1.
If all the energy of the sun shining on the Earth's land mass could be harnessed, it would be enough to meet the world's power needs how many times over?
Correct Answer
D. 6000 times
Explanation
The sunshine on the Earth's land is estimated to be 120,000 terawatts (trillion watts), or about 6,000 times the world's estimated 20-terawatt electricity demand by 2020.
2.
When was the first discovery that certain metals produced an electric current when exposed to light?
Correct Answer
B. 1839
Explanation
French physicist Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel noticed the effect when working with metal electrodes in an electrolyte solution, but he couldn't explain why.
3.
What were researchers originally trying to achieve when they developed the first practical photovoltaic (PV) cell in 1954?
Correct Answer
A. A new power source for telepHone systems
Explanation
Researchers at Bell Labs in Murray Hill, New Jersey, were interested in a power source for telephone systems that would not degrade in humid locations.
4.
What country has the most solar PV power, as of 2011?
Correct Answer
C. Germany
Explanation
Germany is a world leader, with a cumulative 17,192 megawatts installed by the end of 2010. Spain is second, with 3,784 megawatts. The United States has 2,528 megawatts, behind Italy and Japan. China had 893 megawatts.
5.
After California, which U.S. state has the most solar power installed, as of 2011?
Correct Answer
C. New Jersey
Explanation
Thanks to strong state policies encouraging renewable energy, solar installations have grown strongly in New Jersey, now with 293 megawatts of installed capacity, second only to California, with 917 megawatts.
6.
What is essential for a rooftop PV system to work?
Correct Answer
D. An inverter
Explanation
An inverter is needed to convert the direct current produced by the solar panels to the alternating current required by most household appliances.
7.
In 2010, the United States manufactured ______ percent of the world's solar PV panels?
Correct Answer
6
Explanation
The birthplace of solar PV technology produced only 6 percent of panels sold in 2010. China was an undisputed leader with 51 percent of the market, followed by Germany with 10 percent, says GTM Research.
8.
Photovoltaic solar energy requires:
Correct Answer(s)
A. Water
B. Connection to the electricity grid
C. Wiring
Explanation
Solar PV panels are the only means today of generating electricity without moving parts. True, they require very little water (just enough to keep surfaces clean) and can be used for living off the electricity grid, but the same is true of wind energy.
9.
The solar arrays on the International Space Station are the largest deployable space structures ever built.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
International Space Station Size & Mass
Module Length: 167.3 feet (51 meters)
Truss Length: 357.5 feet (109 meters)
Solar Array Length: 239.4 feet (73 meters)
Mass: 924,739 pounds (419,455 kilograms)
Habitable Volume: 13,696 cubic feet (388 cubic meters)
Pressurized Volume: 32,333 cubic feet (916 cubic meters)
Power Generation: 8 solar arrays = 84 kilowatts
Lines of Computer Code: approximately 2.3 million
Nasa (2012) Adapted from: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/onthestation/facts_and_figures.html#.UkAKKBZLe5c
10.
Each month, the Earth receives more energy from the Sun than all of mankind could use in an entire year.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
It is actually not each month, but each day! Time to save our usage of energy!
11.
Devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity are called _______.
Correct Answer
C. pHotovoltaic
Explanation
Photovoltaic- Sometimes referred to as "PV devices," or "solar cells," photovoltaic devices are often used in locations that are not hooked up to the electric grid.