AP AP Resource Geography & Energy Systems 3

Question 1

Which energy source produces the most carbon dioxide emissions per unit of energy generated?

Accepted Answer

Coal

Answer

Coal has the highest carbon intensity of any fossil fuel, releasing significantly more CO₂ per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated than natural gas, oil, or any renewable source.

Question 2

The geographic concept of 'energy security' primarily refers to a nation's ability to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain reliable and affordable access to energy without dependence on potentially hostile suppliers

Answer

Energy security is the uninterrupted availability of energy sources at affordable prices, often involving diversifying suppliers and energy types to reduce geopolitical vulnerability.

Question 3

Which term describes the concept that wealthy, developed nations disproportionately consume natural resources relative to their population size?

Accepted Answer

Ecological footprint inequality

Answer

Ecological footprint analysis reveals that high-income countries consume far more land, water, and energy resources per capita than low-income countries, reflecting deep global inequality in resource use.

Question 4

The OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) is best understood geographically as:

Accepted Answer

A cartel of oil-producing nations that coordinates production levels to influence global oil prices

Answer

OPEC functions as a cartel, with member nations—mostly in the Middle East and Africa—collectively adjusting oil production quotas to manage global supply and stabilize (or raise) prices.

Question 5

Which concept describes the long-distance transport of electricity being less efficient than local generation due to transmission losses?

Accepted Answer

Transmission loss (line loss)

Answer

Transmission loss refers to the electricity dissipated as heat when power travels through long-distance power lines, making local generation more efficient than centralized distant plants.

AP Practice Test

AP Practice Test

AP AP Resource Geography & Energy Systems 3