Solar Energy & Acid Rain Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is one major advantage of solar energy regarding its maintenance?

Solar panels require very little maintenance after installation.

How do solar panels convert sunlight into electricity?

They use photovoltaic cells to capture sunlight and transform it into electrical energy.

What is the purpose of solar batteries in a solar energy system?

Solar batteries store excess energy produced during the day for use at night.

Why is solar energy considered eco-friendly?

Solar energy does not produce harmful pollution like fossil fuels, making it a clean energy source. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of solar energy in terms of initial costs?

The initial installation of solar panels and equipment can be costly. Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of solar energy regarding the space it requires?

Solar panels need adequate space to generate significant amounts of power. Signup and view all the answers

How does seasonal weather impact the effectiveness of solar energy?

In cloudy or rainy conditions, the amount of sunlight available for solar energy decreases. Signup and view all the answers

Why can solar panels not provide power at night?

Solar panels require sunlight to generate electricity, which is unavailable at night. Signup and view all the answers

How do agricultural activities contribute to acid rain?

The use of fertilizers and animal waste releases ammonia into the air, which can form compounds contributing to acid rain. Signup and view all the answers

What role does lightning play in the nitrogen cycle?

Lightning helps convert nitrogen gas (N₂) into nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), which can be used by plants. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to nitrogen oxides after lightning strikes?

Nitrogen oxides mix with water in the atmosphere and form acids, leading to the creation of nitrates that plants can absorb. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't plants use nitrogen gas directly?

Plants cannot utilize nitrogen gas (N₂) because it is in a form that is not chemically available for uptake. Signup and view all the answers

How do nitrates benefit plants in the ecosystem?

Nitrates are absorbed by plants to create proteins, which support growth and are transferred through the food chain. Signup and view all the answers

What gas is formed when sulfur in fuels reacts with oxygen during combustion?

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) Signup and view all the answers

Which gases are predominantly produced by the burning of fossil fuels in vehicles?

Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) Signup and view all the answers

What weak acid is formed when carbon dioxide combines with water?

Carbonic acid Signup and view all the answers

How does acid rain impact aquatic life?

It lowers the pH of water, harming fish and plants. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does acid rain affect trees and plants?

It damages leaves, reducing the ability to photosynthesize. Signup and view all the answers

Which resource, when burned, is a significant contributor to sulfur dioxide emissions?

Coal Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of acid rain on soil health?

It leaches essential nutrients, reducing soil fertility. Signup and view all the answers

What natural event also releases sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere contributing to acid rain?

Volcanic eruptions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Solar Energy Advantages

Low maintenance, requiring minimal attention once installed.
Simple transformation of sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells.
Energy storage using solar batteries for nighttime or cloudy periods.
Eco-friendly, producing no harmful pollution.
Renewable energy source, powered by the sun.

Solar Energy Disadvantages

High initial costs for installation.
Requires sufficient space to install panels effectively.

Acid Rain Substances

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Formed when burning coal or oil, reacting with oxygen.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Created by burning fossil fuels in vehicles and factories.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A less significant contributor to acid rain as it forms a weaker carbonic acid.
Ammonia (NH3): Released from agricultural activities like fertilizer use.

Acid Rain Effects

Pollutes water, lowering pH levels harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems.
Damages plant surfaces, hindering photosynthesis and weakening trees.
Impacts soil quality by leaching essential nutrients, making it less fertile.

Acid Rain Sources

Coal burning for energy.
Oil and gasoline combustion in vehicles and power plants.
Natural gas use, though less polluting than other sources.
Industrial processes involving steel, paper, and cement production.
Volcanic activity.
Agricultural activities such as fertilizer use.

Lightning and Nitrogen Fixation

Lightning energy breaks nitrogen gas molecules in the atmosphere into nitrogen oxides.
These nitrogen oxides react with water in the atmosphere to form nitrates.
Plants absorb the nitrates, creating proteins and passing them up the food chain.
This process is crucial for ecosystem nitrogen cycles and plant growth.

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Description

Explore the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy, alongside the substances involved in acid rain and its environmental impacts. This quiz highlights key aspects of renewable energy and pollution effects on ecosystems. Test your knowledge on these critical environmental topics.