Electricity and Resources Study

Question 1

2. Why is the ozone layer important to life on Earth, & what is the main cause of its depletion?

Answer 1

It protects from harmful UV radiation. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are chemicals that deplete the ozone layer.

Question 2

3. What is the primary cause of global warming?

​

Answer 2

burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

Question 3

4. Name five renewable energy sources.

​

Answer 3

hydroelectric, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass

Question 4

5. How does a generator create electricity?

​

Answer 4

by spinning a coil of wire inside a magnet

Question 5

6. What is the most common fuel for electric power plants?

​

Answer 5

burning fossil fuels (mainly coal)

Question 6

7. How does the thickness of a wire affect its resistance?

Answer 6

The thicker the wire the less resistance so the more current can flow

Question 7

8. What does a transformer do?

Answer 7

A transformer decreases the amount of voltage before electricity enters a home or building.

Question 8

9. List five ways to conserve energy & reduce the effects of human impact on global warming. (see web quest & bell work for more ideas)

Answer 8

Use energy efficient fluorescent bulbs and appliances, car pool, turn off light when not in a room, better insulation in your home, change thermostat settings

Question 9

10. Why must electricity be transmitted at a high voltage through the power grid?

Answer 9

to overcome resistance over long distances. Voltage decreases over long distances so high voltage must be used.

Question 10

11. What is the difference between AC and DC current?

Answer 10

AC- alternating current- can change voltage and direction of flow
DC- direct current- flows in one direction- found in batteries

Question 11

12. Why is AC current used instead of DC in the power grid?

​

Answer 11

AC can be transformed to higher or lower voltages.

Question 12

13. Which type of power plant uses heat from Earth’s crust to produce steam?
    ​

Answer 12

Geothermal

Question 13

14. Describe the path of electricity from the power plant to a home or business.
    ​

Answer 13

power plant, substation, transformer, junction box, outlet

Question 14

15. Why is important that your house is well insulated?

Answer 14

to prevent heat loss and save energy

Question 15

16. Name four energy-efficient devices.

Answer 15

fluorescent bulbs, hybrid cars, Energy-star appliances, solar phone chargers, anything solar powered, electric cars

Question 16

17. What is the primary causes of CO2 levels increasing in the last 50 years?
    ​

Answer 16

Deforestation & increase in burning of fossil fuels for cars & electricity

Question 17

18. What 2 major activities of humans contribute to the possible depletion of non-renewable resources.

Answer 17

Electricity & vehicles

Question 18

1. Name three gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect. & list 3 natural resources that are responsible for putting these gasses in the atmosphere.

Answer 18

carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor - petroleum, coal, & natural gas