1.
Most of the energy we use originally came from
Correct Answer
A. The sun
Explanation
The correct answer is the sun because the sun is the ultimate source of energy for most forms of energy that we use. The sun's energy is converted into various forms such as solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy, and even fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. These energy sources are derived from ancient plants and organisms that captured the sun's energy through photosynthesis millions of years ago. Therefore, the sun plays a crucial role in providing the initial energy that is harnessed and utilized by humans.
2.
Electrical energy can be produced from
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
Electrical energy can be produced from various sources, including mechanical energy, chemical energy, and radiant energy. Mechanical energy can be converted into electrical energy through processes like generators and turbines. Chemical energy can be transformed into electrical energy through chemical reactions in batteries or fuel cells. Radiant energy, such as solar energy, can be converted into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells. Therefore, all of the given options are correct sources for producing electrical energy.
3.
Which uses the most energy in American homes each year?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Lighting
C. Heating and cooling rooms
Explanation
The correct answer is lighting. Lighting consumes a significant amount of energy in American homes each year. This is because lights are used for extended periods of time throughout the day and night. On the other hand, while heating and cooling rooms also require energy, they are not used as consistently as lighting. Refrigeration, although important, does not consume as much energy as lighting or heating and cooling rooms. Therefore, lighting is the activity that uses the most energy in American homes each year.
4.
The U.S. consumes lots of energy. Which fuel provides the most energy?
Correct Answer
A. Petroleum
Explanation
Petroleum is the correct answer because it is the fuel that provides the most energy in the U.S. Petroleum, also known as crude oil, is a fossil fuel that is used for various purposes such as transportation, heating, and electricity generation. It is a highly efficient source of energy and is widely used in the U.S. due to its abundance and accessibility. Petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel are essential for powering vehicles and machinery, making it the primary source of energy consumption in the country.
5.
Coal, petroleum, natural gas, and propane are fossil fuels. They are called fossil fuels because:
Correct Answer
B. They were formed from the buried remains of plants and tiny animals that lived hundreds of millions of years ago
Explanation
Fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, and propane were formed from the buried remains of plants and tiny animals that lived hundreds of millions of years ago. Over time, these organic materials were subjected to heat and pressure, resulting in the formation of fossil fuels. This process took place over a long period, making them non-renewable resources. The other options mentioned in the question, such as burning to release energy and causing air pollution, being mixed with fossils, or running out, are not accurate explanations for why fossil fuels are called fossil fuels.
6.
Gasoline is produced by refining which fossil fuel?
Correct Answer
C. Petroleum
Explanation
Petroleum is the correct answer because gasoline is primarily produced by refining crude oil, which is a fossil fuel. Crude oil is processed in a refinery where various fractions are separated, and gasoline is one of the main products obtained from this refining process. Natural gas, coal, and propane are also fossil fuels, but they are not directly used in the production of gasoline.
7.
Propane is used instead of natural gas on many farms and in rural areas. Why is propane often used instead of natural gas?
Correct Answer
B. It's portable
Explanation
Propane is often used instead of natural gas because it is portable. Unlike natural gas, which requires a fixed pipeline infrastructure, propane can be stored in tanks and transported to different locations. This makes it a convenient option for farms and rural areas where access to natural gas pipelines may be limited.
8.
What sector of the U.S. economy consumes most of the nation's petroleum?
Correct Answer
D. Transportation
Explanation
Transportation is the sector of the U.S. economy that consumes the most petroleum. This is because petroleum is primarily used as a fuel source for vehicles, including cars, trucks, airplanes, and ships. The transportation sector relies heavily on petroleum to power these vehicles and keep them running. As a result, a significant portion of the nation's petroleum is consumed by this sector to meet the demand for transportation services.
9.
Global warming focuses on an increase in the level of which gas in the atmosphere?
Correct Answer
C. Carbon dioxide
Explanation
Global warming is primarily caused by the increase in the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat from the sun and prevents it from escaping back into space. This leads to a gradual rise in global temperatures, causing various negative impacts such as melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events. The excessive burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes are the main contributors to the increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
10.
Solar, biomass, geothermal, wind, and hydropower energy are all renewable sources of energy. They are called renewable because they
Correct Answer
C. Can be replenished by nature in a short period of time
Explanation
Renewable sources of energy, such as solar, biomass, geothermal, wind, and hydropower, can be replenished by nature in a short period of time. Unlike non-renewable sources like fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form, renewable energy sources can be naturally replenished within a relatively short timeframe. This makes them sustainable and ensures that they will not run out. By harnessing these sources, we can reduce our dependence on finite resources and minimize the negative environmental impacts associated with non-renewable energy production.
11.
Today, which renewable energy source provides the U.S. with the most energy?
Correct Answer
D. Hydropower
Explanation
Hydropower is the correct answer because it currently provides the U.S. with the most energy among renewable sources. Hydropower involves harnessing the energy from flowing or falling water to generate electricity. The U.S. has a significant number of dams and hydroelectric power plants, allowing it to produce a large amount of energy from this renewable source. Wind and solar energy are also growing rapidly in the U.S., but currently, hydropower remains the dominant renewable energy source in terms of energy production. Geothermal energy, which utilizes heat from the Earth's interior, contributes to the renewable energy mix but on a smaller scale compared to hydropower.
12.
Electricity is the movement of
Correct Answer
C. Electrical power
Explanation
Electricity is the movement of electrical power. Electrical power refers to the flow of electric charge through a conductor, such as a wire. It is the energy that is carried by the movement of electrons in a circuit. Therefore, the correct answer is "electrical power."
13.
How much of the energy in burning coal reaches the consumer as electricity?
Correct Answer
A. 1/3 (one-third)
Explanation
The answer is 1/3 (one-third) because when coal is burned to produce electricity, a significant amount of energy is lost as heat during the conversion process. This means that only a fraction of the energy from burning coal is actually converted into electricity and reaches the consumer. In this case, it is estimated that approximately one-third of the energy in burning coal is converted into electricity that reaches the consumer.
14.
In a nuclear power plant, uranium atoms
Correct Answer
B. Split and give off heat energy
Explanation
In a nuclear power plant, uranium atoms undergo a process called nuclear fission, where they split into smaller atoms when bombarded by neutrons. This splitting of uranium atoms releases a tremendous amount of heat energy in the form of kinetic energy of the resulting smaller atoms and high-speed neutrons. This heat energy is then used to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. Therefore, the correct answer is "split and give off heat energy."