Question 1

Several underwater turbines have been installed to tap the tidal flow of the East River in New York City.

Accepted Answer

The East River in New York City has been a site for the installation of underwater turbines designed to harness the kinetic energy from the river's tidal flow, as part of renewable energy projects aimed at exploring and utilizing alternative energy sources.

Question 2

Experts suggest in the next few decades,we will probably shift from our current model of producing electricity to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Experts predict a shift towards de-centralized micropower systems due to their potential for increased efficiency, resilience, and integration of renewable energy sources.

Question 3

Solar cells have many advantages.What is not one of these?

Accepted Answer

Electricity storage systems are not readily available for solar cells, which is a disadvantage as it limits the ability to store energy for use when the sun is not shining.

Question 4

Experts have concluded that the best way to make the transition to using mostly renewable energy resources during this century is a combination of improved energy efficiency and the carefully regulated use of ____.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Experts have concluded that the best way...

Question 5

Of all commercial energy used in the United States,roughly 35% is wasted.

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that approximately 66% of the energy produced in the United States is wasted, primarily through inefficiencies such as heat loss.

Question 6

The U.S.Department of Energy estimates that the wind farms in North Dakota,Kansas,and Texas could meet the electricity needs of ____.

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Department of Energy has estimated that the wind resources in North Dakota, Kansas, and Texas could potentially meet the electricity needs of the entire lower 48 states.

Question 7

Green building certification now exists in more than 100 countries around the world.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Green building certification now exists in more...

Question 8

Wind power is the second fastest growing source of energy worldwide.

Accepted Answer

Wind power has seen rapid growth globally, second only to solar power in terms of expansion rate among renewable energy sources. This is due to technological advancements, decreasing costs, and increasing concern over climate change and fossil fuel emissions.

Question 9

What is the least likely effect of reducing unnecessary energy waste?

Accepted Answer

Reducing unnecessary energy waste typically leads to lower energy costs because it decreases the demand for energy production. This efficiency can save money for consumers and businesses by using less energy, contrary to increasing energy costs.

Question 10

Why does cloudy Germany have more solar water heaters and solar cell panels than sunny France and Spain?

Accepted Answer

Germany has invested in public awareness and education about the benefits of solar technologies, leading to higher adoption rates despite its less sunny climate.

Question 11

Many energy analysts argue that one of the most important steps that governments can take to level the economic playing field for energy resources is to ____.

Accepted Answer

Phasing out subsidies and tax breaks for fossil fuels and nuclear power would help level the economic playing field for all energy resources by removing artificial price advantages.

Question 12

Large numbers of birds killed each year by various hazards.How many are killed by wind turbines?

Accepted Answer

Estimates suggest that approximately 440,000 birds are killed each year by wind turbines in the United States, according to a study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This number is significantly lower than deaths caused by other hazards such as buildings, cats, and cars.

Question 13

China and the United States,combined,use what percentage of the world's energy?

Accepted Answer

China and the United States are the two largest consumers of energy in the world, together accounting for approximately 39% of global energy consumption. This reflects their large populations, industrial bases, and high levels of economic activity.

Question 14

The United States wastes almost none of its energy.

Accepted Answer

The United States, like many countries, is not perfectly efficient in its energy use and wastes a significant portion of its energy, primarily through inefficiencies in electricity generation, transportation, and various industrial and residential processes.

Question 15

Photovoltaic cells do not produce any of the greenhouse or acid gas emissions associated with electricity generated by the combustion of fossil fuels.

Accepted Answer

Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity without burning fossil fuels, thus they do not emit greenhouse gases or acid gases during operation.

Question 16

Anela Belcher,materials scientist at MIT,is working on a novel new type of battery based on which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Angela Belcher, a materials scientist at MIT, has been working on developing batteries and other electronic materials using viruses. Her innovative approach leverages the self-assembling properties of viruses to create nanostructured materials, which can be used in battery technology among other applications.

Question 17

Molten salt systems allow solar thermal power plants to produce electricity around the clock.

Accepted Answer

Molten salt systems can store heat energy from the sun efficiently and release it on demand, including during the night, allowing solar thermal power plants to generate electricity continuously.

Question 18

Cogeneration in Denmark produces a majority of its electricity.

Accepted Answer

Cogeneration, also known as combined heat and power (CHP), is widely used in Denmark, contributing significantly to its electricity production by efficiently utilizing fuel to generate both electricity and heat.

Question 19

According to the United Nations,about 60% of all the world's potential for hydropower has been developed.

Accepted Answer

The United Nations reports that only about 35% of the world's potential for hydropower has been developed, not 60%.

Question 20

Coal fired power plants waste about two-thirds of the energy released by burning the coal.

Accepted Answer

Coal-fired power plants are typically only about 33-40% efficient, meaning that they waste about 60-67% of the energy released from burning coal, primarily as heat that is not converted into electricity.

Quiz 16: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy