Active vs. Passive Solar Energy

Fill in the blank: Active solar energy involves the use of ______ to capture the sun's heat.

• solar panels

• wind turbines

• geothermal pumps

• hydroelectric dams

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NGSS.MS-PS3-3

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

Fill in the blank: Passive solar energy involves absorbing or blocking heat from the sun without the use of ______.

• artificial means

• natural materials

• solar panels

• electricity

In passive solar heating, what role do thick walls and floors play during winter?

• Thick walls and floors in passive solar heating act as thermal mass, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it slowly at night, helping to maintain a stable indoor temperature during winter.

• They act as insulators, preventing any heat from entering the building.

• They reflect sunlight, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

• They serve as decorative elements, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the building.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What is another name for photovoltaic cells?

• Solar cells

• Wind turbines

• Hydroelectric generators

• Geothermal units

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NGSS.MS-PS3-5

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

• Silicon

• Copper

• Aluminum

• Iron

What causes the separation of charges between two semiconductor layers in photovoltaic cells?

• Electric field at the junction

• Thermal energy

• Magnetic field

• Mechanical stress

The drawback of intermittency in photovoltaic cells can potentially be solved by:

• using energy storage systems

• increasing the surface area of cells

• decreasing the cost of production

• improving the efficiency of cells

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NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

NGSS.HS-ETS1-2

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

• To absorb sunlight directly

• To reflect sun's rays onto a central water tower

• To store electricity

• To cool down the system

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

A drawback of Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST) systems is:

• High initial costs

• Low efficiency

• Limited availability of sunlight

• Complex technology

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NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

Differentiate between community (solar farm) and rooftop solar.

• Community solar farms are large-scale solar installations that generate electricity for multiple households, while rooftop solar is installed on individual homes.

• Community solar farms are installed on individual homes, while rooftop solar is large-scale and serves multiple households.

• Both community solar farms and rooftop solar are large-scale installations serving multiple households.

• Community solar farms and rooftop solar are both installed on individual homes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2