Wind Energy: Harnessing Nature's Power

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements best explains why wind energy is considered a renewable resource?

• Wind energy is produced by burning fossil fuels.

• Wind energy can be restored more quickly than it is used up.

• Wind energy is only available in certain seasons.

• Wind energy is stored underground for millions of years.

Open Ended

Describe the process by which wind is converted into electricity using wind turbines.

Multiple Select

Which of the following are reasons for building wind farms instead of single turbines?

• More turbines generate more electricity

• Shared maintenance and transmission equipment

• Can power thousands of homes and businesses

• Wind farms are always built offshore

Open Ended

Engineers must consider many factors when designing wind turbines. List two criteria and two constraints they need to keep in mind.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about wind energy around the world is true?

• Denmark gets over 40% of its electricity from wind.

• Texas produces the least wind power in the United States.

• Most wind energy jobs are declining worldwide.

• Offshore wind farms are only found in the United States.

Open Ended

Could wind energy be a good solution for more communities in our state?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following correctly describes the sequence of energy transformations that occur when wind powers a light bulb in your home?

• Wind energy → Mechanical energy → Electrical energy → Light energy

• Wind energy → Electrical energy → Mechanical energy → Light energy

• Mechanical energy → Wind energy → Electrical energy → Light energy

• Wind energy → Light energy → Mechanical energy → Electrical energy

Open Ended

What is one benefit and one challenge of using wind energy that you learned today?