Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the name of the subatomic particle at the center of every atom?
What is the name of the subatomic particle at the center of every atom?
proton
What is the force that holds atoms together?
What is the force that holds atoms together?
electromagnetic force
How do we make electrons move to produce electricity?
How do we make electrons move to produce electricity?
Electrons flow from the orbit of one atom to another in a single direction
To generate one ampere of electricity, how many electrons per second must flow?
To generate one ampere of electricity, how many electrons per second must flow?
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Ninety-nine percent of the world's electricity is produced by?
Ninety-nine percent of the world's electricity is produced by?
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Sequence for the generation of electricity by heat?
Sequence for the generation of electricity by heat?
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What percent of the world's energy comes from water flowing through a generator in a dam?
What percent of the world's energy comes from water flowing through a generator in a dam?
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Common heat sources used by large power plants?
Common heat sources used by large power plants?
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Describe the formation of coal.
Describe the formation of coal.
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What is one positive economic impact of coal?
What is one positive economic impact of coal?
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Air pollution from the burning of coal could include which of the following?
Air pollution from the burning of coal could include which of the following?
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Which of the following pairs state both a benefit and a cost of coal?
Which of the following pairs state both a benefit and a cost of coal?
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Which of the following describes an experimental technology being used to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal?
Which of the following describes an experimental technology being used to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal?
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What pollutants do 'baghouses' remove?
What pollutants do 'baghouses' remove?
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What pollutants do 'scrubbers' remove?
What pollutants do 'scrubbers' remove?
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Worldwide, why do most plants not capture pollutants from the combustion of coal?
Worldwide, why do most plants not capture pollutants from the combustion of coal?
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What makes modern life possible?
What makes modern life possible?
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How many total gallons of gasoline might be in your closet from 15 or more pairs of blue jeans alone?
How many total gallons of gasoline might be in your closet from 15 or more pairs of blue jeans alone?
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In a weekly grocery trip, what is the equivalent amount of gas required to grow, process, package, transport and sell your food?
In a weekly grocery trip, what is the equivalent amount of gas required to grow, process, package, transport and sell your food?
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Why is energy the most important issue of our time?
Why is energy the most important issue of our time?
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In what way(s) do we use energy?
In what way(s) do we use energy?
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Approximately what percent of our energy comes from fossil fuels?
Approximately what percent of our energy comes from fossil fuels?
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Which forms of electricity produce very few atmospheric emissions?
Which forms of electricity produce very few atmospheric emissions?
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Fossil fuels produce energy by being burned and produce which of the following emissions?
Fossil fuels produce energy by being burned and produce which of the following emissions?
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What percent of our overall global electricity use is accounted for by the internet and computer usage?
What percent of our overall global electricity use is accounted for by the internet and computer usage?
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What percent of our overall global electricity use is accounted for by lighting buildings?
What percent of our overall global electricity use is accounted for by lighting buildings?
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How many watt-hours of electricity does the average American use every day?
How many watt-hours of electricity does the average American use every day?
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A hybrid car uses a combination of?
A hybrid car uses a combination of?
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What is the electric grid?
What is the electric grid?
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What are the three main electrical grids in the US located?
What are the three main electrical grids in the US located?
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What happens to the amount of voltage as it is transmitted from a power station to a home?
What happens to the amount of voltage as it is transmitted from a power station to a home?
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The distribution of electricity is controlled by utility operators and overseen by regulators.
The distribution of electricity is controlled by utility operators and overseen by regulators.
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Which components make up a battery?
Which components make up a battery?
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What do you use to measure the pressure of flowing electrons?
What do you use to measure the pressure of flowing electrons?
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Study Notes
Subatomic Particles and Forces
- Protons are the subatomic particles found at the center of every atom.
- The electromagnetic force is responsible for holding atoms together.
Electricity Generation and Flow
- Electrons move in a single direction from the orbit of one atom to another to generate electricity.
- To produce one ampere of electricity, 6 quintillion electrons must flow every second.
- Ninety-nine percent of global electricity is generated by generators.
Electricity Production Process
- Heat is utilized to boil water, creating steam that turns turbines connected to generators for electricity production.
Hydropower
- Sixteen percent of the world’s energy is generated from water flowing through dams.
Energy Sources
- Common heat sources for large power plants include coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy.
Coal Formation and Economic Impact
- Coal forms when plants decompose in swamps, heat, and pressure turn them into rock.
- A positive economic impact of coal is its provision of low-cost energy, particularly in developing countries.
Coal Pollution and Control Technologies
- Burning coal can produce air pollutants like NOx, SOx, CO2, and ash.
- Coal is recognized for its affordability but is associated with high pollutant emissions.
- Experimental technologies aim to convert coal into gas before burning to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Pollution Control Equipment
- "Baghouses" are designed to filter out ash and heavy metals from emissions.
- "Scrubbers" remove sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides from exhaust.
Global Energy Dependence
- Global reliance on affordable coal limits the implementation of pollution control technologies.
- Energy is the backbone of modern life, critical for individual needs, agriculture, and government operations.
Energy Consumption Insights
- Fifteen pairs of blue jeans can represent approximately 50 gallons of gasoline in energy use.
- The energy required for the entire process of producing, packaging, and transporting food during a grocery trip equates to about one gallon of gasoline.
Energy as a Core Issue
- Energy is fundamental, affecting food production, daily activities, and governance, highlighting its importance in society.
Uses of Energy
- Energy is used for electricity generation, transportation, and heating purposes.
Fossil Fuels and Energy Statistics
- Fossil fuels account for roughly 80% of total global energy consumption.
- Low atmospheric emissions are characteristic of renewable energy sources such as nuclear, hydro, geothermal, solar, and wind.
Emissions from Fossil Fuels
- Fossil fuels produce energy through burning, resulting in CO2 and water vapor emissions.
Global Electricity Consumption
- Internet and computer usage accounts for around 5% of total global electricity consumption.
- Lighting buildings represents approximately 20% of global electricity usage.
American Energy Usage
- The average American consumes about 100,000 watt-hours of electricity daily.
Hybrid Vehicles
- Hybrid cars operate using a combination of gasoline and electric power.
Electric Grid Overview
- The electric grid is a network responsible for transmitting electricity.
US Electric Grids
- The United States has three main electrical grids located in the East, West, and Texas.
Voltage Transmission
- Voltage decreases or is "stepped down" as electricity is transmitted from power stations to homes.
Electricity Distribution Control
- Electricity distribution is managed by utility operators and regulated by overseeing entities.
Battery Components
- A battery comprises three main components: electrolyte, cathode, and anode.
Measuring Electric Pressure
- Volts are the units used to measure the pressure of flowing electrons.
Electron Flow in Experiments
- Electrons move from the anode to the cathode during experiments involving battery function.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key concepts in AP Environmental Science Unit 6. From subatomic particles to the forces acting on atoms, this quiz is designed to help you grasp essential scientific principles.
