Unit 10 Renewable and NonRenewable Resources

Which of the following would be classified as an environmental cost of hydroelectric power? SC.912.L.17.11

• desertification

• disruption of freshwater ecosystems

• increased biodiversity

• water pollution

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

Biomass power is a renewable energy source derived from plant and animal products. Which of these is a benefit of using biomass for power compared to nonrenewable resources? SC.912.L.17.11

• Biomass power increases the amount of oxygen in the air.

• Biomass power reduces the emission of greenhouse gasses.

• Biomass power increases the clearing of forests and grasslands for energy crops.

• Biomass power reduces organic waste in landfills and waste-treatment facilities.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

Though we hear more about oil spills that occur in acquatic environments, they can also occur on land.  Why would it be easier to contain an oil spill that occurs on land? SC.912.L.17.11

• Oil spills at sea are more likely to contaminate animal habitats than oil spills on land.

• Oil spills at sea are more likely to contaminate the atmosphere than oil spills on land.

• Oil spills at sea are more likely to cling to plants than than oil spills on land.

• Oil spills at sea are more likely to spread with water currents than oil spills on land are through erosion and deposition.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-7

Our oceans offer a variety of renewable and nonrenewable resources that we use for various purposes. One such resource is sea salt. Which statement best classifies sea salt and describes its costs and benefits? SC.912.L.17.11

• Sea salt is a renewable resource that is readily available, but production is not cost effective.

• Sea salt is a renewable resource that is processed with little energy input, but harvesting the salt disrupts coastal ecosystems.

• Sea salt is a nonrenewable resource that requires no processing, but at current rates, it will eventually become unsustainable.

• Sea salt is a nonrenewable resource that has a wide variety of uses, but harvesting from the ocean can disrupt coastal ecosystems.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a collection of trash in the North Pacific Ocean.  Its most common items are plastic-based, although glass and aluminum products can also be found.  The trash is a result of human development along our marine environments.

What is not an environmental cost of degrading the ocean’s resources as evidenced through the Great Pacific Garbage Patch? SC.912.L.17.11

• Sea turtles confuse the plastic bags for jellyfish.

• The plastic accelerates the rate of bacterial decomposition.

• The plankton population will decrease, and fish will have less food available.

• The trash collects on ocean surface, blocking sunlight and affecting photosynthesis.

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NGSS.HS-LS2-7

NGSS.HS-LS4-5

Much of the oil we burn for energy comes from drilling in marine environments such as the Gulf of Mexico or the Persian Gulf. Which of the following is not a major public concern associated with drilling for oil in large bodies of water?

• The oil being taken is a nonrenewable resource.

• It is very expensive for companies to drill for oil.

• The ecosystems from which the oil is being taken are fragile.

• Using oil for energy releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

A remote village is located near the ocean and several rivers. The climate is usually partially cloudy with periodic winds. The village advisory committee is reviewing several alternative energy sources. Committee members want to select a source that produces very little pollution, reduces greenhouse gases, is renewable, and is cost-effective over time.  

Which energy source should they choose? SC.912.L.17.11

• coal

• hydroelectric

• nuclear

• solar

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

Some people see hydroelectric energy as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. Others believe it is dangerous for the migratory salmon population. What do these opinions illustrate about the environmental decision making process related to renewable energy resources? SC.912.L.17.11

• The decision should be the responsibility of each citizen.

• The decision should be made by weighing the risks and costs against the benefits.

• The decision should usually favor older methods of energy production over newer methods.

• The decision should be made by taking into account the present needs of the citizens without looking toward the future.

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-1

NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

Hydroelectric and coal-fired power plants produce electricity in a similar way.  In both cases, an energy source is used to spin a turbine that will then generate electricity.  The difference is that a coal-fired plant uses steam while the hydroelectric plant uses falling water to turn the blades of the turbine. Which is not an environmental cost of hydroelectric power plants?

• alters the natural flow of water downsteam

• changes employment opportunities in the community

• disruption of the life cycle of salmon

• flooding of upstream habitat near a dam

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-1

NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

NGSS.HS-LS2-7

Which of the following would be considered a disadvantage of using renewable energy sources? SC.912.L.17.11

• highly polluting

• high running cost

• high waste disposal cost

• unreliable supply

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NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3