Questions and Answers
What is a major environmental concern related to obtaining petroleum?
Both a and b
What is a characteristic of renewable resources?
They can be used and replaced over a relatively short time
What is biomass?
Organic matter containing stored energy
What is geothermal energy?
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What is gasohol?
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Which type of energy is produced when groundwater seeps into hot spots near the Earth's surface?
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What is a common use of biomass in non-industrialized countries?
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What is a byproduct of geysers?
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What is the primary characteristic of non-renewable energy resources?
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What is the process by which non-renewable energy resources are used to generate electricity?
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What are the byproducts of burning non-renewable energy resources?
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What is the most important energy resource according to the text?
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How many main types of energy are classified?
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What is an example of non-renewable energy resources?
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What is the definition of a natural resource?
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What is the relationship between energy and economic growth?
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What is the primary source of energy for hydroelectric power plants?
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What is the name of the natural vent that is an example of geothermal energy?
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What is the purpose of wind turbines in wind energy?
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What is the advantage of solar energy in terms of pollution?
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What is the common advantage of using renewable resources like water, wind, and geothermal energy?
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What is the disadvantage of using solar energy for large-scale energy production?
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What is the primary advantage of geothermal energy?
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What is the advantage of biomass energy?
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Study Notes
Renewable Resources
- Natural resources that can be replenished over a short period of time
- Examples: solar energy, hydroelectric energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, biomass
Solar Energy
- Energy from the sun
- Can be harnessed directly or indirectly
- Examples: solar cells, solar panels, solar collectors, solar mirrors
Hydroelectric Energy
- Electricity produced by falling water
- Water is recycled through the water cycle
- Examples: dams
Wind Energy
- Energy in the wind
- Converted into electrical energy using wind turbines
- Rotates a generator to produce electricity
Geothermal Energy
- Harnesses heat from the Earth
- Groundwater forms geysers when it seeps into hotspots near the surface
- Examples: Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park
Biomass
- Organic matter containing stored energy
- Examples: plants, wood, waste
- Can be converted into liquid fuel (e.g., gasohol)
Advantages of Renewable Resources
- Reduces fossil fuel usage
- Solar energy is an almost limitless source with no pollution
- Hydroelectric energy is renewable and produces no air pollution
- Wind energy is relatively inexpensive and non-polluting
- Geothermal energy is an almost limitless source with no pollution
- Biomass is renewable
Disadvantages of Alternative Resources
- Solar energy: expensive for large-scale production, only practical in sunny areas
- Hydroelectric energy: dams disrupt ecosystems
- Water pollution: oil spills can harm wildlife and the fishing industry
Problems with Fossil Fuels
- Air pollution causes Alzheimer's and dementia
- Fossil fuels contribute to climate change
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