Energy Sources and Environmental Impact

The table shows the amount of energy needed from different sources to power a 1600 square-foot home for one month. The homeowners want to choose an energy source that is the most affordable and safe for the environment. Based on the data, which is the BEST option for powering the home?

• natural gas

• solar power

• nuclear energy

• hydroelectricity

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A mining company has started extracting uranium in a rural area for use in nuclear energy. Which BEST describes how uranium mining may impact nearby land and water resources?

• It causes habitat destruction and soil erosion.

• It improves water quality by adding minerals and nutrients.

• It improves the soil quality and increases vegetation growth.

• It reduces the levels of sediment and harms the quality of water.

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A hydroelectric dam is built on a river. Scientists conduct studies before and after the dam's construction to understand its impact on the local environment. The table shows the data.

• There was an increase in the fish population.

• There was a decrease in the water quality index.

• There was a decrease in riverbank plant diversity.

• There was an increase in the sediment buildup in the river.

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What are TWO possible harmful environmental impacts of obtaining, transforming, and transporting the uranium used for nuclear energy? Pick up to 5 answers.

• increased biodiversity

• increased habitat destruction

• formation of radioactive wastes

• reduced land and water pollution

• reduced greenhouse gas emissions

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Which statement gives the best explanation about what will happen to the global oil reserves as time goes on?

• The global oil reserves will continue to decrease.

• The global oil reserves will continue to increase.

• The global oil reserves will remain relatively steady.

• The global oil reserves will turn into alternative forms of fuel.

Which best defines a renewable resource?

• A resource that is manufactured.

• A resource that can be replenished.

• A resource that can be used more than one time.

• A resource that is only available in a limited amount.

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The citizens of a small fishing town are meeting to discuss a proposed new power plant. Paul, a local reporter, recorded the number of people who spoke at the meeting and what their top priorities were. Paul's data is shown. Paul plans to write a story about the town's preferences for the newspaper. Based on the data, what should the headline of Paul's story be?

• Town wants coal, coal, and more coal!

• Onward to the future, town to go nuclear!

• Sunny days ahead, the people want solar!

• Get caught in the current with hydropower!

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What do the maps illustrate in the United States?

• Energy production

• Population distribution

• Climate zones

• Transportation networks

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What conclusion about the United States can be drawn based on the information included in the maps?

• Due to advanced technology, all forms of energy production can be used throughout the country. However, investment has focused on hydropower, which now provides the majority of the electricity.

• Due to advanced technology, all forms of energy production can be used throughout the country. However, investment has focused on wind power, which now provides the majority of the electricity.

• The large size of the country allows different regions to use different forms of renewable energy, though not all types of energy are suitable for every region. Despite the availability of renewable energy, the majority of electricity is produced from fossil fuels.

• The large size of the country allows different regions to use different forms of renewable energy, though not all types of energy are suitable for every region. Due to the availability of renewable energy, the majority of electricity is produced from renewable sources.

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Researchers have developed automobile engines that run on vegetable oil. Many tests are being carried out to improve the efficiency of the engine that will soon be comparable to that gasoline engines. How would replacing gasoline engines with vegetable oil engines help society? Pick up to 5 answers.

• It would reduce the overall consumption of gasoline.

• It would decrease the use of renewable resources of energy.

• It would lower the cost of vegetable oil due to higher demand.

• It would increase the production of other nonrenewable resources.

• It would shift from using a nonrenewable resource to a renewable one.

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