Question 1

Which of the following statements is True?

Accepted Answer

The United States has limited proven oil reserves, which would last only a few years at current consumption rates without imports.

Question 2

Control rods in a nuclear reactor are used to

Accepted Answer

Control rods are made of materials that absorb neutrons, such as boron or cadmium. They are used to regulate the rate of fission in a nuclear reactor by absorbing excess neutrons and slowing down the chain reaction. This helps to prevent overheating of the reactor and potential nuclear disasters.

Question 3

_________ is derived from ancient swamps and bogs, where standing water prevented decay and allowed plant matter to accumulate and _________ is derived from plankton and algae, mixed with mud and sand on ancient sea beds.

Accepted Answer

Coal is derived from ancient swamps and bogs where plant matter accumulated, while oil is derived from plankton and algae mixed with mud and sand on ancient sea beds.

Question 4

Worldwide, coal deposits are

Accepted Answer

Coal deposits are widespread and extensive, found on every continent and in over 70 countries.

Question 5

Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland have higher standards of living by most measures than Americans or Canadians

Accepted Answer

Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland have higher standards of living despite using much less energy than Americans or Canadians. This is due to a variety of factors such as social welfare programs, better healthcare, and education systems.

Question 6

Most of the world's nuclear reactors are of the _____________ type.

Accepted Answer

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as of April 2021, over 300 of the 443 nuclear reactors in operation worldwide were pressurized water reactors (PWRs). This makes them the most common type of nuclear reactor in use today.

Question 7

Most useful oil deposits are usually found

Accepted Answer

Most useful oil deposits are found saturating porous rocks like sandstone or limestone, which act like a sponge and hold the oil in place. This type of deposit is called a reservoir.

Question 8

Fossil fuels currently supply about ____ percent of all world commercial energy supplies.

Accepted Answer

Fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas, and oil, are the dominant source of energy worldwide, providing approximately 87% of all world commercial energy supplies. This high percentage reflects the global reliance on these resources for electricity, heating, transportation, and industrial processes.

Question 9

In terms of generating electricity, fuel cells are _________ than thermal-conversion machines because the chemical energy of a fuel is

Accepted Answer

Fuel cells are more efficient than thermal-conversion machines because they directly convert the chemical energy of a fuel into electricity, without the intermediate step of combustion. This results in higher energy conversion efficiency and lower emissions.

Question 10

Which of the following statements is False ?

Accepted Answer

Improving standards of living do not necessarily require increased energy consumption due to advancements in energy efficiency and technology.

Question 11

Solar photovoltaic energy is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of dispersed settings. Which of the following would not be a good location to harness large amounts of this form of energy?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Solar photovoltaic energy is highly versatile and...

Question 12

For much of the past decade, battles have been going on over oil and gas drilling in

Accepted Answer

There has been a long-standing debate over whether to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to oil and gas drilling. Proponents argue that it would boost the economy and provide energy independence, while opponents argue that it would harm the environment and traditional indigenous communities.

Question 13

__________ can easily be moved across land in pipelines, but must be transported in special refrigerated ships to move across oceans.

Accepted Answer

Natural gas can be transported through pipelines on land, but when it comes to moving it across oceans, it must be transported in special refrigerated ships. The other options listed can be transported through standard methods of shipment.

Question 14

The most likely disaster in a nuclear power plant is that

Accepted Answer

Cooling systems are crucial in a nuclear power plant to keep the reactors from overheating and potentially melting down. If these systems were to fail, it could lead to a catastrophic disaster. However, the chances of a nuclear power plant exploding like a bomb, or nuclear fusion getting out of control, are extremely unlikely. Fuel rods failing to maintain chain reactions is also a possibility but is typically not considered the most likely disaster.

Question 15

A glass greenhouse on the south side of a building is an example of

Accepted Answer

A glass greenhouse on the south side of a building is an example of passive heat absorption. The glass allows sunlight to enter, which heats up the air and surfaces inside the greenhouse through a process called solar radiation. This is considered passive because no mechanical or electrical systems are needed to absorb the heat, it occurs naturally.

Question 16

Most of our energy waste in North America results from

Accepted Answer

While A, D, and E may contribute to some energy waste, the biggest factor is technological inefficiency. Many buildings and appliances are not designed to be energy-efficient, and there are sometimes better alternatives available that are not being used.

Question 17

_________ is an alternative fuel that can be made from any fat or vegetable oil. It can be used in any diesel engine with few or no modifications. Although it does not contain petroleum, it can be blended with diesel at any level or used in its pure form.

Accepted Answer

Biodiesel is the only option mentioned in the given choices that fits the description provided in the question. It is an alternative fuel made from fat or vegetable oil, can be used in diesel engines with few or no modifications, and can be blended with diesel at any level or used in its pure form. Coal, biomass, oil, and nuclear are all different types of energy sources that cannot be made into biodiesel.

Question 18

Nuclear power provides about _____ percent of the US energy supply.

Accepted Answer

Nuclear power currently provides about 9% of the US energy supply.

Question 19

A reason to encourage green building designs would be that

Accepted Answer

Green building designs incorporate features such as better insulation, energy-efficient lighting, and the use of renewable energy sources. These features can save money on energy needs and promote sustainability. While eliminating the use of fossil fuels and utilizing natural gas can be components of green building, they are not the overarching reason to encourage it. Eliminating brownfields is also not directly related to green building designs.

Question 20

The United States, making up less than 5 percent of the world's population, uses more than ___ of the world's commercial energy production.

Accepted Answer

The United States, despite having less than 5% of the global population, consumes about a quarter (1/4) of the world's commercial energy production, highlighting its significant energy consumption relative to its population size.

Quiz 13: Energy