Question 1

The most common way to generate electricity is
A) batteries.
B) generating static electricity and trapping it in a series of wires.
C) moving a coil of wire through a fixed magnetic field.
D) transduction.
E) the direct capture of electrons (i.e., "catching lightning in a bottle").

Accepted Answer

The most common method of generating electricity is through electromagnetic induction, which involves moving a coil of wire through a magnetic field to induce an electric current. This principle is used in generators and is the basis for most electricity production worldwide.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Industrialization refers to the process of replacing human labor with machines, which was a key characteristic of the Industrial Revolution.

Question 3

Electricity is a "secondary" energy source, meaning
A) steam is a preferred energy source.
B) electricity is used to replace human and animal power.
C) wires must carry electrical currents.
D) another source of energy must be used to generate electricity.
E) electricity is less important than coal, gas, and hydropower.

Accepted Answer

Electricity is considered a secondary energy source because it is generated from the conversion of primary energy sources such as coal, natural gas, nuclear, solar, or wind energy.

Question 4

Methods of generating electricity do not include
A) inducing an arc (electric spark) to form across electrodes.
B) electromagnetic induction.
C) light-induced electrical currents.
D) using heat to generate electricity.
E) the mixing of chemicals.

Accepted Answer

Inducing an arc (electric spark) across electrodes is not a method of generating electricity; it is a method of discharging electricity.

Question 5

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?
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

Accepted Answer

Destruction of the protective ozone layer is primarily caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances, not directly by the generation of electricity from primary energy sources.

Question 6

When considering the development of a new form of energy, one must consider the answer to which of the following questions?
A) Is the technology available for the development and implementation of the new source?
B) Can we use this new source with minimal impact on the environment?
C) Is this a long-term source of energy?
D) Do we have a significant net gain of energy from this new source?
E) All of the above

Accepted Answer

All of the listed questions are important considerations when developing a new form of energy, as they address technological feasibility, environmental impact, sustainability, and energy efficiency.

Question 7

Which of the following energy sources does not ultimately originate from the sun?
A) Nuclear fuel
B) Wind power
C) Hydroelectricity
D) Biofuels
E) All of the energy sources above originate from the sun.

Accepted Answer

Nuclear fuel originates from radioactive elements like uranium, which are not derived from solar energy.

Question 8

The largest source of non-renewable energy is from
A) fossil fuels.
B) nuclear fuel.
C) Earth's core.
D) prevailing winds.
E) hydrolysis.

Accepted Answer

Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are the largest source of non-renewable energy.

Question 9

Objections to the use of coal for energy do not include
A) destruction of land resources from mining.
B) pollution of surface and ground water.
C) atmospheric pollution from mercury and sulfur.
D) dwindling coal reserves.
E) release of greenhouse gases.

Accepted Answer

Coal reserves are not currently considered to be dwindling; there is still a significant amount of coal available for extraction and use.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Fossil fuels are energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas that are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years under specific geological conditions.

Question 11

About _______ of the oil used in the US is for transportation.
A) 10%
B) 25%
C) half
D) two thirds
E) 80%

Accepted Answer

Approximately two-thirds of the oil used in the US is for transportation purposes, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.

Question 12

One problem not associated with nuclear energy production is
A) high construction costs.
B) regulatory hurdles.
C) extreme air pollution.
D) waste disposal problems.
E) public fear of accidents.

Accepted Answer

Nuclear energy production is known for having low air pollution compared to fossil fuels, as it does not emit greenhouse gases during operation.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about nuclear power is false?
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.

Accepted Answer

Nuclear power is considered a low-pollution energy source in terms of air emissions, as it does not produce greenhouse gases during operation. However, it does have issues related to nuclear waste and potential accidents.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about renewable sources of energy is true?
A) Coal is renewable because it is derived from plant and animal residues.
B) Hydroelectricity is not renewable because the amount of water in the world is finite.
C) Geothermal energy is not renewable because energy taken from beneath Earth and cannot be replaced.
D) Methane can be renewable or nonrenewable depending upon the source.
E) Carbon dioxide is a renewable energy source because it is abundant and is constantly regenerated.

Accepted Answer

Methane can be renewable if it is produced from biological processes such as anaerobic digestion, but it is nonrenewable if extracted from fossil fuels.

Question 15

The ultimate source of renewable energy is
A) Earth's core.
B) the sun.
C) gravity.
D) human innovation.
E) diurnal cycles.

Accepted Answer

The sun is the ultimate source of renewable energy because it provides the energy that drives the Earth's weather patterns, ocean currents, and plant growth.

Question 16

One disadvantage of solar cells is that
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.

Accepted Answer

The answer of One disadvantage of solar cells is that
A)...

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Subway tunnels are underground and do not receive direct sunlight, making them an unlikely place to install solar panels.

Question 18

Which of the following is an advantage of hydroelectric power?
A) Minor disruption of ecosystems
B) No loss of natural habitats
C) Facilities can be installed anywhere
D) No requirement for turbines
E) Clean source of power

Accepted Answer

Hydroelectric power is considered a clean source of energy because it generates electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or other pollutants.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

Hydroelectric dams can significantly disrupt surrounding habitats by altering water flow, affecting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and displacing wildlife.

Question 20

Which of the following is not a fuel that can be generated from vegetation?
A) Ethanol
B) Methane
C) Biodiesel
D) Methanol
E) Propane

Accepted Answer

Propane is a fossil fuel and is not typically generated from vegetation, unlike ethanol, methane, biodiesel, and methanol, which can be produced from biomass.

Quiz 9: Energy Resources

The most common way to generate electricity is

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

Electricity is a "secondary" energy source, meaning

Methods of generating electricity do not include

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?

When considering the development of a new form of energy, one must consider the answer to which of the following questions?

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

The largest source of non-renewable energy is from

Objections to the use of coal for energy do not include

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

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

One problem not associated with nuclear energy production is

Which of the following statements about nuclear power is false?

Which of the following statements about renewable sources of energy is true?

The ultimate source of renewable energy is

One disadvantage of solar cells is that

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?

Which of the following is an advantage of hydroelectric power?

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

Which of the following is not a fuel that can be generated from vegetation?