Biomass Energy Quiz

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What is biomass?

Any organic matter that can be used as an energy source (correct)

Any matter that comes from renewable sources

Any matter that contains carbohydrates

Any matter derived from plants and animals

How does biomass obtain its energy?

Through the combustion of organic matter

By absorbing nutrients from the soil

Through the process of photosynthesis (correct)

By converting sunlight into electricity

Why is biomass considered a renewable energy source?

It has a low environmental impact

It can be grown in a short period of time (correct)

It is abundant in nature

It can be easily converted into biofuels

What percentage of biomass is used by the transportation sector?

28.2 percent Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary source of energy for Americans until the mid-1800s?

Wood Signup and view all the answers

What is the main process by which plants convert energy from the sun into chemical energy?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between power plants that burn garbage and coal-fired plants?

The type of fuel used Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for adding ethanol to gasoline?

To reduce carbon dioxide emissions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for converting biomass into gas and liquid fuels?

To reduce greenhouse gas emissions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of energy in the United States and the rest of the world until the mid-1800s?

Wood Signup and view all the answers

What are the four ways to release the energy stored in biomass?

The four ways to release the energy stored in biomass are burning, bacterial decay, fermentation, and conversion to gas/liquid fuel. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main ingredient in natural gas, and how is it produced from biomass?

The main ingredient in natural gas is methane, and it is produced from biomass through bacterial decay, where bacteria feed on dead plants and animals and produce methane gas. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for using ethanol as a fuel, and how is it produced from biomass?

The primary reason for using ethanol as a fuel is to lower carbon dioxide emissions. Ethanol is produced from biomass through fermentation, by adding yeast to biomass to produce alcohol. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main process by which plants convert radiant energy from the sun into chemical energy, and what is the end product of this process?

The main process by which plants convert radiant energy from the sun into chemical energy is photosynthesis. The end product of this process is glucose (or sugar). Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between waste-to-energy plants and coal-fired plants, and how is garbage used as a biomass fuel source?

The main difference between waste-to-energy plants and coal-fired plants is the fuel source. Garbage is used as a biomass fuel source in waste-to-energy plants, where it can be burned to generate steam and electricity. Signup and view all the answers