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Questions and Answers
The two main sources of renewable energy are the Sun and the Moon.
False
Fusion is the process by which nuclei are split apart to release energy.
False
Humans can harness energy from moving water and wind as renewable energy sources.
True
Nuclear fission is responsible for the energy produced by the Sun.
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Renewable resources cannot become nonrenewable.
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Energy from within Earth is derived from the decay of fossil fuels and solar energy.
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Solar energy can affect the movement of air masses and plant growth.
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Trees are considered a nonrenewable resource because they take a long time to grow.
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Wind energy is considered a nonrenewable energy resource.
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Hydroelectric energy is produced by harnessing the energy of flowing water.
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The primary disadvantage of wind energy is its inability to generate electricity.
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Wind farms can be located anywhere without consideration for wind availability.
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The energy produced by a dam is primarily used for agricultural purposes.
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The water cycle is unaffected by solar energy.
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Wind turbines can only be installed in areas with high wind speeds.
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Wind energy has no environmental impact.
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Windmills have historically been used to pump water and grind grain.
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Nonrenewable resources cannot be replenished once used.
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Hydroelectric energy is effective only in areas with a significant amount of flowing water.
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The cost of building hydroelectric dams is inexpensive.
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Solar energy can only be used for heating buildings.
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Heat absorbed by liquids in solar collectors can be used for various household purposes.
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The only pollution created by solar heating systems occurs in the use of the solar energy itself.
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Photovoltaic cells can generate electricity directly from sunlight.
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Solar power plants can be built in any location regardless of sunlight availability.
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Plants convert chemical energy into light energy through photosynthesis.
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Joining multiple photovoltaic cells together is necessary to increase electricity production.
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Solar heating systems are efficient regardless of the amount of sunlight available.
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Biomass is considered a renewable resource because it can be replaced relatively quickly.
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Peat is regarded as a renewable resource because it forms quickly.
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Ethanol, produced from biomass, can only be used as a standalone fuel.
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Over 1,000 liters of ethanol can be produced from one acre of corn.
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Geothermal energy is derived from heat produced by the sun.
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Hot springs and geysers are signs of geothermal energy close to the Earth's surface.
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Biomass burning does not produce any pollutants.
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Microbes help convert sugars from plants into ethanol.
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Geothermal energy can be used to both heat and cool buildings.
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Animal waste is not considered a part of biomass.
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Geothermal energy will be available for a long time because Earth's core is very hot for billions of years.
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Human activity can have positive effects on Earth's resources.
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Renewable energy resources are guaranteed to never run out.
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Solar energy is considered the most widely utilized renewable energy resource in the United States.
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Geothermal energy is harnessed from the heat produced by the decay of organic matter.
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Study Notes
Renewable Energy Resources
- Main sources: Sun and Earth.
- Sun's energy: Nuclear fusion produces light and heat, driving wind, ocean currents, and plant growth.
- Earth's energy: Nuclear fission of radioactive elements and energy from Earth's formation generate heat.
Wind Energy
- Created by uneven solar heating of air masses.
- Harnessed by wind turbines in wind farms.
- Advantages: Renewable, clean energy production.
- Disadvantages: Location-specific, expensive equipment, bird hazards, and some pollution from equipment production/maintenance.
Hydroelectric Energy
- Uses kinetic energy of moving water.
- Renewable due to the water cycle.
- Advantages: Reliable energy source in suitable locations.
- Disadvantages: Expensive infrastructure, potential disruption to fish migration.
Solar Energy
- Heat: Solar collectors use liquids (e.g., water) to absorb and transfer heat for building and water heating. Minimal pollution from equipment.
- Electricity: Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity; solar power plants use heated fluids to generate steam and turn turbines. Requires sufficient sunlight and space; expensive to build and maintain.
Biomass Energy
- Plants and animal waste contain chemical energy.
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Burning biomass: Releases energy for cooking, heating, or powering engines; inexpensive and renewable (mostly).
- Some biomass (peat) renews slowly and is considered nonrenewable in areas of heavy use. Causes pollution.
- Ethanol production: Microbes break down plant sugars/cellulose to produce ethanol, a liquid fuel; can be mixed with gasoline. Low yield; large areas needed for ethanol production, e.g., 40% of a corn harvest provides only 10% of US car fuel.
Geothermal Energy
- Heat from Earth's interior heats groundwater, forming hot springs and geysers.
- Heat: Used directly for building heating and cooling with closed-loop systems.
- Electricity: Steam and hot water from underground spin turbines to generate electricity.
- Advantages: Long-lasting, reliable energy source.
- Disadvantages: Expensive technology, pollution from equipment manufacturing/maintenance.
Nonrenewable vs. Renewable Resources
- Nonrenewable: Depleted faster than they can be replaced.
- Renewable: Replaced nearly as fast as they are used; can become nonrenewable through unsustainable practices (e.g., deforestation).
Conservation of Renewable Resources
- Even renewable resources need conservation due to limitations in sustainable practices and infrastructure. Example: Deforestation can make sustainably harvested trees a non-renewable resource.
Energy Resource Definition
- A natural resource used to generate electricity and other forms of energy.
Biomass Definition
- Organic matter from plants and animal waste containing stored energy.
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Description
Test your knowledge on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy. This quiz explores the advantages and disadvantages of each type, their methods of harnessing energy, and the science behind them. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of environmental science!
