APES Unit 6 Review

Which of the following is not considered to be a renewable energy source?

• Solar

• Hydropower

• Nuclear

• Wind

Answer explanation

Nuclear power relies upon uranium, which is not a renewable resource.

Based on the diagram, which processes would provide the energy used to generate electricity at the power plant?

• Absorption of incoming solar radiation

• Fission in radioactive fuel

• Fusion of atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei

• Combustion of fossil fuels

Answer explanation

This is a nuclear power plant. We know this because of the presence of the cooling towers & containment structures. Remember, nuclear power relies on fission (splitting of atoms), NOT fusion (combining of atoms). We can not yet safely replicate fusion on earth.

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NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Scientists are looking for new locations to generate electricity using geothermal energy. Which of the following would be the best choice for a geothermal energy plant?

• Near fossil fuel resources

• Near the equator

• Near warm ocean currents

• Near tectonic plate boundaries

Answer explanation

Tectonic plate boundaries tend to be where mantle is active, and thus there is more heat.

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-5

Which of the following coal types is most valuable?

• Peat

• Anthracite

• Bituminous

• Lignite

Answer explanation

Anthracite is the most valuable type of coal because it pollutes the least. Unfortunately, it is the coal type we have the least of.

Hydraulic fracturing is used mainly to extract...

• Oil

• Petroleum

• Natural gas

• Coal

Answer explanation

Hydraulic fracturing is also known as fracking.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

Which of the following are features of passive solar design?

• A solid material like stone that absorbs heat in the daytime

• PV cells to generate electricity

• Compact fluorescent bulbs to conserve electricity

• Energy-efficient appliances to reduce costs

Answer explanation

Passive solar design involves no mechanical or electrical equipment.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

The environmental disaster caused by a nuclear meltdown in present-day Ukraine is referred to as what?

• San Clemente

• Fukushima

• Three Mile Island

• Chernobyl

Answer explanation

Chernobyl was a part of the USSR (Soviet Union) at the time of the meltdown.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-6

All of the following statements about solid biomass as a fuel source are true except...

• It is potentially renewable

• It can lead to deforestation

• It reduces greenhouse gas emissions

• It can increase soil erosion

Answer explanation

Biomass energy does not emit greenhouse gases, but it doesn't reduce them in the atmosphere, either.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

Which type of pollution is most associated with nuclear power production?

• Smog-producing smoke

• Carbon monoxide

• Water vapor

• Sulfur dioxide

Answer explanation

Nuclear power only releases water vapor. Although it is a greenhouse gas, it's less powerful and doesn't stay in the atmosphere for very long. Nuclear power can also lead to thermal pollution of bodies of water (increasing the temperature).

Which of the following is required to convert geothermal energy into electricity?

• Wind

• Groundwater

• Fossil fuels

• Sunlight

Answer explanation

Groundwater is heated by magma deep in the Earth, which then turns to steam through evaporation, and then turns a turbine and viola, ENERGY!

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NGSS.HS-PS3-3