Unit 4 Review

Which of the following is the best solution to meet energy demands while protecting the environment?

• grow more corn to produce ethanol

• build more nuclear power plants

• find and burn new sources of oil and coal

• improve energy efficiency and reduce energy waste

Answer explanation

Improving energy efficiency and reducing energy waste is the best solution to meet energy demands while protecting the environment.

Fossil fuels such as oil and coal are considered nonrenewable resources. Which of these would be a solution to our use of fossil fuels?

• Produce cars and trucks that are bigger and more powerful

• Decrease the cost and increase the availability of solar energy

• Develop new legislation to protect our forests from destruction

• Build more energy plants around the United States to fulfill the demands of a growing population

Answer explanation

The correct solution to our use of fossil fuels is to decrease the cost and increase the availability of solar energy, as it is a renewable alternative to fossil fuels.

What can consumers do to make sure that more materials are recycled?

• buy products made from recycled materials

• buy biodegradable plastics

• use canvas bags when shopping

• use paper bags instead of plastic bags

Answer explanation

Consumers can ensure more materials are recycled by buying products made from recycled materials, as this creates demand for recycling and encourages manufacturers to use recycled materials.

Read the passage "Easter Island Palm." Which of the following would NOT result from the loss of the Eastern Island palm?

• an increase in the islanders' consumption of land and migratory birds, resulting in a decrease in the bird population

• the loss of pollinating birds to the island, resulting in a decrease in the variety of plant life on the island

• a decrease in the temperature, leading to decreased biodiversity

• the erosion of topsoil, leading to decreased crop production

Answer explanation

The loss of the Easter Island palm would not result in a decrease in the temperature, leading to decreased biodiversity.

What might the continued burning of fossil fuels do for future generations?

• increase atmospheric oxygen available to organisms

• increase the amount of fixed nitrogen available for plants

• decrease the necessity of plants performing photosynthesis

• contribute to the rising temperature of the planet

Answer explanation

The continued burning of fossil fuels contributes to the rising temperature of the planet, impacting future generations with climate change and its associated consequences.

Energy resources are either nonrenewable, such as fossil fuels, or renewable, such as combustion of wood. Take a look at the pie charts. Scientists predict a steady increase in the the use of renewable energy resources, especially of wind and solar energy. It is predicted that by the end of 2021, the use of renewable energy will increase to 21% of overall energy resource consumption. If the projected increase occurs and the total amount of BTU's (British Thermal Units- measure of the amount of heat energy used) remains constant, what else should also happen?

• All energy use will increase

• The total amount of energy use will decrease

• The nonrenewable piece of the pie must decrease

• The amount of renewable and nonrenewable energy use will increase

Answer explanation

The nonrenewable piece of the pie must decrease because the increase in renewable energy use will come from a decrease in nonrenewable energy use.

Which energy source has no greenhouse gas emissions but has waste products that present a health hazard for humans?

• geothermal

• petroleum

• nuclear

• coal

Answer explanation

Nuclear energy has no greenhouse gas emissions but produces waste products that present a health hazard for humans, making it the correct choice.

Which energy source has no greenhouse gas emissions or health impacts on humans, but is only available in certain geographic locations?

• geothermal power

• nuclear power

• hydrogen fuel

• natural gas

Answer explanation

Geothermal power has no greenhouse gas emissions or health impacts on humans, but is only available in certain geographic locations.

Anna wants to install a new energy system for her farm. She made a list of all the criteria she has for her new energy system. Which type of energy system would best suit Anna's needs?

• gas furnace

• solar panels

• wind turbines

• hydroelectric dam

Answer explanation

Solar panels would best suit Anna's needs because they can provide renewable energy for her farm, meeting her criteria for a new energy system.

Which human activity MOST likely contributes to the solid waste pollution in streams and landfills?

• using natural fertilizers on lawns

• buying products packaged in disposable containers

• combining leaves and grass clippings with paper products to use in composting

• recycling glass, paper, and aluminum products

Answer explanation

Buying products packaged in disposable containers is the human activity that most likely contributes to solid waste pollution in streams and landfills.