7th Grade Natural Resources and Energy Quiz

Natural Resources

• Natural resources are materials or substances that occur naturally and can be used for economic gain
• Examples: water, minerals, wood, fossil fuels, sunlight, wind

Nonrenewable Resources

• Nonrenewable resources are natural resources that cannot be replenished quickly enough to keep up with human consumption
• Examples: fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas), minerals, nuclear energy

Fossil Fuels

• Fossil fuels are formed from ancient plants and animals that have been buried for millions of years
• Examples: petroleum, natural gas, coal
• Fossil fuels are a major source of energy, but they are finite and contribute to climate change

Petroleum

• Petroleum is a fossil fuel used to produce gasoline, diesel, and other products
• It is a major source of energy, but its use contributes to climate change and air pollution

Natural Gas

• Natural gas is a fossil fuel used to generate electricity, heat homes, and power vehicles
• It is a cleaner-burning fuel than coal or petroleum, but still contributes to climate change

Nuclear Energy

• Nuclear energy is a nonrenewable resource that generates electricity through nuclear reactions
• It is a low-carbon source of energy, but it produces radioactive waste and poses safety risks

Politics of Energy

• The production, distribution, and use of energy resources are influenced by political and economic factors
• Governments and corporations often prioritize fossil fuels over alternative energy sources

Reducing Fossil Fuel Usage

• Reducing fossil fuel usage can help mitigate climate change and improve air quality
• Strategies include increasing energy efficiency, using alternative energy sources, and reducing energy consumption

Alternative Energy Sources

• Alternative energy sources are renewable and sustainable, unlike fossil fuels
• Examples: solar energy, hydroelectric energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, bioenergy

Solar Energy

• Solar energy is generated from sunlight, which is abundant and free
• It can be harnessed using solar panels, solar water heaters, and passive solar design

Hydroelectric Energy

• Hydroelectric energy is generated from the movement of water in rivers and oceans
• It is a reliable and renewable source of energy, used to generate electricity and power homes

Passive Solar Energy

• Passive solar energy is a design approach that uses sunlight to heat and cool buildings naturally
• It reduces the need for fossil fuels and promotes energy efficiency

Wind Energy

• Wind energy is generated from the movement of wind, which is abundant and free
• It is used to generate electricity and power homes, farms, and industries

Geothermal Energy

• Geothermal energy is generated from the heat of the Earth's interior
• It is used to generate electricity, heat homes, and provide hot water

Bioenergy

• Bioenergy is generated from organic matter, such as plants, wood, and waste
• It is a renewable source of energy, used to generate electricity, heat homes, and power vehicles

Minerals and Mining

• Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances with economic value
• Examples: metals (iron, copper, gold), minerals (salt, quartz, diamonds)
• Mining is the extraction of minerals from the Earth, often with environmental and social impacts

Water Resources

• Water is a vital natural resource, essential for human survival
• Types of water resources: surface water (rivers, lakes, oceans), ground water (aquifers)

Human Impact on Water Resources

• Human activities, such as agriculture, industry, and urbanization, affect water resources and the environment
• Human impact on water resources includes pollution, over-extraction, and climate change

Desalination and Aquifers

• Desalination is the process of removing salt and minerals from seawater or brackish water
• Aquifers are underground layers of permeable rock that store groundwater, an important source of freshwater