Question 1

How is electricity produced in a dry steam geothermal power plant?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How is electricity produced in a dry...

Question 2

How do run-of-the-river hydroelectric systems differ from giant dams?

Accepted Answer

Run-of-the-river hydroelectric systems only direct some of the water flowing down a channel through a turbine, while giant dams block all of the water to create a reservoir.

Answer: B 
 This statement is incorrect, as run-of-the-river hydroelectric systems do not take over the entire ecosystem.

Answer: C 
 This statement is incorrect, as run-of-the-river hydroelectric systems do not flood an area to create a reservoir.

Answer: D 
 This statement is incorrect, as run-of-the-river hydroelectric systems differ significantly from giant dams.

Answer: E 
 This statement is incorrect, as the location of run-of-the-river hydroelectric systems and giant dams can vary, and is not a key point of differentiation between the two.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT an example of passive solar technology?

Accepted Answer

Photovoltaic cells are a form of active solar technology, as they convert sunlight into electricity through a chemical process. Passive solar technology refers to design and structural elements that utilize sunlight for heating, cooling, and lighting without any mechanical or electrical systems. Greenhouses, strategically oriented windows, dark-colored walls/floors, and roof overhangs are all examples of passive solar technology.

Question 4

________________ energy is the heat stored underground, contained in either rocks or fluids.

Accepted Answer

Geothermal energy is the heat stored underground, contained in either rocks or fluids. Wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and solar energy sources do not involve underground heat as their primary source.

Question 5

Which statement about solar energy is correct?

Accepted Answer

A) This statement is true as wind power is produced by the sun's radiation heating the Earth's atmosphere and creating wind.
B) This statement is also true as the amount of sunlight hitting the desert is vast, and if harnessed, it could meet the world's electricity needs.
C) This statement is accurate as the cost of photovoltaic cells is decreasing, making solar energy more affordable and accessible.
D) This statement is true as solar energy can be harnessed through both active (using mechanical devices like panels and pumps) and passive (using building design and materials) technologies.

Therefore, all of the given statements are correct.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT true of geothermal energy?

Accepted Answer

Geothermal projects do not release toxic fumes from deep inside the Earth, as the heat is derived from the Earth's natural heat and not from combustible sources. Although some geothermal projects can cause earthquakes, home-based projects can be expensive to install but have a relatively short payback time. Additionally, geothermal projects are dependent on the locations of hot zones in the Earth's crust.

Question 7

Which of the following choices converts the energy of the sun directly into heating?

Accepted Answer

Solar thermal systems use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight and convert it directly into heat, without the need for conversion to electricity first. This heat can then be used for space heating, water heating, or industrial processes.

Question 8

Which of the following electricity energy sources is least expensive for the consumer?

Accepted Answer

Fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, are currently the least expensive electricity energy sources for consumers due to their abundance and accessibility. However, it's important to consider the long-term costs and environmental impacts of using fossil fuels.

Question 9

Explain why wind and water energy sources are considered an indirect form of solar energy.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain why wind and water energy sources...

Question 10

What are the differences between active solar approaches and passive solar approaches?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the differences between active solar...

Question 11

Which renewable resource supplies more electricity to the human population than any other single renewable resource?

Accepted Answer

Hydropower is the renewable resource that supplies more electricity to the human population than any other single renewable resource. According to the International Energy Agency, hydropower accounted for 16.4% of the world's electricity generation in 2019, while wind and solar energy combined accounted for 8.3%.

Question 12

Why does a run-of-the-river hydroelectric system have less impact on aquatic systems than a giant dam?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why does a run-of-the-river hydroelectric system have...

Question 13

Geothermal power plants harness ________________ released from hydrothermal reservoirs to spin turbines to produce electricity.

Accepted Answer

Geothermal power plants harness steam released from hydrothermal reservoirs to spin turbines to produce electricity.

Question 14

In terms of true cost, which of the following electricity energy sources is least expensive for the consumer?

Accepted Answer

Wind energy is often considered the least expensive for consumers due to low operational and maintenance costs once the infrastructure is in place.

Question 15

Which renewable energy source has the greatest impact on the local environment?

Accepted Answer

Hydropower has the greatest impact on the local environment due to the construction of dams and reservoirs, which can disrupt natural ecosystems, alter water temperature and flow patterns, and displace communities. The creation of large bodies of water can also lead to the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, through decomposition processes.

Question 16

What areas are best suited for geothermal energy production, and why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What areas are best suited for geothermal...

Question 17

What makes solar energy an unreliable energy source?

Accepted Answer

Solar energy is unreliable because it depends on sunlight, which can be intermittent and less reliable in high-latitude locations. Additionally, the start-up costs for solar energy production can be expensive. However, the unreliability is not due to moving parts producing noise, as photovoltaic cells do not have many moving parts.

Question 18

Geothermal energy is considered to be one of the most efficient methods to heat and cool a house since the ground temperature being harnessed to either heat or cool a house is always around _______________ Fahrenheit.

Accepted Answer

The ground temperature is typically around 55°F, which is why geothermal energy is so efficient for heating and cooling a house.

Question 19

Currently, fossil fuels meet most of the energy needs of the United States. Why do experts say that in the future no one renewable source will dominate as fossil fuels do today?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Currently, fossil fuels meet most of the...

Question 20

How do geothermal power plants work?

Accepted Answer

Geothermal power plants utilize steam released from hydrothermal reservoirs to spin turbines and produce electricity. The steam is created by heat generated from the Earth's core, and is accessed through wells drilled deep into the Earth. The steam is then used to drive turbines, which generate electricity.

Quiz 23: Sustainable Energy for Stationary Sources- Fueled by the Sun: a Small Island Makes Big Strides in Renewable Energy- Sustainable Living in Community