Fossil Fuel Energy Transfer Assessment

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

• hydropower and coal

• nuclear energy and hydropower

• natural gas and nuclear energy

• coal and natural gas

Surface mining for coal involves removing all the vegetation and rock above the coal being mined. Which two of Earth's subsystems are MOST immediately affected by surface mining?

• atmosphere and hydrosphere

• lithosphere and biosphere

• biosphere and hydrosphere

• lithosphere and atmosphere

Fluorescent light bulbs use less energy than incandescent light bulbs use to produce the same amount of energy. Which fact MOST likely causes some people to continue favoring incandescent light bulbs over fluorescent bulbs?

• Fluorescent light bulbs produce less heat than incandescent light bulbs

• Fluorescent light bulbs cost less to operate than incandescent light bulbs

• Fluorescent light bulbs cost more to purchase than incandescent light bulbs

• Fluorescent light bulbs last longer than incandescent light bulbs

Which of the following is an example of how the production of hydroelectric power could potentially harm the environment?

• The generators make a loud noise that disrupts the migration patterns of birds

• The dam changes the salt content of the water downstream

• The radioactive waste is a threat to wildlife

• The dam causes silt and sediment buildup

How does acid rain MOST likely affect forests?

• Trees become less healthy over time

• Animals have more food sources

• Plants begin to grow deeper roots

• Top soil loses all of its nutrients

Which statement describes air pollution around the world?

• Air pollution is a problem in countries with industry and large populations

• Air pollution is only a problem in countries with many volcanoes

• Air pollution is only a problem in some areas over the ocean

• Air pollution is a problem in every part of the world

The burning of fossil fuels has added pollutants that contain sulfur atoms to the air. These pollutants have contributed to which of the following?

• temperature inversions

• tornadoes

• acid rain

• drought

Which of these human activities MOST likely helped in depleting the ozone layer?

• release of CFC's from aerosol cans

• burning of fossil fuels

• runoff from fertilized farm fields

• building hydroelectric plants

The burning of fossil fuels affects the atmosphere by

• putting more oxygen in the atmosphere

• taking water vapor out of the atmosphere

• reducing the amount of necessary heat

• adding more heat and carbon dioxide

Which resource when used causes the MOST pollution?

• water

• wind

• solar

• coal