Unit 6 Energy and Ecosystems

Although nuclear energy is considered a cleaner energy source than fossil fuels, some scientists argue this does not support the claim that nuclear energy is renewable. Which of the following claims best supports the argument that nuclear energy is a nonrenewable energy source?

• Nuclear energy has low carbon emissions and does not contribute to global warming.

• The uranium deposits on Earth are finite.

• Nuclear energy is generated by the process of nuclear fission.

• Nuclear power plants convert water to steam, similar to fossil fuel–burning power plants.

Which of the following is a characteristic of nonrenewable energy sources that distinguishes them from renewable energy sources?

• The construction of power plants that use nonrenewable energy sources is typically more expensive than the construction of those that use renewable energy sources.

• Nonrenewable energy sources are typically less harmful to wildlife and ecosystems than renewable energy sources are.

• Nonrenewable energy sources typically require additional new technology in order to be used than renewable energy sources do.

• Nonrenewable energy sources typically take a longer time to replenish than renewable energy sources do.

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Which of the following explains why some energy sources are renewable?

• Renewable energy sources exist in a fixed amount and cannot be easily replaced.

• Renewable energy sources can be replenished naturally, at or near the rate of consumption.

• Renewable energy sources include natural gas and other fossil fuels because they are made from the remains of ancient organisms.

• Renewable energy sources use advanced technologies and have been discovered in recent years, making them newer energy sources.

If the US consumes a total of 97.7 quadrillion BTUs of energy per year, and 37% of that is from petroleum, how many BTUs of petroleum were consumed in the US ?

• 28 quadrillion BTUs

• 36 quadrillion BTUs

• 62 quadrillion BTUs

• 97 quadrillion BTUs

In an apartment building, exhaust from a gas-powered electrical generator is captured to produce hot water to heat a swimming pool. Which of the following is illustrated by this process?

• Synergy

• Cogeneration

• Synfuels

• Energy recovery

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Purity is a major factor in determining the type of coal used for energy. Which of the following types of coal are correctly paired with a description of its purity and common use?

• Anthracite is considered the highest grade coal because it is almost pure carbon, and it is often used for domestic heating.

• Metallurgical coal is most widely available and contains 60-86% carbon, which makes it ideal for use in coal power plants.

• Steam (bituminous) coal has a high carbon content with low amounts of impurities, which makes it ideal for use in the steel industry.

• Lignite is the most mature and purest form of coal, and it is often used for large-scale power generation.

Which nation has the largest coal reserves?

• United States

• Russia

• China

• Australia

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Which nations contain 80% of the world's oil reserves?

• NATO

• UN

• OPEC

• SFWMD

Which of the following best describes an environmental problem associated with hydrologic fracturing, or fracking?

• Fracking has led to an increase in the production of oil and natural gas, lowering energy prices.

• Fractures in the shale will close up once the fracking fluid is removed unless fine particles, like sand, are introduced to hold them open.

• The products of fracking release more carbon dioxide and sulfur compounds into the atmosphere than other fossil fuels.

• Fracking fluids can escape from the drill hole and contaminate surface water and groundwater.

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Which of the following would be most likely to be used as a fuel source for electricity generation in a nuclear power plant?

• Uranium-235

• Cesium-137

• Iodine-123

• Yttrium-90 and Yttrium-91

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