Energy Resources and Impacts

Approximately two-thirds of the fossil fuel energy we use is lost as waste heat, and the transfer of energy from fuels to electricity is about 35% efficient. This is primarily a consequence of 

• the law of conservation of matter
• the first law of thermodynamics
• the second law of thermodynamics 
• the Hubbert curve

"Peak oil" is a current topic of global discussion and debate. This topic refers to

• the amount of remaining oil reserves as compared to nuclear fuels 
• the amount of oil reserves that have already been consumed
• the point at which world oil production will reach a maximum, coinciding with the point at which we will run out of oil
• the point at which half the total known oil supply is used up

Which of the following best describes U.S. energy consumption?

• Fossil fuels are declining, and renewables are increasing
• Most of the electricity generated in the United States comes from nuclear energy
• Biofuels are displacing hydroelectric power as the most important renewable energy resource
• Fossil fuels continue to be the major energy source for all sectors

Nuclear energy's most serious environmental and health concerns focus on the unresolved issues surronding

• the results of a runaway chain reaction
• the habitat destruction involved in the extensive uranium mining process
• the short half-life of most of the radioactive isotopes
• the issue of permanent waste disposal 

Which of the following best demonstrate(s) the use of passive solar energy?

• south-facing windows with stone floors on the inside of the home
• a solar cooker
• a home with deciduous trees planted outside north-facing windows
• a home with evergreens planted outside south-facing windows

Which of the following sources of energy cannot be connected to the sun's energy?

• biomass
• passive solar energy
• geothermal energy
• wind power

For the United States, the primary fuel that we use for our energy is

• natural gas
• coal
• oil
• nuclear

When we burn fossil fuels:

• we liberate carbon back into the carbon cycle, decreasing the amount available for plant growth
• the resulting carbonic acid leads to acid rain
• the greatest environmental impact is the impact on the ozone layer 
• the greatest environmental impact is increased greenhouse gas 

Which of the following best describes U.S. energy use?

• Electricity generation is powered mainly by nuclear energy
• Electricity generation is powered mainly by coal
• Biofuels and biomass energy represent the least CO2 emissions of any U.S. fuel
• Transportation is the largest end use of energy in the United States

Worldwide, what is the most widely used renewable energy resource?

• solar
• hydroelectric
• biomass
• wind