6.8 to 6.9 Solar and Hydro energy Summary

What is the primary source of energy for solar panels?

• Wind

• Water

• Sun

• Geothermal

Answer explanation

The primary source of energy for solar panels is the Sun. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, making the Sun the essential energy source for their operation.

Solar panels convert _______ energy into electrical energy.

• wind

• solar

• thermal

• kinetic

Answer explanation

Solar panels convert solar energy into electrical energy. The correct choice is 'solar' because these panels harness sunlight, unlike the other options which refer to different energy sources.

Which of the following statements is true about photovoltaic solar cells?

• They store energy for later use.

• They transform light energy into electrical energy.

• They are not affected by sunlight availability.

• They use mechanical equipment to collect energy.

Answer explanation

Photovoltaic solar cells convert light energy from the sun into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect, making the statement 'They transform light energy into electrical energy' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS3-2

NGSS.HS-PS3-3

Active solar energy systems use solar energy to heat a liquid through mechanical and electric equipment to collect and store the energy captured from the sun. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of active solar energy systems?

• A) Use of mechanical equipment

• B) Direct absorption of heat without equipment

• C) Storage of captured energy

• D) Heating a liquid

Answer explanation

Active solar energy systems rely on mechanical equipment to collect and store solar energy. Therefore, option B, which states 'Direct absorption of heat without equipment', is NOT a characteristic of these systems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Passive solar energy systems _______ heat directly from the sun.

• store

• absorb

• reflect

• generate

Answer explanation

Passive solar energy systems absorb heat directly from the sun, utilizing materials that capture and retain solar energy, making 'absorb' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

What is a characteristic of passive solar energy?

• Uses mechanical equipment

• Absorbs or blocks heat from the sun without mechanical equipment

• Converts sunlight directly into electricity

• Requires solar panels.

Answer explanation

Passive solar energy is characterized by its ability to absorb or block heat from the sun without the use of mechanical equipment, unlike active systems that require solar panels or other devices.

In passive solar heating, thick walls and floors store heat in the ______.

• A) summer

• B) winter

• C) spring

• D) autumn

Answer explanation

In passive solar heating, thick walls and floors absorb and store heat during the day, releasing it at night, particularly in winter when heating is needed most. Thus, the correct answer is B) winter.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What is the primary material used in photovoltaic cells to emit low voltage electrical current when exposed to sunlight?

• Copper

• Silicon

• Aluminum

• Iron

Answer explanation

Silicon is the primary material used in photovoltaic cells. It has semiconductor properties that allow it to convert sunlight into low voltage electrical current efficiently.

Fill in the blank: A drawback of solar energy is ________, which means it can only be generated during the day.

• A) Efficiency

• B) Intermittency

• C) Cost

• D) Pollution

Answer explanation

The correct choice is B) Intermittency. Solar energy can only be generated during the day, making it intermittent. This means its availability is not constant, unlike other energy sources that can provide power at all times.

What is the primary function of heliostats in Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) systems?

• To store electricity

• To reflect sunlight onto a central water tower

• To convert steam into water

• To generate wind energy.

Answer explanation

Heliostats are mirrors that track the sun and reflect sunlight onto a central water tower in Concentrated Solar Thermal systems, where the heat is used to generate steam for electricity production.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3