Unit 3 - Energy Resources and Electricity Generation

What type of energy can be replenished as quickly as it is used?

• Non-renewable energy

• Renewable energy

• Fossil fuels

• Nuclear energy

Answer explanation

Renewable energy is energy that can be replenished quickly, such as solar, wind, and hydro power. Unlike non-renewable sources like fossil fuels and nuclear energy, which take millions of years to form, renewable sources are sustainable.

Which of the following is NOT a renewable energy source?

• Geothermal

• Solar

• Wind

• Coal

Answer explanation

Coal is a fossil fuel and not renewable, as it takes millions of years to form. In contrast, geothermal, solar, and wind energy are renewable sources that can be replenished naturally in a short time.

What is a disadvantage of renewable energy sources?

• They do not harm the environment

• They are less reliable

• They have a potentially infinite supply

• They are usually cheaper

Answer explanation

A disadvantage of renewable energy sources is that they are less reliable compared to fossil fuels. Their energy output can be inconsistent due to factors like weather and time of day, making them less dependable for continuous energy supply.

Which energy source is known for producing greenhouse gases?

• Solar energy

• Wind energy

• Fossil fuels

• Geothermal energy

Answer explanation

Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, release significant amounts of greenhouse gases like CO2 when burned for energy. In contrast, solar, wind, and geothermal energy produce little to no greenhouse gases.

What type of energy is produced from nuclear reactors?

• Chemical energy

• Nuclear energy

• Kinetic energy

• Light energy

Answer explanation

Nuclear reactors produce energy through nuclear fission, which releases nuclear energy. This energy is harnessed to generate electricity, making 'Nuclear energy' the correct answer.

What is a major concern with nuclear power?

• It is unreliable

• It requires too much land

• It produces toxic waste

• It is too expensive

Answer explanation

A major concern with nuclear power is that it produces toxic waste, which poses long-term environmental and health risks. This waste requires careful management and disposal, making it a significant issue for nuclear energy.

In solar cells, what type of energy is converted into electrical energy?

• Chemical energy

• Nuclear energy

• Light energy

• Kinetic energy

Answer explanation

In solar cells, light energy from the sun is absorbed by semiconductor materials, which then convert this energy into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. Thus, the correct answer is light energy.

What type of energy is harnessed from the Earth's core?

• Wind energy

• Geothermal energy

• Solar energy

• Hydroelectric energy

Answer explanation

Geothermal energy is the heat derived from the Earth's core, harnessed for power generation and heating. Unlike wind, solar, or hydroelectric energy, it specifically utilizes the Earth's internal heat.

What is the primary energy transfer in burning fossil fuels?

• Kinetic energy

• Thermal energy

• Chemical energy

• Nuclear energy

Answer explanation

The primary energy transfer in burning fossil fuels is from chemical energy. Fossil fuels store energy in their chemical bonds, which is released as thermal energy when they combust.

What type of energy is associated with moving wind?

• Potential energy

• Thermal energy

• Chemical energy

• Kinetic energy

Answer explanation

Moving wind possesses kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion. As the wind moves, it carries this energy, making kinetic energy the correct choice.