Can We Make Electricity Without Fossil Fuels? Crash Course

Approximately how many terawatt hours of electricity are consumed worldwide every year?

• 2,200 terawatt hours

• 22,000 terawatt hours

• 220,000 terawatt hours

• 2,200,000 terawatt hours

What percentage of all greenhouse gas emissions comes from generating electricity?

• 7%

• 16%

• 21%

• 26%

What is the definition of carbon neutrality?

• Achieving a balance between carbon released and carbon removed from the atmosphere to reach net-zero carbon emissions.

• Completely eliminating all carbon emissions from human activities.

• Relying solely on renewable energy sources for all power needs.

• Reducing carbon emissions by 50% by the year 2050.

How do photovoltaic panels generate electricity?

• They use mirrors to focus sunlight and boil water, which then turns a turbine.

• They absorb photons from sunlight, which causes them to emit electrons, forming an electric current.

• They use the force of moving air to turn blades, which then generate electricity.

• They convert heat from the sun directly into electrical energy.

What is a significant challenge when relying solely on renewable energy sources like solar and wind power?

• They require significantly more space than traditional power plants.

• They are not capable of generating enough electricity to meet global demand.

• Their supply is intermittent, meaning they cannot always generate power on demand.

• The technology for these sources is still too expensive for widespread adoption.

How does a hydroelectric dam generate electricity?

• By using the sun's energy to heat water, creating steam that turns turbines.

• By trapping large amounts of water in a reservoir and controlling its flow downhill to spin turbines connected to generators.

• By burning fossil fuels to boil water, producing steam that drives generators.

• By harnessing wind to directly spin large blades that generate power.

Which of the following is a key advantage of hydroelectric power?

• It relies on a non-renewable fuel source.

• It is highly dependent on specific geographical features like flat terrain.

• It is a renewable energy source that can be carbon-neutral after construction and offers flexibility in meeting varying demand.

• It produces significant greenhouse gas emissions during operation.

What is a significant environmental and economic consequence associated with building large hydroelectric dams like the Three Gorges Dam?

• They are inexpensive to build and quick to complete.

• They require minimal land use and have no impact on local ecosystems.

• They can lead to the displacement of millions of people and the destruction of vast natural environments.

• They are primarily used for flood control and have no electricity generation capabilities.

What is the fundamental process of nuclear fission that allows for electricity generation?

• Combining small atoms to release energy.

• Using chemical reactions to produce heat and light.

• Breaking down large atoms, like uranium, into other elements while releasing heat in a controlled chain reaction.

• Converting sunlight directly into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells.

What are some of the significant challenges associated with nuclear power plants?

• They are inexpensive to build and have a short construction time.

• They produce large amounts of carbon emissions during operation.

• They are costly and slow to build, and there have been high-profile, devastating accidents.

• They rely on an unlimited supply of renewable fuel.