Energy Resources Explained

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Questions and Answers

Which energy source relies on splitting uranium atoms to generate power?

Geothermal
Hydroelectric
Nuclear (correct)
Wind

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using wind energy?

Reliance on consistent wind patterns (correct)
Low operational costs
Eco-friendliness
Creation of green jobs

Which of the following energy sources utilizes heat from the Earth's crust?

Tidal energy
Wind energy
Geothermal energy (correct)
Solar energy

Which of the following is considered a first-generation biofuel?

Biodiesel from soybean oil (B) Signup and view all the answers

Tidal barrages can be used to generate electricity. What is another benefit to using them?

Reduce flooding (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary energy conversion process in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) systems?

Harnessing temperature differences between surface and deep ocean waters (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component in a hydroelectric power plant?

Dam (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why, despite uranium being abundant, is nuclear energy deemed non-renewable?

Of long-term environmental implications of waste (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit that applies specifically to wind energy?

Minimal dependence on traditional energy sources (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of geothermal energy?

Potential for harmful gas release (B) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes second-generation biofuels from first-generation biofuels?

Use of non-food crops (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do tidal fences generate electricity?

Using the movement of ocean currents through a generator design (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which is required for hydroelectric power generation?

Moving water (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does solar energy warm ocean surface water in tropical regions?

Creating a temperature contrast between surface and deeper layers (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary concern regarding nuclear power?

Hazardous waste (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of wind energy compared to other renewable sources?

Space (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage specific to geothermal energy?

Potential for volcano eruption (A) Signup and view all the answers

What makes third-generation biofuels unique compared to earlier generations?

Specially engineered energy crops (B) Signup and view all the answers

What significant advantage do tidal fences offer over tidal barrages?

Lower environmental impact (D) Signup and view all the answers

How have hydroelectric plants been affected by droughts?

Reduced power generation (C) Signup and view all the answers

Compared to traditional fuels, what is a disadvantage of biofuels?

Lower energy output (D) Signup and view all the answers

What energy does harnessing the temperature differences between ocean layers utilize?

Thermal energy (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of nuclear energy in the context of global warming?

No carbon emissions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common aesthetic argument against wind turbines?

They are generally ugly (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential environmental risk associated with geothermal energy?

Release of volcanic eruption (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which negative effect is related to farming biofuel crops?

Food shortages (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor determines how much electricity tidal turbines generate?

Tidal cycles (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the regulation of water flow enhance the efficacy of hydroelectric energy while also providing a source of adaptability?

Engineering-controlled water management (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which factor poses the GREATEST long-term environmental risk related to nuclear energy?

Waste management (D) Signup and view all the answers

In relation to renewable energy resources, which factor is MOST likely to RESTRICT coastal regions from employing wind turbines?

Reliable, year-round wind (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST common physical problem for sites providing geothermal energy?

Few potential sites (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a POTENTIAL consequence of utilizing fertile soil for the harvesting of biofuel crops?

Higher food costs (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why might inhabitants of aquatic ecosystems be CONCERNED about the use of tidal barrages?

They may alter saltwater flow (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement BEST describes the function of a dam in a hydroelectric plant?

Control water (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why do Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) systems usually operate MOST efficiently in TROPICAL regions?

Temperature contrast of ocean waters (A) Signup and view all the answers

A reactor has a small meltdown which harms local habitat. What caused thIs accident?

Nuclear power (D) Signup and view all the answers

What negative outcome does the Chernobyl disaster highlight about?

Safety issues in nuclear power (A) Signup and view all the answers

Compared to others, what is different, safer, AND cheaper about Tidal Fences?

Less environmental impact and cheaper installation (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Renewable Energy

Naturally replenished energy sources, like solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal.

Non-Renewable Energy

Energy resources in finite quantities that take a very long time to regenerate.