Energy & Earth and Human Activities

A 2016 study found that nearly one-third of deaths in China are linked to outdoor air pollution. Smog sometimes closes schools and grounds airplanes. What actions would improve outdoor air quality? Choose the three statements that apply.

• driving hybrid or electric vehicles instead of gas vehicles
• taking a bus or carpool to school
• increasing the use of wind turbines
• using gasoline instead of biofuels
• decreasing the use of geothermal energy

Javier is the pitcher for his baseball team, the Wildcats. Which of the following best describes what happens to the ball right after Javier throws a pitch?

• Kinetic energy is transferred from the ball to the air.
• Potential energy is transferred from the ball to the air.
• Kinetic energy is transferred from Javier's arm to the ball.
• Potential energy is transferred from Javier's arm to the ball.

Which of the scenarios best models the conversion of kinetic energy into thermal energy?

• Someone warms their hands by rubbing them together quickly.
• Someone warms their hands by placing them by a fire.
• Someone warms their hands by wearing gloves.
• Someone warms their hands by placing them near a light bulb.

A student is on a rollercoaster. Where is potential energy the least?

• point A
• point B
• point C
• points A and C

When is potential energy transformed into kinetic energy?

• When an object in motion remains in motion
• When an object at rest remains at rest
• When an object at rest is put into motion
• When an object in motion is stopped

Which of the following has the most kinetic energy?

• A tennis ball (58 grams) traveling at 5 kilometers per hour
• A ping pong ball (3 grams) traveling at 5 kilometers per hour
• A baseball (150 grams) traveling at 5 kilometers per hour
• A bowling ball (4,500 grams) traveling at 5 kilometers per hour

Humans rely on trees for lumber. Are trees a renewable or nonrenewable resource?

• Trees are a nonrenewable resource because humans have destroyed their habitat.
• Trees are a renewable resource but only on tree farms
• Trees are a nonrenewable resource because it takes a long time to replace them.
• Trees are a renewable resource but must be managed sustainably

As the world's population continually grows, the human need for energy affects much of Earth's spheres. What is one consequence caused by overpopulation?

• new habitats created for displaced species
• pollution leading to climate change
• new resources discovered or created
• an increase in alternative energy usage

The graph shows the production of copper in the United States. Copper is used for many things, but one of the largest uses of copper is for electrical wiring. Over the past few years, the price of copper has greatly increased as less and less is able to be mined and produced in America. Copper is a nonrenewable resource. As the population of humans _______, the usage of electrical gadgets increases. This caused the value of copper to ______.

• increases; increase
• decreases; decrease
• increases; decrease
• decreases; increase

Fossil fuels provide humans with energy that they need, but using fossil fuels affects the environment. Burning fossil fuels adds carbon dioxide and pollutants, or harmful substances, to the air. Gases released into the air are called emissions. Increased carbon dioxide emissions are causing rapid shifts in Earth's climate. These shifts are known as climate change. Climate change can endanger plants and animals, make storms more damaging, and contribute to rising seas, which threaten coastal areas. Which of the following statements are true? Select all that apply.

• Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels are a main cause of climate change
• Carbon dioxide is a type of fossil fuel
• Burning fossil fuels releases harmful pollutants into the air
• Fossil fuels are a renewable resource