Environmental Science Energy Resources and Consumption

Question 1

Which energy source accounts for the largest share of global primary energy consumption?

Accepted Answer

Petroleum and other liquids

Answer

Petroleum and other liquids remain the largest source of global primary energy, used heavily in transportation and industry.

Question 2

The net energy yield of a fuel source is best described as:

Accepted Answer

The energy remaining after subtracting extraction and processing costs

Answer

Net energy yield = total energy output minus the energy required to find, extract, process, and deliver that fuel.

Question 3

Which of the following is a non-renewable energy source?

Accepted Answer

Natural gas

Answer

Natural gas is a fossil fuel formed over millions of years and cannot be replenished on a human timescale.

Question 4

Cogeneration (combined heat and power) improves energy efficiency by:

Accepted Answer

Capturing waste heat from electricity generation for useful heating

Answer

Cogeneration captures the heat that would otherwise be wasted in conventional power generation and uses it for space or process heating.

Question 5

The Hubbert Peak theory predicts that:

Accepted Answer

Global oil production will eventually reach a maximum and then decline

Answer

M. King Hubbert predicted in 1956 that oil production in any region follows a bell-shaped curve, rising to a peak then declining as reserves deplete.

Environmental Science Practice Test