Environmental Science Energy Resources and Consumption 2

Question 1

Nuclear fission reactors generate electricity by:

Accepted Answer

Splitting heavy atomic nuclei to release heat

Answer

In fission reactors, heavy nuclei (typically uranium-235) are split, releasing enormous amounts of heat used to produce steam that drives turbines.

Question 2

The primary environmental concern associated with coal combustion is:

Accepted Answer

Emission of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, and CO2

Answer

Coal combustion emits SO2 (acid rain), NOx (smog/acid rain), mercury (neurotoxin), particulates, and large quantities of CO2 (climate change).

Question 3

Which renewable energy technology converts sunlight directly into electricity without moving parts?

Accepted Answer

Photovoltaic (PV) cells

Answer

Photovoltaic cells use the photoelectric effect to convert photons directly into electricity through semiconductor materials with no moving parts.

Question 4

Energy efficiency and energy conservation differ in that:

Accepted Answer

Efficiency means getting more useful output per unit of energy input; conservation means reducing overall energy use

Answer

Efficiency = more useful work per energy unit (e.g., LED vs. incandescent bulb); conservation = behavioral reduction in energy use.

Question 5

Tar sands (oil sands) require more energy to process than conventional oil primarily because:

Accepted Answer

The bitumen must be separated from sand and upgraded, requiring large energy inputs

Answer

Bitumen in tar sands is a viscous, semi-solid hydrocarbon that must be steam-heated or mined and then chemically upgraded, consuming significant energy.

Environmental Science Practice Test

Environmental Science Practice Test

Environmental Science Energy Resources and Consumption 2