Chapter 12: Non-Renewable Energy Sources
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Which of the following statements accurately reflects the relationship between the global use of non-renewable and renewable energy sources?

  • Renewable energy sources account for the majority of energy consumption globally, surpassing non-renewable sources.
  • Both renewable and non-renewable energy sources contribute equally to the global energy mix, accounting for roughly 50% each.
  • Non-renewable energy sources dominate global energy consumption, comprising approximately 81% of the total energy used. (correct)
  • Non-renewable energy sources account for a significantly smaller proportion of global energy consumption than renewable energy sources, indicating a shift towards sustainable energy practices.
  • Based on the information provided, which country exhibits the highest per capita annual energy consumption?

  • India
  • Indonesia
  • US (correct)
  • China
  • Which of the following energy sources experienced a significant increase in usage in the US, contrasting with the decrease in oil and coal usage?

  • Hydropower
  • Natural gas (correct)
  • Solar energy
  • Nuclear energy
  • According to the passage, which sector in the US utilizes the most energy directly?

    <p>Industrial (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the concept of EROI (Energy Returned On Energy Invested) and its significance in energy efficiency?

    <p>EROI measures the ratio of energy obtained from a fuel source to the energy invested in its production and use, with a higher EROI representing greater efficiency. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a factor contributing to the decline of US fuel economy?

    <p>Increased reliance on electric vehicles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason the US is focusing on energy efficiency in transportation?

    <p>To increase fuel efficiency in cars and reduce emissions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of using a combined cycle power plant over a traditional thermal power plant?

    <p>Combined cycle plants are more efficient in utilizing fuel energy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of coal?

    <p>Requires extensive refining before use (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main argument against utilizing oil from ANWR?

    <p>The extraction could disrupt the habitat of wildlife (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does extracting natural gas impact the environment?

    <p>It can release methane into the atmosphere (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What makes bitumen different from conventional petroleum?

    <p>Bitumen is a solid form of petroleum found in the ground (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a disadvantage of using coal as a primary energy source?

    <p>Risk of radioactive waste (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of using natural gas over coal?

    <p>Natural gas emits fewer harmful pollutants when burned (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the Hubbert Curve?

    <p>To predict the peak production rate of a non-renewable resource (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main principle behind nuclear fission, the process that powers nuclear power plants?

    <p>The splitting of an atom's nucleus, releasing energy and neutrons (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between peat and coal?

    <p>Peat is a precursor to coal formation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a major coal-producing country?

    <p>Brazil (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of a non-renewable resource?

    <p>Fossil fuels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between energy intensity and the Hubbert Curve?

    <p>There is no direct relationship between energy intensity and the Hubbert Curve (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main factor driving the US energy policy shift towards renewable energy sources?

    <p>Environmental concerns associated with fossil fuel use (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary environmental benefit of hydroelectric power?

    <p>It has no air pollution or CO2 emissions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant disadvantage of hydroelectric power?

    <p>It may flood agricultural lands and affect ecosystems. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about ethanol is correct?

    <p>Ethanol is created by converting starches and sugars into alcohol. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of active solar energy systems?

    <p>They capture energy from sunlight using advanced technologies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a drawback of solar power?

    <p>Manufacturing solar panels can create environmental contamination. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is wind energy considered a rapidly growing energy source?

    <p>It can generate pollution-free electricity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common environmental concern regarding the installation of wind turbines?

    <p>They can kill birds and bats. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does geothermal energy work?

    <p>It derives heat from the Earth's core due to radioactive decay. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do ground source heat pumps play in geothermal energy utilization?

    <p>They transfer heat from the ground into buildings. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the main challenges associated with hydrogen fuel cells?

    <p>Hydrogen is difficult to store and transport. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which country is the majority of electricity generated from wind energy?

    <p>Denmark (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a critical issue associated with water impoundment from dams?

    <p>It can prevent the natural flow needed for certain organisms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which energy source can help reduce dependency on fossil fuel power plants during peak demand hours?

    <p>Solar power (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of biofuels, what does biodiesel serve as a substitute for?

    <p>Diesel (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A nuclear reactor utilizes control rods to regulate the fission process. What is the primary purpose of these control rods?

    <p>To absorb excess neutrons, slowing or stopping the fission reaction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Nuclear waste presents a significant challenge for the nuclear industry. What is the primary characteristic of spent nuclear fuel that makes it hazardous?

    <p>It contains highly radioactive isotopes with long half-lives, posing a long-term threat. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Imagine a radioactive substance with a half-life of 8 hours. If you start with 160 grams of this substance, how much will remain after 24 hours?

    <p>10 grams (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Consider the tiered rate system for electricity billing. Which of these statements accurately reflects this system?

    <p>Customers pay a higher rate for higher electricity consumption. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these options best describes the concept of 'peak demand' in energy usage?

    <p>The highest amount of energy used in a given period. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Sustainable design principles aim to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings and communities. Which of the following is NOT a key element of sustainable design?

    <p>Maximizing window sizes to allow more natural light. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Passive solar design relies on natural energy from the sun for heating and cooling homes, but it does NOT rely on:

    <p>Use of air conditioners and electric heaters for temperature regulation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is biomass considered a potentially renewable energy source?

    <p>It is an energy source that can be regenerated indefinitely if not overharvested. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the fundamental difference between modern carbon and fossil carbon?

    <p>Fossil carbon is derived from ancient plant and animal matter, while modern carbon is sourced from contemporary organic matter. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary reason why wood is used as fuel in developing countries where fossil fuels are less accessible?

    <p>Wood is a readily available and low-cost fuel source. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'net removal' mean in the context of carbon?

    <p>The removal of carbon from a system at a rate higher than its replacement. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a renewable energy source?

    <p>Nuclear power (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a significant advantage of nuclear energy compared to fossil fuels?

    <p>Nuclear energy is readily available in all regions of the world. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?

    <p>Fission involves combining atomic nuclei, while fusion involves splitting atomic nuclei. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is nuclear fusion considered a promising energy source for the future?

    <p>It is a limitless and environmentally friendly energy source with the potential to solve global energy needs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a major nuclear accident mentioned in the content?

    <p>Tokaimura (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Chapter 12: Non-Renewable Energy Sources

    • Global fossil fuel use: 81% of total energy, utilizing 570 exajoules annually.
    • Renewable energy use: 14%.
    • Leading energy consumers: China (highest annual), US (highest per capita).
    • Commercial energy: purchased and sold, including fossil fuels, nuclear, and renewables.
    • Subsistence energy: directly obtained from natural resources (firewood, foraging, etc.).
    • US energy consumption patterns: Petroleum highest, followed by natural gas, then coal; with a trend towards less reliance on coal and oil for energy.
    • Annual US energy consumption: 103 exajoules; similar fossil fuel dominance to global patterns.
    • Transportation: consumes nearly 30% of US energy, primarily due to cars, trucks, etc.
    • US fuel economy: declined from past levels, then later saw improvements to reduce consumption and emissions.

    Electricity Generation and Efficiency

    • Electricity generation: accounts for ~40% of US energy use.
    • Energy carriers: move energy in usable forms (electricity).
    • Thermal power plants: convert fuel potential energy into electricity using turbines and generators.
    • Steam generation: water boils to create steam, driving turbines connected to generators.
    • Coal-fired electricity: combustion transfers heat to water generating steam, driving turbines, generating electricity.

    Cogeneration

    • Cogeneration: generates electricity and useful heat from a single fuel source, maximizing efficiency.
    • Combined cycle systems: utilize exhaust gases from gas turbines to generate additional steam and thus more electricity.

    Fossil Fuels

    • Coal: solid fuel formed from ancient plant matter; major reserves in the US, Russia, China, and India.
      • Advantages: energy-dense, plentiful, inexpensive, easy to extract by surface mining.
      • Disadvantages: impurities, pollutant emissions (Hg, Pb, As), ash, CO2 release.
    • Peat: precursor to coal; formed in bogs where decaying vegetation accumulates.
    • Coal types: lignite < bituminous < anthracite (increasing energy density).
    • Petroleum: liquid mixture of hydrocarbons, water, and sulfur; cleaner than coal than coal and convenient for use and transport.
      • Advantages: energy-dense, relatively clean burning.
      • Disadvantages: CO2 release, potential leaks during extraction and transport, air and water pollution.
    • ANWR: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR); debate about oil extraction vs. environmental impact.
    • Natural gas: cleanest fossil fuel; mostly methane; used for electricity, industrial processes and in residences.
      • Advantages: low emissions, fewer impurities.
      • Disadvantages: still emits greenhouse gases (methane), potential groundwater contamination from extraction (fracking).

    Other Fossil Fuels

    • Oil sands and liquid coal: bitumen (degraded petroleum) and CTL (coal-to-liquids) technologies.
    • Energy intensity: energy use per unit of GDP; decreasing energy use per capita is beneficial to the environment.
    • Hubbert curve: graphical representation of a resource's production over time; used to predict oil production peaks.
    • Peak oil: highest point of global oil production.

    Nuclear Energy

    • Nuclear fission: splitting atomic nuclei to release energy.
    • Uranium-235: main fuel source for nuclear power plants.
    • Chain reaction: fission triggers a self-sustaining process.
      • Advantages: no air pollution.
      • Disadvantages: accidents (Chernobyl, Fukushima), waste disposal concerns, potential for misuse of material.
    • Radioactive waste: high-level (spent fuel rods) and low-level (protective clothing, tools); safe disposal methods are crucial.
    • Half-life: time required for half a substance to decay.
    • Nuclear fusion: combining lighter nuclei to release energy (theoretical future energy source).

    Chapter 13: Energy Conservation and Increasing Efficiency

    • Energy conservation: reducing energy consumption.
    • Energy efficiency: maximizing the output of useful energy.
    • Tiered rate system: pricing electricity based on usage levels (higher rate for higher use) in order to encourage conservation.
    • Peak demand: highest energy usage at a time.
    • Sustainable design: improving building efficiency and use of renewable resources (Passive solar technology, thermal mass).
    • Passive solar Design: utilizing natural sunlight for heating and cooling (overhangs, window placements, thermal mass).

    Renewable Energy

    • Renewable/Nondepletable Energy Sources: energy that can be regenerated (Potentially renewable) or is effectively limitless on Earth's time scale.
    • Biomass: energy from plant matter; modern carbon vs fossil carbon; sustainable use is essential
      • Solid biomass (wood, charcoal, manure).
    • Biofuels: liquid fuels from biomass (ethanol, biodiesel).
    • Hydroelectric power: electricity generated using moving water.
      • Run-of-the-river: hydroelectricity using natural river flow without dam storage.
      • Water impoundment (dams): storing water behind a dam to generate power; benefits and environmental impacts (ecosystem disruptions, flooding land).
    • Tidal energy: energy from water movement caused by tides.
    • Solar power: harnessing sunlight energy.
      • Active solar: photovoltaic panels, water heaters.
      • Concentrating Solar Power (CSP): use of mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight for thermal energy production.
    • Wind power: using wind turbines to generate electricity.
    • Geothermal energy: heat energy from within the Earth.
      • Direct heat use.
      • Electricity generation via steam turbines.
      • Ground source heat pumps.
    • Hydrogen fuel cells: converting hydrogen into electricity chemically.
    • Smart Grid: a digital grid that optimizes energy distribution and consumption.
    • Energy Future Consideration: balancing practicality requirements against environmental responsibility to achieve environmentally conscious energy strategies.

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    Description

    Explore the crucial aspects of non-renewable energy sources, highlighting global and US consumption patterns. This quiz covers fossil fuel use, electricity generation, and the shift in energy consumption trends in the US. Test your knowledge on how these energy sources impact the economy and the environment.

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