an amount of energy, which is metered on your electric bill. 
D) A kilowatt is a measure of force while a kilowatt hour is a measure of energy flow. Neither is a measure of available power. Available power is the term used by the power company for its output potential.

Question 19

What are some major advantages of using seawater to produce hydrogen from electrolysis?

Accepted Answer

A) Seawater is abundant. 
B) Seawater contains ions. 
C) Hydrogen plants can be located where they won't take up valuable land. 
D) all of the above 
A) Seawater is abundant. 
B) Seawater contains ions. 
C) Hydrogen plants can be located where they won't take up valuable land. 
D) all of the above

Question 20

How do passive stability mechanisms work in newer reactors?

Accepted Answer

A) Normal processes keep the reactor cool or stable. 
B) Multiple backup systems keep the reactor safe. 
C) Lower amounts of radioactive material are used. 
D) The nuclear core is passivated with a nuclear catalyst. 
E) all of the above 
A) Normal processes keep the reactor cool or stable. 
B) Multiple backup systems keep the reactor safe. 
C) Lower amounts of radioactive material are used. 
D) The nuclear core is passivated with a nuclear catalyst. 
E) all of the above

What is one of the drawbacks of biomass as an energy source?

Where does the electric energy from windmills ultimately come from?

If the average energy demand of a small city of typical U.S. households is 80 megawatts, why does the local power plant need to have a power rating of 300 megawatts or higher?

Which of the following statements about electricity is true?

Suggest how solar energy might help eliminate pathogens in drinking water.

Why are gas turbines more efficient at generating electricity than steam turbines?

How does a nonsolar pool cover increase the efficiency of a nonsolar pool heater?

How much does it cost to operate five 80-watt light bulbs for 24 hours at a rate of 5 cents per kWh?

Which of these applications are passive solar heating methods that are practical for home owners?

Why are fossil fuels so popular?

What is the greatest impediment to the widespread application of sustainable energy?

The world's most abundant fossil fuel is ________.

Which of the following statements about nuclear energy is true?

What fact does ocean thermal energy conversion take advantage of?

How are hydroelectric dams similar to coal-fired power plants?

Where does the chemical energy in fossil fuels ultimately come from?

Which of the following is an advantage of biomass as an energy source?

What is the difference between a kilowatt and a kilowatt hour? Which is a quantity of energy? Which is a measurement of available power?

What are some major advantages of using seawater to produce hydrogen from electrolysis?

How do passive stability mechanisms work in newer reactors?

About Science

Particles of Matter

Elements of Chemistry

Subatomic Particles

The Atomic Nucleus

How Atoms Bond

How Molecules Mix

How Water Behaves

How Chemicals React

Acids and Bases in Our Environment

Oxidations and Reductions Charge the World

Organic Compounds

Nutrients of Life

Medicinal Chemistry

Optimizing Food Production

Protection Water and Air Resources

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Exam 17: Capturing Energy

What is one of the drawbacks of biomass as an energy source?

Where does the electric energy from windmills ultimately come from?

If the average energy demand of a small city of typical U.S. households is 80 megawatts, why does the local power plant need to have a power rating of 300 megawatts or higher?

Which of the following statements about electricity is true?

Suggest how solar energy might help eliminate pathogens in drinking water.

Why are gas turbines more efficient at generating electricity than steam turbines?

How does a nonsolar pool cover increase the efficiency of a nonsolar pool heater?

How much does it cost to operate five 80-watt light bulbs for 24 hours at a rate of 5 cents per kWh?

Which of these applications are passive solar heating methods that are practical for home owners?

Why are fossil fuels so popular?

What is the greatest impediment to the widespread application of sustainable energy?

The world's most abundant fossil fuel is ________.

Which of the following statements about nuclear energy is true?

What fact does ocean thermal energy conversion take advantage of?

How are hydroelectric dams similar to coal-fired power plants?

Where does the chemical energy in fossil fuels ultimately come from?

Which of the following is an advantage of biomass as an energy source?

What is the difference between a kilowatt and a kilowatt hour? Which is a quantity of energy? Which is a measurement of available power?

What are some major advantages of using seawater to produce hydrogen from electrolysis?

How do passive stability mechanisms work in newer reactors?

About Science

Particles of Matter

Elements of Chemistry

Subatomic Particles

The Atomic Nucleus

How Atoms Bond

How Molecules Mix

How Water Behaves

How Chemicals React

Acids and Bases in Our Environment

Oxidations and Reductions Charge the World

Organic Compounds

Nutrients of Life

Medicinal Chemistry

Optimizing Food Production

Protection Water and Air Resources

Filters