Methane Hydrate Formation and Properties

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What is a major drawback of building wind turbines?

They are not suitable for remote locations

They have high initial costs and long lead times in construction (correct)

They produce chemical pollutants

They require frequent maintenance

What is the maximum efficiency of solar energy conversion?

50%

33% (correct)

25%

75%

What is the primary purpose of a flat-plate collector in solar energy?

To convert light to electricity

To store hot water

To absorb the sun's energy to heat water (correct)

To generate electricity

What is the term for the conversion of light into electricity?

Photovoltaic Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of a solar panel?

Silicon Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated global energy potential of solar energy?

23,000 TW Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of 235U is required for nuclear fuel to be used in US reactors?

3-5% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of control rods in a nuclear reactor?

To decrease the rate of chain reaction Signup and view all the answers

Which country is home to the Three Gorges Dam, a major hydropower project?

China Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of tidal power compared to solar and wind power?

More predictable energy generation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the height difference between the source and the water's outflow in a hydropower plant?

Hydraulic head Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of hydropower in terms of environmental impact?

Emissions-free operation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which methane hydrate forms?

Migration of gas followed by precipitation or crystallization on contact of rising gas stream with cold sea water Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between bituminous coal and anthracite?

Carbon content Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a moderator in a nuclear reactor?

To slow down neutrons Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary application of coke?

Fuel and reducing material for smelting iron ore Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of control rods in a nuclear reactor?

To absorb excess neutrons Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of uranium in yellow cake is 235U?

0.7% Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of worms in ecosystems?

To break down dead organisms for energy and recycle nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a group of organisms that share most characteristics and can breed with one another?

Species Signup and view all the answers

What determines the distribution of biomes on land?

Temperature and precipitation Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for all organisms of a species that live in the same place at the same time?

Population Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for areas sharing similar climate, topographic, and soil conditions?

Biome Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a forest?

A land area with tree crown cover of more than 10% Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of silicon-based solar cells?

High manufacturing costs Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the mirrored surface in solar electric power plants?

To reflect sunlight to heat up liquid Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of solar electric power plants?

They cannot generate electricity at night or on cloudy days Signup and view all the answers

What is biofuel made from?

Biomass Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest source of biomass?

Wood Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of energy storage systems in solar electric power plants?

To provide continuous supply of electricity Signup and view all the answers