1.
In the northern hemisphere which of the following would describe how passive solar power for heating and cooling would work?
Correct Answer
D. A house with windows on the southern side and an awning to block summer light
Explanation
Passive solar power for heating and cooling relies on utilizing the sun's energy to naturally heat and cool a building without the need for mechanical systems. In the northern hemisphere, the sun is predominantly in the southern sky. Therefore, a house with windows on the southern side would allow for maximum exposure to the sun's heat during the winter months, helping to warm the interior. Additionally, installing an awning to block the summer light would prevent excessive heat gain during the warmer months, ensuring efficient cooling.
2.
Photovoltaics are solar panels used for electricity. They are commonly made of ___________
Correct Answer
B. Silicon
Explanation
Photovoltaics are solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. They are commonly made of silicon. Silicon is a semiconductor material that has the ability to absorb photons from sunlight and release electrons, creating an electric current. It is widely used in photovoltaic cells due to its abundance, high efficiency, and stability. Gold, silver, cadmium, and lead are not commonly used in the production of photovoltaics.
3.
Check the box next to each renewable energy resource that uses sunlight either directly or indirectly
Correct Answer(s)
A. Ethanol produced from corn
B. Hydroelectric power
C. Wind turbines
Explanation
Ethanol produced from corn is a renewable energy resource that indirectly uses sunlight. Corn, as a plant, undergoes photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy, which is then used to produce ethanol. Hydroelectric power is another renewable energy resource that indirectly uses sunlight. Sunlight evaporates water, which then condenses and falls as rain, filling rivers and reservoirs. The flowing water is used to generate electricity. Wind turbines directly use sunlight as wind is created by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun. Geothermal power, on the other hand, does not directly or indirectly use sunlight, as it harnesses the Earth's internal heat.
4.
WHich of the following are examples of biomass energy
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The given answer, "all of the above," is correct because all three options mentioned are examples of biomass energy. Using an anaerobic digester to produce electricity involves the decomposition of organic materials, such as animal waste or food scraps, to generate biogas that can be used for electricity production. Incineration of garbage to produce electricity involves burning organic waste materials to generate heat, which is then converted into electricity. Turning sugar cane into ethanol involves the fermentation and distillation of sugar cane juice or molasses to produce a biofuel called ethanol, which can be used as a renewable energy source.
5.
HOw do we get hydrogen fuel to power a h fuel cell?
Correct Answer
B. Electrolysis of water
Explanation
Electrolysis of water is the process of splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using an electric current. This is a common method used to obtain hydrogen fuel for fuel cells. By passing an electric current through water, the water molecules break apart, and the hydrogen gas can be collected and used as fuel. This process is considered a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to produce hydrogen fuel, as it only requires water and electricity as inputs. Therefore, electrolysis of water is a viable method to obtain hydrogen fuel for powering a fuel cell.
6.
Which of the following is a drawback to using wind power?
Correct Answer
D. Birds can get killed when they migrate past the wind farm and get caught in the blades
Explanation
Birds can get killed when they migrate past the wind farm and get caught in the blades. This is a drawback to using wind power because it can lead to harm and even death of birds. Wind turbines have large rotating blades that can be hazardous to birds flying in their path. This can result in a negative impact on bird populations, especially during migration periods.
7.
When compared to coal burning, which of the following is a benefit of solar power?
Correct Answer
B. Solar power panels do not emit greenhouse gases while they create electricity
Explanation
Solar power panels do not emit greenhouse gases while they create electricity. This is a benefit of solar power because it helps to reduce the environmental impact and mitigate climate change. Unlike coal burning, which releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, solar power is a clean and renewable source of energy. By using solar power, we can reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
8.
Which of the following is a benefit to using ethanol made from corn?
Correct Answer(s)
C. Renewable
D. Less dependence on foreign oil
Explanation
Ethanol made from corn is considered a renewable source of energy because corn can be grown and harvested repeatedly. This means that as long as there is a steady supply of corn, ethanol production can continue indefinitely. Additionally, using ethanol made from corn reduces the dependence on foreign oil because it can be produced domestically. This reduces the need to import oil from other countries, therefore increasing energy security and decreasing reliance on foreign sources.
9.
In a hydroelectric dam, what drives the turbine to create electricity?
Correct Answer
A. Falling water from the reservoir to the river
Explanation
In a hydroelectric dam, the turbine is driven by the falling water from the reservoir to the river. As the water falls, it gains kinetic energy, which is used to turn the turbine blades. This rotational motion is then converted into electricity by the generator connected to the turbine. Evaporation, flooding, and movement of water upstream do not directly drive the turbine to create electricity in a hydroelectric dam.
10.
What drives the turbine to produce electricity in a geothermal power plant
Correct Answer
C. Steam produced by magma close the surface
Explanation
The correct answer is steam produced by magma close to the surface. In a geothermal power plant, steam is produced when water comes into contact with hot rocks or magma deep underground. This steam is then channeled through a turbine, which spins as a result of the high-pressure steam flow. The spinning turbine drives a generator, producing electricity. Therefore, it is the steam produced by magma close to the surface that drives the turbine and ultimately generates electricity in a geothermal power plant.
11.
Check the box next to each RENEWABLE source of methane
Correct Answer
A. Cow manure
Explanation
Cow manure is a renewable source of methane because it is produced by cows on an ongoing basis. Methane is a byproduct of the decomposition of organic matter, such as manure, and can be captured and used as a renewable energy source. In contrast, sewage sludge, fracking, and oil drilling are not renewable sources of methane. Sewage sludge is a byproduct of wastewater treatment and is not continuously produced. Fracking and oil drilling involve extracting methane from underground reserves, which are finite resources and not renewable.
12.
Tidal power can meet the energy demands of only coastal cities
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Tidal power is a form of renewable energy that harnesses the natural rise and fall of ocean tides to generate electricity. This power source is primarily located near coastal areas where there is a significant tidal range. Therefore, it is true that tidal power can only meet the energy demands of coastal cities as they have access to the necessary tidal resources. Inland cities, far from the coast, do not have access to tidal power and would need to rely on other sources of energy to meet their demands.
13.
The process of turning corn into ethanol is called
Correct Answer
C. Fermentation
Explanation
Fermentation is the correct answer because it is the process of converting sugars present in corn into ethanol by the action of yeast or bacteria. During fermentation, the enzymes in the yeast break down the sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide. This process is widely used in the production of ethanol as a biofuel. Electrolysis is not the correct answer as it is a process of using an electric current to drive a chemical reaction, and it is not typically used in the production of ethanol from corn. Ethanation and separation are not relevant to the process of turning corn into ethanol.
14.
Tidal power creates electricity 24 hours a day
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Tidal power does not create electricity 24 hours a day. It relies on the rise and fall of tides, which occur twice a day. Therefore, tidal power can only generate electricity during certain periods when the tides are flowing in and out.
15.
Which of the following is true about building dams for electricity
Correct Answer
C. Dams flood the ecosystem upstream destroying it
Explanation
Dams flood the ecosystem upstream and destroy it because the construction of dams involves creating a reservoir by blocking a river or stream, which leads to the flooding of the surrounding land. This flooding disrupts the natural ecosystem and can result in the loss of habitat for various plant and animal species. Additionally, the altered water flow and temperature caused by the dam can further harm biodiversity and negatively impact the overall health of the ecosystem.
16.
In order for a home to be awarded the energy star rating which of the following must be true?
Correct Answer
B. The home must consume 40% less electricity from the power grid as other homes
Explanation
To be awarded the energy star rating, a home must consume 40% less electricity from the power grid compared to other homes. This means that the home should be designed and equipped with energy-efficient appliances, insulation, and lighting, among other features, to reduce its overall energy consumption. The presence of solar panels and wind turbines is not a requirement for the energy star rating, although they can contribute to the home's overall energy efficiency and sustainability. Therefore, the correct answer is that the home must consume 40% less electricity from the power grid as other homes.