Question 1

Cogeneration systems

Accepted Answer

A)  combust municipal waste along with coal or natural gas in order to produce electricity. 
B)  use the wasted thermal energy from electricity production as a source of heating or cooling. 
C)  produce hydrogen fuel cells using electricity that is generated by renewable sources. 
D)  couple traditional fossil fuels with intermittent power sources such as wind. 
A)  combust municipal waste along with coal or natural gas in order to produce electricity. 
B)  use the wasted thermal energy from electricity production as a source of heating or cooling. 
C)  produce hydrogen fuel cells using electricity that is generated by renewable sources. 
D)  couple traditional fossil fuels with intermittent power sources such as wind. B

Question 2

Which action is the United States government taking to promote alternative energy?

Accepted Answer

A)  funding the development of higher-voltage smart-grid transmission lines 
B)  undertaking research directly and in partnership with various institutions 
C)  offering assistance to alternative energy companies through stimulus grants 
D)  All of these are correct. 
A)  funding the development of higher-voltage smart-grid transmission lines 
B)  undertaking research directly and in partnership with various institutions 
C)  offering assistance to alternative energy companies through stimulus grants 
D)  All of these are correct. D

Question 3

What is the limitation associated with electricity as a form of energy?

Accepted Answer

A)  Approximately 35% of the electricity produced at power plants is lost through its transmission over long transmission lines. 
B)  Once electricity is produced, it is moved around on the grid to meet demand, but for the most part it cannot be saved for later use. 
C)  The current microgrid technology cannot deliver electricity to essential facilities during blackouts, storms, and other disasters. 
D)  All of these are correct. 
A)  Approximately 35% of the electricity produced at power plants is lost through its transmission over long transmission lines. 
B)  Once electricity is produced, it is moved around on the grid to meet demand, but for the most part it cannot be saved for later use. 
C)  The current microgrid technology cannot deliver electricity to essential facilities during blackouts, storms, and other disasters. 
D)  All of these are correct. B

Question 4

Select the correct statement regarding electric vehicles.

Accepted Answer

A)  Electric vehicles are powered by an electric motor using a magnetic field to generate motion. 
B)  Electric vehicles use about 80% of the energy that they create. 
C)  Electric vehicles make up less than 1%of passenger cars in the United States. 
D)  All of these are correct. 
A)  Electric vehicles are powered by an electric motor using a magnetic field to generate motion. 
B)  Electric vehicles use about 80% of the energy that they create. 
C)  Electric vehicles make up less than 1%of passenger cars in the United States. 
D)  All of these are correct.

Question 5

The waste heat generated by a car's engine as it burns gasoline warms the surrounding air, which in turn provides heat for the car's interior. This is an example of

Accepted Answer

A)  fission. 
B)  variable generation. 
C)  cogeneration. 
D)  geothermal power. 
A)  fission. 
B)  variable generation. 
C)  cogeneration. 
D)  geothermal power.

Question 6

Globally, 	supplies the largest share of energy consumption, and most of this is used for transportation.

Accepted Answer

A)  natural gas 
B)  biofuel 
C)  petroleum 
D)  electricity 
A)  natural gas 
B)  biofuel 
C)  petroleum 
D)  electricity

Question 7

Nuclear reactions harness the power of 	, a process where the nuclei of atoms are split to release energy.

Accepted Answer

A)  cogeneration 
B)  fission 
C)  combustion 
D)  fusion 
A)  cogeneration 
B)  fission 
C)  combustion 
D)  fusion

Question 8

Geothermal power includes which of these applications?

Accepted Answer

A)  Heat pump systems circulate air underground where the temperature is constant. 
B)  The steam from deep wells is piped throughout buildings to provide heat. 
C)  Deep wells bring hot water to the surface to turn a steam turbine and generate electricity. 
D)  All of these are correct. 
A)  Heat pump systems circulate air underground where the temperature is constant. 
B)  The steam from deep wells is piped throughout buildings to provide heat. 
C)  Deep wells bring hot water to the surface to turn a steam turbine and generate electricity. 
D)  All of these are correct.

Question 9

Which scenario presents a possible environmental impact due to hydrogen fuel cells?

Accepted Answer

A)  The fuel cells are used to power internal combustion engines rather than electric motors. 
B)  The electricity used to supply the fuel cells with hydrogen is produced using fossil fuels. 
C)  The combined exhaust emissions from fleets of buses equipped with fuel cells generates smog. 
D)  None of these are correct. 
A)  The fuel cells are used to power internal combustion engines rather than electric motors. 
B)  The electricity used to supply the fuel cells with hydrogen is produced using fossil fuels. 
C)  The combined exhaust emissions from fleets of buses equipped with fuel cells generates smog. 
D)  None of these are correct.

Question 10

Pound for pound, which fuel source produces the MOST energy?

Accepted Answer

A)  uranium 
B)  oil 
C)  coal 
D)  natural gas 
A)  uranium 
B)  oil 
C)  coal 
D)  natural gas

Question 11

Wide-open, windswept states of the Midwest, such as Iowa, are the highest-quality wind resource areas in the United States. What is MOST likely to be a drawback of wind power in Iowa?

Accepted Answer

A)  Land dedicated to agricultural production is unavailable for construction of wind farms. 
B)  New transmission lines must be constructed to connect windy rural areas with larger grids. 
C)  The large, spinning blades of wind turbines alter the microclimate on farms, affecting crops. 
D)  All of these are correct. 
A)  Land dedicated to agricultural production is unavailable for construction of wind farms. 
B)  New transmission lines must be constructed to connect windy rural areas with larger grids. 
C)  The large, spinning blades of wind turbines alter the microclimate on farms, affecting crops. 
D)  All of these are correct.

Question 12

Explain why solar power is considered to be a variable energy resource. Describe how this factor could be addressed differently by a user who is connected to an electrical grid as compared to a user in a remote location without access to an electrical grid.

Accepted Answer

The availability of a variable energy re

Question 13

Select the correct statement regarding nuclear power.

Accepted Answer

A)  In the United States, the radioactive waste from all nuclear power plants is stored at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. 
B)  Cooling towers at nuclear power plants emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, ash, and particulates. 
C)  For nuclear power, neutrons split the nuclei of uranium atoms to release the energy needed to heat water and create steam. 
D)  All of these are correct. 
A)  In the United States, the radioactive waste from all nuclear power plants is stored at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. 
B)  Cooling towers at nuclear power plants emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, ash, and particulates. 
C)  For nuclear power, neutrons split the nuclei of uranium atoms to release the energy needed to heat water and create steam. 
D)  All of these are correct.

Question 14

Which statement characterizes nuclear power, hydropower, and geothermal power?

Accepted Answer

A)  All three of these energy sources can provide a constant, reliable supply of electricity. 
B)  All three of these energy sources are growing faster than wind and solar. 
C)  All three of these energy sources are nondepletable, nonpolluting sources of electricity. 
D)  All of these are correct. 
A)  All three of these energy sources can provide a constant, reliable supply of electricity. 
B)  All three of these energy sources are growing faster than wind and solar. 
C)  All three of these energy sources are nondepletable, nonpolluting sources of electricity. 
D)  All of these are correct.

Question 15

Geothermal power is generated by

Accepted Answer

A)  fission of uranium atoms. 
B)  water moving through a dam. 
C)  heat from the Sun using mirrors. 
D)  heat from below Earth's surface. 
A)  fission of uranium atoms. 
B)  water moving through a dam. 
C)  heat from the Sun using mirrors. 
D)  heat from below Earth's surface.

Question 16

Most gasoline in the United States now contains 10% ethanol. Describe two reasons why ethanol is an attractive alternative energy used for transportation, as well as two limitations to using ethanol as a fuel source.

Accepted Answer

As a biofuel, ethanol production uses re

Question 17

Which energy source is correctly paired with its environmental impact?

Accepted Answer

A)  photovoltaic solar panel; mining of rare earth minerals for semiconductors 
B)  wind turbine; large blades of turbines are responsible for bird and bat kills 
C)  concentrated solar thermal plant; habitat disruption from the installation of a large array of mirrors 
D)  All of these are correct. 
A)  photovoltaic solar panel; mining of rare earth minerals for semiconductors 
B)  wind turbine; large blades of turbines are responsible for bird and bat kills 
C)  concentrated solar thermal plant; habitat disruption from the installation of a large array of mirrors 
D)  All of these are correct.

Question 18

Select the example of passive solar.

Accepted Answer

A)  Home insulation materials slowly collect heat during the day and release it at night. 
B)  Liquids in a "power tower" heated by the Sun are used to generate steam and electricity. 
C)  The photovoltaic cell of a solar calculator uses sunlight to directly produce electricity. 
D)  None of these are correct. 
A)  Home insulation materials slowly collect heat during the day and release it at night. 
B)  Liquids in a "power tower" heated by the Sun are used to generate steam and electricity. 
C)  The photovoltaic cell of a solar calculator uses sunlight to directly produce electricity. 
D)  None of these are correct.

Question 19

Select the drawback of a run-of-the-river hydropower system.

Accepted Answer

A)  It requires a sufficient minimum flow to provide a reliable source of power. 
B)  Flooding large areas to create reservoirs displaces local ecosystems. 
C)  The concrete barriers trap water sediments and impede fish spawning. 
D)  It presents a greater risk of a catastrophic failure from collapsing dams. 
A)  It requires a sufficient minimum flow to provide a reliable source of power. 
B)  Flooding large areas to create reservoirs displaces local ecosystems. 
C)  The concrete barriers trap water sediments and impede fish spawning. 
D)  It presents a greater risk of a catastrophic failure from collapsing dams.

Question 20

The transition to renewable energy will take considerable time. Energy conservation measures play a role in this transition by helping to maximize our remaining resources. Consider the largest sources of energy consumption in your personal lifestyle. List at least five specific actions that you are willing to take in order to reduce your energy consumption. Do any of these actions offer additional advantages or disadvantages on a personal level, such as saving money or a longer commute?

Accepted Answer

Student answers will vary. Possible resp

Cogeneration systems

Which action is the United States government taking to promote alternative energy?

What is the limitation associated with electricity as a form of energy?

Select the correct statement regarding electric vehicles.

The waste heat generated by a car's engine as it burns gasoline warms the surrounding air, which in turn provides heat for the car's interior. This is an example of

Globally, supplies the largest share of energy consumption, and most of this is used for transportation.

Nuclear reactions harness the power of , a process where the nuclei of atoms are split to release energy.

Geothermal power includes which of these applications?

Which scenario presents a possible environmental impact due to hydrogen fuel cells?

Pound for pound, which fuel source produces the MOST energy?

Wide-open, windswept states of the Midwest, such as Iowa, are the highest-quality wind resource areas in the United States. What is MOST likely to be a drawback of wind power in Iowa?

Explain why solar power is considered to be a variable energy resource. Describe how this factor could be addressed differently by a user who is connected to an electrical grid as compared to a user in a remote location without access to an electrical grid.

Select the correct statement regarding nuclear power.

Which statement characterizes nuclear power, hydropower, and geothermal power?

Geothermal power is generated by

Most gasoline in the United States now contains 10% ethanol. Describe two reasons why ethanol is an attractive alternative energy used for transportation, as well as two limitations to using ethanol as a fuel source.

Which energy source is correctly paired with its environmental impact?

Select the example of passive solar.

Select the drawback of a run-of-the-river hydropower system.

Environmental Science and Sustainability: Whats the Big Idea

Ethics, Economics, and Policy: Who or What Do We Value

Matter and Energy: What Are the Building Blocks of Sustainability

Life: What Shapes Biodiversity

Conservation: Why Is It Important to Protect Biodiversity

Human Population: Can We Have Too Many People

Water: How Do We Use It and Affect Its Quality

Air: What Are We Breathing

Land: How Does It Shape Us

Systems and Cycles: Are We Changing Earths Life Support System

Climate: How Does Global Climate Change

Food: How Do We Feed Ourselves

Fossil Fuels: Energy of the Industrial Age

Waste: What Happens to All the Stuff We Use

Urbanization: Why Are Cities Growing

Environmental Health and Justice: How Does Our Environment Affect Our Health

Decision Making: Why Do Our Choices Matter

Groups and Organizations: How Do We Work Together for Sustainability

Government: How Can Policy Influence Sustainability

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Exam 14: Energy Alternatives: How Are Our Energy Decisions Changing

Cogeneration systems

Which action is the United States government taking to promote alternative energy?

What is the limitation associated with electricity as a form of energy?

Select the correct statement regarding electric vehicles.

The waste heat generated by a car's engine as it burns gasoline warms the surrounding air, which in turn provides heat for the car's interior. This is an example of

Globally, supplies the largest share of energy consumption, and most of this is used for transportation.

Nuclear reactions harness the power of , a process where the nuclei of atoms are split to release energy.

Geothermal power includes which of these applications?

Which scenario presents a possible environmental impact due to hydrogen fuel cells?

Pound for pound, which fuel source produces the MOST energy?

Wide-open, windswept states of the Midwest, such as Iowa, are the highest-quality wind resource areas in the United States. What is MOST likely to be a drawback of wind power in Iowa?

Explain why solar power is considered to be a variable energy resource. Describe how this factor could be addressed differently by a user who is connected to an electrical grid as compared to a user in a remote location without access to an electrical grid.

Select the correct statement regarding nuclear power.

Which statement characterizes nuclear power, hydropower, and geothermal power?

Geothermal power is generated by

Most gasoline in the United States now contains 10% ethanol. Describe two reasons why ethanol is an attractive alternative energy used for transportation, as well as two limitations to using ethanol as a fuel source.

Which energy source is correctly paired with its environmental impact?

Select the example of passive solar.

Select the drawback of a run-of-the-river hydropower system.

Environmental Science and Sustainability: Whats the Big Idea

Ethics, Economics, and Policy: Who or What Do We Value

Matter and Energy: What Are the Building Blocks of Sustainability

Life: What Shapes Biodiversity

Conservation: Why Is It Important to Protect Biodiversity

Human Population: Can We Have Too Many People

Water: How Do We Use It and Affect Its Quality

Air: What Are We Breathing

Land: How Does It Shape Us

Systems and Cycles: Are We Changing Earths Life Support System

Climate: How Does Global Climate Change

Food: How Do We Feed Ourselves

Fossil Fuels: Energy of the Industrial Age

Waste: What Happens to All the Stuff We Use

Urbanization: Why Are Cities Growing

Environmental Health and Justice: How Does Our Environment Affect Our Health

Decision Making: Why Do Our Choices Matter

Groups and Organizations: How Do We Work Together for Sustainability

Government: How Can Policy Influence Sustainability

Filters