Natural Resources

Why is renewable energy a better alternative to nonrenewable energy?

• Renewable energy is less expensive than nonrenewable energy.
• Renewable energy is readily available, while nonrenewable energy supplies are limited.
• Renewable  energy requires much less equipment maintenance than nonrenewable energy.
• Renewable energy harms the environment, while nonrenewable energy is environmentally friendly

Which best describes the potential of solar power for future energy use?

• It is not likely to be used because it pollutes the environment and contaminates drinking water supplies.
• It is likely to be used because its capture and storage does not require special equipment.
• It is likely to be used because it is a renewable resource that is indefinitely available.
• It is not likely to be used because it  is less expensive than fossil fuel resources.

The large-scale development of personal automobiles started in the early 1900s. Which of the following was major cost associated with the efficient use of these automobiles?

• Road systems had to be expanded.
• Cities had to be built farther apart.
• Houses inside cities had to be built farther apart.
• Vehicle choices available to consumers had to be expanded

Which energy source is available indefinitely?

• Coal
• Solar
• Natural Gas

Which best describes a nonrenewable resource?

• One that produces pollution
• One that is in limited supply
• One that is in unlimited supply
• One that does not produce pollution

A potential negative impact of building a dam on a river is that the dam

• Prevents sediment from flowing downstream.
• Increases the amount of water available to farms.
• Prevents seasonal downstream flooding.
• Increases the rate of water loss from a lake

Although solar power is a renewable energy source, why is conservation of solar energy still important?

• It can be expensive to collect a large quantity of solar energy.
• Scientists do not understand how solar energy can be used.
• The supply of solar energy is extremely limited.
• Solar energy creates air and water pollution.

Which best describes how hydroelectric power plants can be harmful to the environment?

• Air pollution
• Habitat destruction
• Increased carbon dioxide levels

Most electricity in the United States is generated using coal, natural gas, nuclear energy, or hydropower. Which of these add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere?

• coal and natural gas
• natural gas and nuclear energy
• nuclear energy and hydropower
• hydropower and coal

Which of these can be recycled in an attempt to conserve resources?

• gasoline
• sunlight
• aluminum
• natural gas