Question 1

Refer to the graph below showing world energy consumption. Why is the energy consumption of industrialized countries projected to remain relatively constant while that of developing countries is projected to increase dramatically during the next 20 years?

Accepted Answer

Industrialized countries have an established infrastructure and mature industries. Increases in energy consumption due to population growth or expansion are balanced by efforts to conserve and to become more efficient. Some developing countries are just now realizing their industrial capabilities and their demands for energy increase linearly with their development.

Question 2

Biomass is more efficient in providing energy than biofuels. Biomass uses a greater fraction of the crop than biofuels, and biomass produces more energy per acre of crop than biofuels. Yet, biofuels continue to be studied more extensively than biomass. Why does research continue to focus on biofuel optimization?

Accepted Answer

A)   Biofuels are preferred because they do not release greenhouse gases upon combustion.
B)   The US always has a surplus of corn that can be used to supply research on biofuels.
C)   Biofuels are targeted for the transportation industry, a niche that biomass does not fill.
D)   Scientists want to improve biofuels because the current biofuels leave behind a toxic waste when burned.
E)   All of the above C

Question 3

Refer to the graph below showing world energy consumption by fuel type. Some analysts have projected that we will reach "peak oil" in 2015; that is, oil production will reach a global maximum in 2015 and further increases annual petroleum supplies will be impossible. If this is true, how will it impact world energy consumption?

Accepted Answer

Oil consumption will reach a maximum in 2015 and will either remain flat or decline. The other forms of energy must increase to meet demands. Coal will likely increase the most and nuclear will increase the least. Hopefully, "peak oil" will provide impetus to stimulate the research and growth of renewable energy sources.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about nuclear power is false?

Accepted Answer

A)   It is a source of tremendous pollution.
B)   It is very fuel efficient.
C)   There have been recurring, devastating accidents.
D)   There is public opposition to nuclear power.
E)   Disposal of nuclear waste is a controversial issue.

Question 5

Which of the following is a shortcoming of wind energy?

Accepted Answer

A)   Air pollution from wind turbines
B)   Initially high capital investment
C)   Very little land in the US suitable for wind energy
D)   The requirement of high winds necessary to produce electricity
E)   The insurmountable problems with sound generation and bird kills

Question 6

We can trace the current demands for energy back to the Industrial Revolution. Industrialization means

Accepted Answer

A)   cities replacing farms as the centers of population.
B)   replacing human labor with machines.
C)   any large change in political policies.
D)   replacing feudalism with capitalism.
E)   deforestation of pristine areas.

Question 7

Explain why coal is considered non-renewable even though it is ultimately derived from the sun and comes from natural organic matter.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain why coal is considered non-renewable even...

Question 8

Which of the following energy sources does not ultimately originate from the sun?

Accepted Answer

A)   Nuclear fuel
B)   Wind power
C)   Hydroelectricity
D)   Biofuels
E)   All of the energy sources above originate from the sun.

Question 9

What would be a likely impact if harsh restrictions were imposed on global greenhouse gas emissions? (A typical proposal is that all countries agree to roll back their CO2 emissions to 1990 levels.)

Accepted Answer

A)   Developing nations would have a competitive advantage over industrialized nations.
B)   The industrialization of developing nations would be nearly halted.
C)   The standard of living of all nations would increase dramatically.
D)   Air pollution from non-greenhouse gases would increase.
E)   It would result in global energy shortages.

Question 10

One of the disadvantages of active solar energy is the requirement of extensive surface area to collect the solar radiation. One way to overcome this is to take advantage of existing surfaces. Which of these would be an unlikely place to install solar panels?

Accepted Answer

A)   Roofs of buildings
B)   Unproductive land in the desert
C)   Subway tunnels
D)   Strips of land along roadways
E)   Capped landfills

Question 11

The production of biofuels is sometimes viewed negatively because of the perception that it decreases the production of food crops and increases food prices. Give two reasons to support this attitude and two reasons why it might be incorrect.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The production of biofuels is sometimes viewed...

Question 12

About _______ of the oil used in the US is for transportation.

Accepted Answer

A)   10%
B)   25%
C)   half
D)   two thirds
E)   80%

Question 13

The type of energy source that is derived from living material produced millions of years ago and converted and preserved by the prevailing geologic conditions is called

Accepted Answer

A)   fossil fuel.
B)   organic fuel.
C)   alternative energy.
D)   geothermal.
E)   vulcanization.

Question 14

Why is it so difficult for developed countries to abandon fossil fuels as their primary source of energy?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is it so difficult for developed...

Question 15

One disadvantage of solar cells is that

Accepted Answer

A)   solar cell technology does not exist yet in a workable form.
B)   the technology has not been tested.
C)   electricity generated from solar cells is available only when the sun is shining.
D)   a relatively large surface area is needed to generate significant amounts of electricity.
E)   they are a source of air pollution.

Question 16

Which of the following is not an advantage of hydroelectric dams?

Accepted Answer

A)   Cheap source of electricity
B)   Minimal disruption to surrounding habitats
C)   Formation of multipurpose lakes
D)   Electricity with little or no pollution
E)   Flood control

Question 17

The ultimate source of renewable energy is

Accepted Answer

A)   Earth's core.
B)   the sun.
C)   gravity.
D)   human innovation.
E)   diurnal cycles.

Question 18

Despite the appearance of being a clean source of energy, the generation of electricity can have negative impacts on the environment. Which of the following is not an environmental impact from the primary energy sources?

Accepted Answer

A)   Degradation of land through mining
B)   Pollution of water and air from burning fossil fuels
C)   Destruction of the protective ozone layer
D)   Thermal pollution
E)   Generation of hazardous wastes

Question 19

A nuclear power plant and a hydroelectric dam are two means of generating electricity. How are they different in the way they produce electricity? In what important way are they similar in electricity production?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nuclear power plant and a hydroelectric...

Question 20

What is the difference between biomass and biofuels in the context of renewable energy? How are they alike?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the difference between biomass and...

Exam 9: Energy Resources