Chapter 2: Energy and the Environment Flashcards
What are fossil fuels?
A: Carbon-based fuels formed millions of years ago from the decay of living matter.
Q: How is coal formed?
A: From plants through the formation of peat, lignite, and eventually coal.
Q: How are oil and natural gas formed?
A: From sea creatures through layers of sediments, heat, and pressure turning remains into crude oil and natural gas.
Q: What is lignite?
A: Low-grade coal formed from compressed peat.
Q: What happens to oil and gas after formation?
A: They separate and rise through sandstone, filling in the pores, and get trapped under an impervious rock layer.
Q: What is a non-renewable energy source?
A: Fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) or nuclear power.
Q: Name a reason for the increasing worldwide demand for energy.
A: Increasing population size.
Q: How is geothermal power generated?
A: By pumping cold water into hot rocks, heating it, and using the steam to drive a turbine.
Q: Give an example of a renewable energy source.
A: Wind power.
Q: What does a turbine do?
A: It revolves to convert gas, steam, or air into mechanical energy connected to a generator.
Q: What are some strategies to reduce energy consumption?
A: Improving insulation, using energy-efficient devices, and turning off devices when not in use.
Q: What is the role of photovoltaic cells in solar power?
A: They produce a small electric charge when exposed to light.
Q: What is fracking?
A: Obtaining oil or gas from shale rock by splitting it open using water, sand, and chemicals.
Q: What are the advantages of biofuels?
A: Renewable source, growing more plants uses carbon dioxide, and can be plentiful.
Q: How does wind power generate electricity?
A: Through wind turbines that rotate due to wind, turning a generator.
Q: What are the environmental concerns of fracking?
A: Risk of toxins entering the water table, water usage, and noise pollution.
Q: How is tidal power generated?
A: By using the rise and fall of water levels and a tidal barrage to release water through a turbine.
Q: What is a disadvantage of using detergent sprays for oil spills?
A: They can damage coral reefs.
Q: What is the process of anaerobic digestion?
A: Breaking down organic matter using bacteria to release methane and produce compost.
Q: What is a disadvantage of using fossil fuels?
A: Release of carbon dioxide and toxic gases contributing to global warming.
Q: What is the purpose of floating booms in oil spill management?
A: To surround and prevent the spread of the oil slick.
Q: What are double-hulled tankers?
A: Tankers with an outer layer and an inner plate to reduce the risk of oil spills.
Q: How is energy from waste managed?
A: Through anaerobic digestion, incineration, and recycling vegetable oils into biofuels.
Q: What is the impact of oil spills on phytoplankton?
A: Oil blocks sunlight, preventing photosynthesis, leading to their death.
Q: What effect does oil pollution have on fish?
A: Shortage of food, reduced oxygen, and direct contact affecting gills.
Q: How does oil pollution affect birds?
A: Shortage of food, toxic consumption, and contamination of feathers affecting flight.
Q: What is the impact of oil spills on coral reefs?
A: Complete devastation due to lack of oxygen and oil coverage.
Q: What are the environmental benefits of biofuels?
A: They are renewable and can reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Q: What are some disadvantages of biofuels?
A: Carbon dioxide and toxic gas emissions, land use for agriculture, and removal of natural ecosystems.
Q: How do economic conditions impact energy demand?
A: Good economic conditions increase demand due to higher spending, while poor conditions decrease it.
