Review for Quiz 1

Ice samples from glaciers provide evidence that today's atmosphere contains more carbon dioxide than ancient atmospheres on Earth did. Why is this increase in carbon dioxide a concern to scientists?

• It contributes to the rapid expansion of continental glaciers.

• It contributes to the rapid cooling of the warm ocean currents.

• It contributes to the gradual warming of the atmosphere.

• It contributes to the loss of radiant energy from the Sun.

A student makes a list of resources that have a minimal effect on the environment with respect to their use. Which resource should be on the list?

• energy from oil

• energy from coal

• energy from natural gas

• energy from geothermal

What is one significant drawback to transferring electricity produced by solar energy from states where sunshine is abundant to states where it is not?

• Electricity made from solar energy is different from fossil fuels, so it needs new types of power lines.

• The transfer could only occur during the day because solar energy cannot be stored.

• Electricity produced from solar energy farms must be used locally and cannot be transferred at all.

• The cost to transfer electricity produced by solar energy over great distances can be high.

A region established a coal powered power plant to boost electricity production. What long-term impact will the addition of the power plant have on the environment?

• increase in deforestation

• contamination of ground water

• disturbance in the aquatic habitat

• increase in greenhouse gas emissions

What is one advantage to using fossil fuels as a primary energy source?

• Fossil fuels are made from decaying plant and animal remains in a short period of time, making them a good energy source.

• The technology for fossil fuel combustion is well understood, and the energy can be produced relatively cheaply.

• Fossil fuel combustion creates less pollution than getting energy from hydroelectric, solar, and nuclear energy sources.

• There is no way to store energy made from other sources, but fossil fuels can be combusted 24 hours a day.

A factory has started to use plant and animal waste as a fuel to power turbines. What is the benefit of using such an energy source?

• It helps conserve fossil fuels.

• It helps recycle energy sources.

• It promotes the reuse of non-renewable resources.

• It reduces the dependence on renewable resources.

How does the United States benefit from the conservation of nonrenewable energy supplies?

• It minimizes air and water pollution.

• It raises the risk of oil spills.

• It decreases the availability of fossil fuels.

• It increases dependency on foreign energy sources.

Which energy resource can easily be exhausted if proper methods are not taken for their conservation?

• freshwater resources

• fossil fuels

• soil resources

• solar energy

Coal is the largest source of electricity worldwide. What can be an environmental impact of the surface mining of coal?

• loss of habitats and biodiversity

• greenhouse gas emissions

• radioactive contamination

• contamination of groundwater

After conducting research using the internet, scholarly journals, and electronic encyclopedias, Billy proposed a method to lessen the human impact on global warming. He suggested that the government work to create more geothermal power plants. Which statement justifies Billy's proposal?

• Geothermal energy facilities do not require large land areas, decreasing the amount of harm done to natural wildlife and trees.

• Geothermal energy production has minimal upstart and continual costs, so it is cost efficient, which in turn helps the economy.

• Geothermal energy sources are plentiful and have the capacity to meet the energy needs of our planet for billions of years.

• Geothermal energy does not require the burning of fossil fuels, so it does not emit carbon dioxide or other particulates into the atmosphere.