Energy

Our dominant sources of energy are:

• solar and wind energy

• fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas

• hydroelectric power

• nuclear energy

Peak oil production refers to the point at which the maximum rate of extraction of petroleum is reached, after which production is expected to decline. Why is it hard to evaluate future oil production?

• Because of uncertainties in reserves, technology, and economic factors.

• Because oil is unlimited.

• Because oil production always increases.

• Because oil is not used anymore.

Coal is a significant source of domestic energy production, especially for electricity generation in many countries. How important is coal in domestic energy production?

• Not important

• Somewhat important

• Very important

• Not used at all

The environmental effects of coal burning include:

• Air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, acid rain, and health hazards due to particulate matter

• Only water vapor release

• Reduction in greenhouse gases

• No impact on human health

Which of the following best describes how nuclear reactors work and their main advantages and disadvantages?

• They use nuclear fission to generate heat for steam turbines; advantages are low emissions and high output, disadvantages are radioactive waste and accident risk.

• They burn fossil fuels to generate electricity; advantages are low cost, disadvantages are high pollution.

• They use solar panels to generate electricity; advantages are renewable energy, disadvantages are weather dependence.

• They use wind turbines to generate electricity; advantages are clean energy, disadvantages are noise pollution.

Our main renewable forms of energy are:

• Coal, oil, and natural gas

• Solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass

• Nuclear and fossil fuels

• Petroleum and diesel

In theory, solar, wind, hydropower, and other renewables could eliminate the need for fossil fuels, but challenges include energy storage, infrastructure, and intermittency.

• Yes, but there are challenges such as energy storage and intermittency.

• No, renewables cannot replace fossil fuels at all.

• Only hydropower can replace fossil fuels.

• Fossil fuels are more sustainable than renewables.

Photovoltaic cells are devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity using what effect?

• Thermoelectric effect

• Photoelectric effect

• Photovoltaic effect

• Electromagnetic effect

Biofuels are fuels derived from which of the following sources?

• Fossil materials

• Biological materials

• Mineral ores

• Synthetic chemicals

The quote 'The stone age didn’t end because we ran out of stones.' — Sheik Yamani, former Saudi oil minister, suggests that major changes in society or technology happen because:

• Resources run out.

• New and better alternatives are found.

• People lose interest in old methods.

• Natural disasters force change.