Science Module 2 Exam Review

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Questions and Answers

What is a major disadvantage of non-renewable resources?

They can never be recycled.

They completely eliminate pollution.

They are easily accessible.

They will eventually run out. (correct)

Which greenhouse gas is primarily produced from the combustion of fossil fuels?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) (correct)

Ozone (O3)

Methane (CH4)

Nitrous oxide (N2O)

What environmental issue is caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases?

Decreased sea levels

Reduction of biodiversity (correct)

Global cooling

Increased ocean acidity

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of global climate change?

Stable weather patterns Signup and view all the answers

How does climate change affect human health?

It leads to increased risks of infectious diseases. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following contributes to rising sea levels?

Increased temperatures from greenhouse gas emissions Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of intense heat waves due to climate change?

Increased health risks in various populations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is most likely to occur due to climate change?

Migration patterns in animals changing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary environment necessary for the formation of coal?

Swamp Signup and view all the answers

Which type of coal has the highest carbon content?

Anthracite Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the transformation of plant debris into coal?

Continuous water supply Signup and view all the answers

What historical period saw the significant rediscovery of coal in the United States?

1600s Signup and view all the answers

Which type of coal is primarily used for cooking and heating according to early Native American practices?

Bituminous Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of using coal as an energy resource?

It releases hazardous pollutants Signup and view all the answers

Which country was the largest consumer and importer of coal in 2020?

China Signup and view all the answers

Which type of coal has the lowest heating value?

Lignite Signup and view all the answers

According to the global coal production statistics, what was the coal use in 2022?

8.3 billion tonnes Signup and view all the answers

What major global event led to the increased use of coal for energy in commercial sectors?

The Industrial Revolution Signup and view all the answers

Which region of Canada is known for having the highest coal production?

British Columbia Signup and view all the answers

What is a key objective of the Paris Agreement?

Limit global warming to well below 2°C Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is associated with lignite coal?

Highest moisture content Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant environmental concern associated with coal mining?

Release of hazardous pollutants Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total energy requirements does natural gas currently account for?

20% Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of liquefied natural gas (LNG) makes it safer for storage and transportation?

Its volume is reduced by up to 600 times. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of transporting natural gas?

Air freight Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of injecting high-pressure steam into the upper wellbore in oil sand production?

To reduce the viscosity of the oil. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main environmental concern regarding natural gas?

It can harm the water supply. Signup and view all the answers

Which liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has a chemical formula of C3H8?

Propane Signup and view all the answers

Which process is estimated to be economic when oil prices reach at least US$30 to $35 per barrel?

SAGD Signup and view all the answers

What type of crude oil is generally considered sweet and light?

West Texas Intermediate Signup and view all the answers

In which area are the Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) methods primarily utilized?

Cold Lake Area, Alberta Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of the CSS method in oil sands production?

The cost of injecting steam is high. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Total Acid Number (TAN) indicate about crude oil?

The total acid content of the oil. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of oil is typically recoverable using the CSS method?

20 to 25% Signup and view all the answers

Which type of petroleum is characterized by a high sulfur content?

Sour petroleum Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of natural gas?

Methane Signup and view all the answers

How is liquefied natural gas (LNG) formed?

By cooling natural gas below -162 degrees Celsius. Signup and view all the answers

Which property is NOT used to classify crude oil?

Viscosity at freezing temperature Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the chemical structure of methane?

A carbon atom surrounded by four hydrogen atoms. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main advantages of using liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs)?

They produce less greenhouse gas emissions. Signup and view all the answers

What phase follows the initial steam injection in the CSS operation?

Oil production phase. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason refiners prefer crude oil with low Total Acid Number (TAN)?

It minimizes the risk of corrosion. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the cost structures of oil sands production compared to conventional oil production?

Oil sands projects require higher initial investments but lower marginal costs thereafter. Signup and view all the answers

What is a historical artifact of natural gas use in China?

Bamboo pipes were used for extraction and transportation. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to LNG after it reaches its destination?

It is converted back into gas using regasification. Signup and view all the answers

How does the average heating value of natural gas vary?

It varies based on chemical composition and constituents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between oil prices and the continuation of oil sands production?

All oil sands producers require prices above C$40 per barrel for sustainability. Signup and view all the answers

Which items are commonly produced from crude oil?

Fuels like gasoline, diesel, and numerous everyday products. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for the establishment of a petroleum field?

An appropriate structure for trapping petroleum Signup and view all the answers

Which process converts organic matter into petroleum products?

Biochemical reactions in absence of oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What forms of hydrocarbons can be produced from kerogen?

Natural gas, coal, and peat Signup and view all the answers

Where are natural bitumen reserves typically found?

In taiga regions Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world's bitumen reserves can be extracted through surface mining?

20% Signup and view all the answers

Which method is commonly used for deep oil sand deposits?

In situ extraction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for petroleum formation?

Presence of water Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the process that transforms kerogen into hydrocarbons?

Catagenesis Signup and view all the answers

Why is the extraction of bitumen considered environmentally challenging?

It is mixed with toxic metals and sulfur. Signup and view all the answers

What creates sedimentary basins sought after for petroleum extraction?

Burial of organic matter and sediments Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a significant part of the taiga biome?

Dense coniferous forests Signup and view all the answers

What does SAGD stand for in petroleum extraction technology?

Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage Signup and view all the answers

Which element is a major component of hydrocarbons produced from kerogen?

Hydrogen Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of extracting bitumen from tar sand?

Environmental pollution Signup and view all the answers

How does the formation of petroleum begin?

From decaying organic matter under high pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the sulphur content percentage in Brent oil?

0.37% Signup and view all the answers

Which type of crude oil requires more refining before use?

Heavy oil Signup and view all the answers

What defines renewable energy?

Electricity generated from perpetual resources Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT influence the pattern of wind flow?

Ocean currents Signup and view all the answers

Which type of turbine uses drag force for propulsion?

Persian windmill Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy for wind energy generation?

Kinetic energy of fast-moving winds Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following does NOT qualify as a renewable resource?

Natural gas Signup and view all the answers

Which type of oil contains the highest levels of sulphur?

Canadian tar sands oil Signup and view all the answers

What is the API gravity that classifies petroleum as light petroleum?

Less than 10 kg/m3 Signup and view all the answers

What type of energy generation utilizes tidal power?

Turbines in coastal areas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of sweet oil?

Preferred due to cleaner properties Signup and view all the answers

Offshore wind turbines tend to generate more energy than onshore turbines because:

Wind is more consistent at sea Signup and view all the answers

Which is considered a primary disadvantage of renewable energy?

Need for energy storage solutions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of hydropower plants?

To convert the energy of flowing water into mechanical and electrical energies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following small-scale hydropower plants has the highest capacity?

Small-power plants Signup and view all the answers

How do tidal energy projects generate power?

By using tidal action to drive turbines. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during neap tides?

The gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun oppose each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Solar-Thermal Gradient used in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)?

The temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep seawater. Signup and view all the answers

Which hydropower plant category has a capacity of less than 5 KW?

Pico-power plants Signup and view all the answers

What ecological impact do small-scale hydroelectric power plants typically have?

They have minimum ecological impacts. Signup and view all the answers

What is created behind a hydroelectric dam?

A reservoir of calm water. Signup and view all the answers

How many high and low tides typically occur each day in most areas?

Two high tides and two low tides. Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of a spring tide?

Alignment of the Moon, Sun, and Earth creating strong gravitational forces. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following did the Three Gorges Dam accomplish?

Created one of the largest reservoirs in the world. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences the rise and fall of tides?

The gravitational pull from the Moon and Sun. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a micro-power plant?

Capacity between 5 to 100 KW. Signup and view all the answers

What is wave energy generated from?

Wind blowing over water. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary raw material used to produce ethanol in Canada?

Corn Signup and view all the answers

Which province in Canada has significant biomass-fired capacity due to forestry activities?

Quebec Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following can be a source for producing biogas?

Livestock manure Signup and view all the answers

Which type of biofuel is a substitute for diesel fuel?

Biodiesel Signup and view all the answers

How does Canada rank globally in liquid biofuels production capacity as of 2020?

8th Signup and view all the answers

What is geothermal energy primarily derived from?

Heat from the Earth's interior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of system used for geothermal energy?

Geothermal heat pumps Signup and view all the answers

What is the average temperature range of ground layers up to 10 feet deep?

10C - 16C Signup and view all the answers

Which biomass feeds directly into the conversion to heat?

Wood pellets Signup and view all the answers

How does biomass contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

By being co-fired with fossil fuels Signup and view all the answers

What type of biofuel is produced mostly from carbohydrates through fermentation?

Bioethanol Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes biomass as a renewable resource?

It must regenerate faster than it is consumed Signup and view all the answers

What process converts biomass into gaseous biofuels?

Anaerobic digestion Signup and view all the answers

Which type of biomass is most commonly used in the production of biodiesel?

Animal fats Signup and view all the answers

What significant feature differentiates geothermal energy from solar energy?

It is independent of solar radiations Signup and view all the answers

What is the world's largest biomass power plant's capacity?

740 MW Signup and view all the answers

Direct thermal conversion of biomass involves which of the following?

Heating and stabilizing biomass feedstocks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials is NOT typically considered a biomass feedstock?

Coal Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about geo-thermal energy systems?

They can provide continuous energy regardless of weather Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism through which tidal barrages generate electricity?

Water flows into a tidal basin and is released through turbines. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a method of harvesting tidal energy?

Hydroelectric dams Signup and view all the answers

What is a major environmental concern associated with tidal barrages?

Changes to water-level fluctuations, salinity, and turbidity Signup and view all the answers

What type of energy generation involves long dams that extend into the sea without enclosing any area?

Dynamic tidal power systems Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes tidal stream generators?

They use tidal currents to turn underwater turbines. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fetch in relation to wave energy?

The distance over which wind blows to create waves Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about the MeyGen project in 2021?

It was the first tidal stream plant to produce energy. Signup and view all the answers

How does wave energy compare to wind energy in terms of reliability?

Wave energy is more reliable than wind energy. Signup and view all the answers

What approximate energy can a wave with a height of 2 m and wavelength of 14 m generate along a 2 km coastline?

45 kWh Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following locations has been identified as a strong potential site for tidal power generation in North America?

The Bay of Fundy Signup and view all the answers

What type of energy source is wave energy considered?

Renewable and clean Signup and view all the answers

What influences the size of waves at any given location?

The strength of the wind and the fetch Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of tidal stream generators compared to tidal barrages?

Both utilize kinetic energy from tidal movements Signup and view all the answers

Why can wave energy be considered more consistent than wind energy?

Waves remain even in calm weather. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of total electricity generation in Canada was accounted for by biomass in 2022?

1.4% Signup and view all the answers

Which type of biomass is primarily used in Canada to generate biofuels?

Corn and wheat Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest source of bioenergy production and usage in Canada?

Pulp and paper industry Signup and view all the answers

Which province in Canada is NOT mentioned as having substantial biomass-fired capacity?

Saskatchewan Signup and view all the answers

How does the biomass of marine animals compare to marine autotrophs?

It is greater than that of marine autotrophs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component used for producing biodiesel in Canada?

Vegetable oils Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an anthropogenic mass that outweighs all living biomass on Earth?

Plastics Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Canada rank 12th in the world for electricity production using bioenergy?

2020 Signup and view all the answers

What portion of land biomass is estimated to be consumed by land animals?

18% Signup and view all the answers

What is the combined total electricity generation by hydroelectric stations in Canada in 2022?

393,789 GWh Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions in Canada has the highest solar potential?

Southern Alberta Signup and view all the answers

What is the capacity factor for solar energy in Canada compared to that of the USA?

6% in Canada vs. 15% in USA Signup and view all the answers

Which energy resource is NOT commonly associated with producing biomass in Canada?

Coal Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the world's renewable water does Canada discharge from its rivers?

7% Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)?

To utilize temperature differences to generate electricity Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of active solar thermal systems?

They require mechanical components for heat energy circulation Signup and view all the answers

In solar thermal systems, what substance is typically heated to create steam?

Water Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of CSP systems?

To concentrate sunlight for electrical generation Signup and view all the answers

How does a solar photovoltaic (PV) system generate electricity?

By capturing sunlight with photovoltaic cells Signup and view all the answers

The PS10 Solar Power Plant primarily uses which technology?

Concentrated Solar Power Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum temperature difference required for OTEC to function effectively?

20° Celsius Signup and view all the answers

What benefit does CSP offer over traditional solar panels?

Higher electricity conversion rates Signup and view all the answers

How is the vaporized fluid in an OTEC system converted back to liquid?

In a condenser cooled with cold ocean water Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of using solar thermal energy at home?

Dependence on mechanical parts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions is most suitable for OTEC?

Tropical regions Signup and view all the answers

What component is used to produce pressurized steam in solar thermal systems?

Heat exchangers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary thermal energy source captured by solar thermal panels?

Solar radiation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main operational advantage of solar photovoltaic systems?

Reduces reliance on non-renewable energy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Non-Renewable Resources: Disadvantages

Finite resources: Will eventually run out.
Often multi-purpose and widely available compared to renewables.
Extraction can be challenging or impossible.
Extraction processes often damage the environment.
Contribute to pollution.
Residual products are typically non-biodegradable.

Global Warming & Climate Change: Connection to Non-Renewables

Fossil fuel impurities (sulfur oxides, particulates) pollute locally and regionally.
Fossil fuel combustion releases CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs).
A certain level of GHGs is necessary for a livable environment.
High GHG concentrations cause excessive warming, threatening life.
This warming is the primary driver of global warming and climate change.

Other Environmental Concerns

Rising global temperatures due to GHG accumulation raise sea levels (melting ice shelves, glaciers, permafrost).
Changes in animal and plant distributions; altered seasonal patterns.
Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, storms) are linked to climate change.

Human Health Concerns

Climate change increases risks of infectious diseases in warmer regions (e.g., encephalitis, yellow fever, dengue fever, malaria).
Other concerns include international conflicts, food and water shortages, severe droughts, and heat waves.
Depleted aquifers, desertification, and rising sea levels displace populations.

Coal: Sources and Formation

Coal is an organic sedimentary rock formed from accumulated, preserved plant material in swamps.
Plant debris accumulates in oxygen-poor swamp conditions, preventing decay.
Coal formation requires a balance between plant accumulation and decay rates, and subsequent sediment burial.
Compaction from overlying sediment layers converts plant debris into coal.
Formation of a 5-foot coal seam from a 50-foot layer of plant debris takes thousands of years, under consistent water levels.

Coal Extraction: History and Types

Coal's history spans from prehistoric use to modern industrial applications.
Coal use increased sharply with the industrial revolution.
Coal types vary based on carbon content and energy output: anthracite (highest energy), bituminous, subbituminous, and lignite (lowest energy).

Coal: Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages: Cost-effective, abundant, and economically viable.
Disadvantages: Major source of harmful pollutants (particulate matter, fly ash); significant CO2 emissions; potential for worker and public health issues in poorly-managed mines.

Coal Production

Global coal use was 8.3 billion tonnes in 2022, projected to remain high in 2023.
China and India are the largest global coal consumers/importers.
Indonesia and Australia are the primary coal exporters.
Canadian production decreased by 32% over the last decade, with thermal coal declining significantly.
Canada aims to phase out coal-fired electricity by 2030.

Petroleum: Sources and Formation

Petroleum accumulates in subsurface "fields."
Petroleum fields need a suitable structure to trap petroleum, a seal to prevent leakage, and reservoirs for accommodation.
Formation of petroleum from organic matter takes millions of years under pressure and heat.
Source rocks are the accumulated organic matter and sediments where the biochemical reactions transform organic matter into petroleum.
Petroleum generation requires specific geological conditions (often in sedimentary basins).

Bitumen Extraction

Bitumen (a type of petroleum) is often extracted from "tar sands" or "oil sands."
Surface extraction is possible for ~20% of deposits that are accessible.
In-situ extraction is needed for deeper deposits, using techniques like Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) and Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD).
Oil sands in Alberta require significant extraction efforts due to depth.

Oil Sands: Economic Viability

Canadian and global climate goals encourage reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Canadian oil sands' production is relatively unaffected by global crude oil demand fluctuations as long as prices are above $40 per barrel for WCS crude.
Oil sands requires significant upfront capital but can maintain production over years/decades.
Oil sands projects have lower production decline rates than conventional wells.

Petroleum Utilization

Petroleum is used in various essential products, including transportation fuels (gasoline, diesel), industrial processes, and everyday household items.

Natural Gas: Composition and History

Natural gas is primarily methane (CH4).
Natural gas is a complex mixture of various hydrocarbons.
Gross heating value is the total heat released by complete combustion of a unit volume at standard conditions.
Its use accelerated in the 1970s due to relative cost advantages compared to oil.

Natural Gas Future and LNG

Natural gas is viewed as a bridge fuel, supporting current energy needs while transitioning to renewables.
Reduces carbon emissions compared to coal and petroleum.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is used for safe transportation, storing gas in a compressed form that's easier to ship.

Crude Oil Classification

Crude oil classification varies based on location, density, acid content, sulfur content, and API gravity.
Key oil grades include Dubai/Oman, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), Brent Crude, and OPEC averages.
Density (light/heavy); Total Acid Number (TAN); Total sulfur released; API Gravity are used to classify Crude Oil.

Renewable Resources

Renewable resources (sunlight, wind, water, geothermal, biomass) are replenished naturally.
Disadvantages: Higher initial costs, unreliable energy sources (weather dependent), lower energy output for some, storage challenges.

Wind Energy

Wind energy converts wind's kinetic energy to electricity using windmills or turbines.
Wind energy is a form of solar energy, driven by Earth's rotation, terrain irregularities, and solar heating.
Wind turbines use "lift" and "drag" forces to operate.
Wind turbines are categorized as drag- or lift-type (horizontal or vertical axis).

Hydropower

Hydropower converts flowing water's energy to electricity (dams, wave energy, tidal energy, OTEC).
Dams create reservoirs for water storage and recreation.
Tidal barrages and tidal stream generators harness the energy of tides and currents.
Hydropower plants produce large amounts of electricity efficiently.

Solar Thermal Energy / Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)

CSP technologies use mirrors/lenses to concentrate sunlight to generate heat, usually for steam power.
Solar thermal systems are categorized as passive or active, low, medium, or high temperature.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy uses heat from Earth's interior for heating or electricity generation.
Geothermal energy systems include heat pumps, power plants, and direct heating systems.

Biomass Energy

Biomass uses organic materials (plants, wood, waste) as fuel for heating or electricity generation.
Biomass energy can be used directly through burning, producing heat or electricity, or indirectly by turning it into biofuels.
Biofuels (ethanol, biodiesel, biogas) are produced from biomass.
Sustainable biomass use ensures continuous supply.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the impacts and consequences of climate change. This quiz covers non-renewable resources, greenhouse gases, and various environmental issues caused by climate change. Answer questions about human health, rising sea levels, and more.