Understanding Wind Energy

What causes wind in Earth's atmosphere?

• Wind is created by volcanic eruptions.

• Wind is a result of ocean currents.

• Uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun creates differences in air pressure, causing wind.

• Wind is caused by the rotation of the Earth.

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What produces the heat energy that creates wind currents?

• Earth's rotation

• Volcanic activity

• The sun

• The ocean

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What is a wind turbine?

• A wind turbine is a machine that creates wind.

• A wind turbine is a device that transforms energy of motion into electricity.

• A wind turbine is a type of bird.

• A wind turbine is a device that stores wind energy.

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How do the blades of a wind turbine work?

• The blades of a wind turbine function by spinning in place without any wind influence.

• The blades of a wind turbine work by capturing motion energy which is transformed into electricity.

• The blades of a wind turbine work by storing wind energy in batteries.

• The blades of a wind turbine are used to create a vacuum that pulls in air.

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What happens to the energy from the wind in a turbine?

• The energy from the wind is stored as thermal energy.

• The energy from the wind is transformed into chemical energy.

• The energy from the wind is transformed from energy of motion to electrical energy.

• The energy from the wind is dissipated as sound energy.

What is the minimum wind speed needed to power a turbine?

• 1 to 2 m/s

• 6 to 8 m/s

• 10 to 12 m/s

• 3 to 5 m/s

Can very strong winds damage wind turbines?

• No, wind turbines are immune to strong winds.

• No, strong winds actually help wind turbines generate more energy.

• Yes, but only if the winds are below 50 mph.

• Yes, very strong winds can damage wind turbines.

What is transferred to the generator in a wind turbine?

• Chemical energy from plants

• Electrical energy from the grid

• Motion energy from the wind

• Thermal energy from the sun

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Why is wind considered to be full of energy of motion?

• Wind is full of energy because it is hot.

• Wind contains energy from solar radiation.

• Wind is created by the movement of water.

• Wind is full of energy of motion due to the kinetic energy of moving air particles.

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How does wind energy get converted into electrical energy?

• Wind energy is converted into electrical energy using solar panels that capture sunlight.

• Wind energy is converted into electrical energy by burning fossil fuels to generate steam.

• Wind energy is converted into electrical energy using wind turbines that rotate blades to drive a generator.

• Wind energy is transformed into electrical energy through the use of batteries that store energy.