Environmental Science: Common Resources & Energy

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Questions and Answers

How many Watts are equivalent to 1 Kilowatt?

1000 (correct)

500

1500

750

What does the concept of the tragedy of the commons primarily highlight?

The role of government in regulating shared resources.

The tendency of individuals to prioritize personal gain over collective welfare. (correct)

The importance of individual rights over communal resources.

The effectiveness of communal management in resource sustainability.

What is the conversion of 1 Megawatt to Watts?

1,000,000 (correct)

10,000

10,000,000

100,000

Which of the following is NOT a unit of power?

Joule Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome is most likely due to the tragedy of the commons?

Overexploitation and eventual depletion of resources. Signup and view all the answers

If you have 2 Megawatts, how many Watts do you have?

2,000,000 Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the tragedy of the commons, what might motivate individuals to act against the common good?

Desire for immediate personal gain. Signup and view all the answers

What type of resources is most affected by the tragedy of the commons?

Shared and finite natural resources. Signup and view all the answers

Is it necessary to convert energy units like Joules to Watts in metric conversions?

No, never Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a proposed solution to mitigate the tragedy of the commons?

Implementing community agreements on resource use. Signup and view all the answers

What is the equivalent energy in BTUs if 99 quadrillion BTUs are multiplied by 0.28?

27.72 quadrillion BTU Signup and view all the answers

To find the percent increase from 99 quadrillion BTUs to 143 quadrillion BTUs, which formula should be used?

((143 - 99) / 99) * 100 Signup and view all the answers

If the US energy consumption increases from 99 quadrillion BTUs in 2022 to 143 quadrillion BTUs by 2050, what is the amount of increase?

44 quadrillion BTUs Signup and view all the answers

What is the total projected energy consumption in 2050?

143 quadrillion BTUs Signup and view all the answers

If the energy use increases from 99 quadrillion BTUs to 143 quadrillion BTUs, what is the percent increase rounded to the nearest whole number?

44% Signup and view all the answers

What components are primarily responsible for the formation of photochemical smog?

NOx and VOCs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions contributes to the development of photochemical smog?

High heat and sunlight Signup and view all the answers

What effect do VOCs have on the nitrogen oxides and ozone cycle?

They stop the cycle, causing ozone to build up in the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does photochemical smog have on human health?

Increases allergies and respiratory issues Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method to reduce photochemical smog?

Reducing the use of paint and solvents Signup and view all the answers

How do VOCs contribute to the accumulation of tropospheric ozone?

They react with nitrogen oxides under sunlight to form more ozone. Signup and view all the answers

Which pollutant is NOT typically a product of photochemical smog formation?

Sulfates Signup and view all the answers

What role does sunlight play in the reaction between VOCs and nitrogen oxides?

Sunlight facilitates the reaction that produces ozone. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consequence of VOCs reacting with nitrogen oxides in the troposphere?

The increase in ozone levels leading to air quality issues. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the interaction of VOCs and nitrogen oxides?

VOCs react with nitrogen oxides, leading to ozone formation at higher concentrations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tragedy of the Commons

Individuals prioritize personal gain over collective well-being when using shared resources, leading to resource depletion

Energy Units & Conversions

1 Kilowatt (kW) = 1000 Watts (W)
1 Megawatt (MW) = 1,000,000 Watts (W)

US Energy Consumption Projections

Projected increase in US energy usage from 99 quadrillion BTUs in 2022 to 143 quadrillion BTUs by 2050

Photochemical Smog

Forms when Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) react with sunlight and heat
Results in various pollutants and deteriorates air quality

VOCs Role in Ozone Formation

VOCs react with NOx in the presence of sunlight, producing tropospheric ozone
This reaction disrupts the natural cycle of ozone formation and decomposition, leading to ozone buildup

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Description

Explore the critical concepts of environmental science, including the Tragedy of the Commons and energy consumption projections in the US. Understand the formation of photochemical smog, ozone, and the role of VOCs in air quality deterioration. This quiz will enhance your knowledge of resource management and energy transitions.