APES Unit 6 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the name of the subatomic particle at the center of every atom?

proton

What is the force that holds atoms together?

electromagnetic force

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?

6 quintillion Signup and view all the answers

Ninety-nine percent of the world's electricity is produced by?

generators Signup and view all the answers

Sequence for the generation of electricity by heat?

Heat boils water to make steam; steam turns a turbine, which runs a generator to make electricity Signup and view all the answers

What percent of the world's energy comes from water flowing through a generator in a dam?

16% Signup and view all the answers

Common heat sources used by large power plants?

coal, natural gas or nuclear Signup and view all the answers

Describe the formation of coal.

Plants die and decompose in swamps and are heated and are compressed into rock Signup and view all the answers

What is one positive economic impact of coal?

It provides low-cost energy for developing countries Signup and view all the answers

Air pollution from the burning of coal could include which of the following?

CO2 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs state both a benefit and a cost of coal?

many pollutants Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an experimental technology being used to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal?

turning coal into gas before it is burned to remove the carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What pollutants do 'baghouses' remove?

ash and some heavy metals Signup and view all the answers

What pollutants do 'scrubbers' remove?

sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides Signup and view all the answers

Worldwide, why do most plants not capture pollutants from the combustion of coal?

Many countries rely on the affordability of coal Signup and view all the answers

What makes modern life possible?

energy Signup and view all the answers

How many total gallons of gasoline might be in your closet from 15 or more pairs of blue jeans alone?

50 gallons Signup and view all the answers

In a weekly grocery trip, what is the equivalent amount of gas required to grow, process, package, transport and sell your food?

1 gallon Signup and view all the answers

Why is energy the most important issue of our time?

All individuals depend on energy. All our food depends on energy. Every government needs energy. Signup and view all the answers

In what way(s) do we use energy?

to make electricity, to transport people and products, to make heat Signup and view all the answers

Approximately what percent of our energy comes from fossil fuels?

80% Signup and view all the answers

Which forms of electricity produce very few atmospheric emissions?

nuclear, hydro, geothermal, solar and wind Signup and view all the answers

Fossil fuels produce energy by being burned and produce which of the following emissions?

CO2 and water vapor Signup and view all the answers

What percent of our overall global electricity use is accounted for by the internet and computer usage?

5% Signup and view all the answers

What percent of our overall global electricity use is accounted for by lighting buildings?

20% Signup and view all the answers

How many watt-hours of electricity does the average American use every day?

100,000 watt-hours Signup and view all the answers

A hybrid car uses a combination of?

gasoline and electric power Signup and view all the answers

What is the electric grid?

network that transmits electricity Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main electrical grids in the US located?

East, West, and Texas Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the amount of voltage as it is transmitted from a power station to a home?

The voltage is 'stepped down' or decreases Signup and view all the answers

The distribution of electricity is controlled by utility operators and overseen by regulators.

True Signup and view all the answers

Which components make up a battery?

electrolyte, cathode, and anode Signup and view all the answers

What do you use to measure the pressure of flowing electrons?

volts Signup and view all the answers

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.

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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.