Environmental Science Energy Resources and Consumption 3

Question 1

Which greenhouse gas has the highest global warming potential (GWP) over a 100-year timeframe among those listed?

Accepted Answer

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)

Answer

SF6 has a GWP of approximately 23,500 over 100 years, far exceeding CO2 (1), CH4 (~28), and N2O (~265).

Question 2

Pumped-storage hydroelectricity is primarily used to:

Accepted Answer

Store excess electricity by pumping water uphill and releasing it when demand peaks

Answer

Pumped storage is the largest form of grid-scale energy storage: excess electricity pumps water to an upper reservoir; releasing it generates power during peak demand.

Question 3

Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) has raised environmental concerns primarily related to:

Accepted Answer

Groundwater contamination, induced seismicity, and methane leakage

Answer

Fracking injects high-pressure fluid into rock; concerns include well casing failures contaminating aquifers, disposal-well-induced earthquakes, and fugitive methane emissions.

Question 4

The capacity factor of a power plant refers to:

Accepted Answer

The ratio of actual energy produced to the maximum possible energy over a period

Answer

Capacity factor = (actual energy output) / (maximum possible output at rated capacity) x 100%. It indicates how often a plant runs at full power.

Question 5

What is the primary advantage of passive solar home design over active solar systems?

Accepted Answer

Passive design uses architectural features rather than mechanical equipment, reducing maintenance and cost

Answer

Passive solar design uses building orientation, insulation, thermal mass, and window placement to capture solar heat without pumps, fans, or electrical equipment.

Environmental Science Practice Test

Environmental Science Practice Test

Environmental Science Energy Resources and Consumption 3