Energy and Mineral Resources

Question 1

1) How does the burning of fossil fuels affect the environment?
A) Greenhouse gases are released that raise global temperatures.
B) Sulfur dioxide is produced, which contributes to acid rain.
C) Particulates are released into the atmosphere, which collect on ice caps and glaciers to
absorb more heat.

Answer 1

All of these impacts are interconnected and contribute to broader environmental problems caused by the burning of fossil fuels.

Question 2

2) Together, ________, ________, and ________ provide more than 81% of the energy
consumed in the United States.
A) uranium; hydroelectricity; coal
B) coal; nuclear power; wind energy
C) natural gas; wind power; biofuel
D) oil; coal; natural gas

Answer 2

D) oil; coal; natural gas

Together, oil, coal, and natural gas provide more than 81% of the energy consumed in the United States. These fossil fuels are the dominant sources of energy for electricity generation, transportation, and industrial use, though renewable energy sources like wind and solar are gradually increasing their share

Question 3

3) Which process releases energy from radioactive materials to produce nuclear power?
A) Nuclear fission
B) Nuclear fusion
C) Gasification
D) Nuclear bombardment

Answer 3

A) Nuclear fission

Nuclear power is produced through the process of nuclear fission, where the nuclei of radioactive materials (like uranium-235) are split into smaller nuclei when struck by a neutron. This process releases a significant amount of energy in the form of heat, which is used to generate electricity in nuclear power plants.

Question 4

4) Due to its potential groundwater contamination and induced seismicity, ________ remains
controversial and is the subject of much research.
A) fault traps
B) hydraulic fracturing
C) oil sands
D) salt domes

Answer 4

B) hydraulic fracturing

Hydraulic fracturing (often called fracking) involves injecting high-pressure fluid into underground rock formations to extract oil and natural gas. While it has boosted energy production, it remains controversial due to concerns over groundwater contamination (from chemicals used in the process) and induced seismicity (earthquakes triggered by the injection of fluids into deep wells). As a result, fracking is the subject of ongoing research and regulation in many regions.

Question 5

5) True/False: Coal forms from ancient plant remains originally deposited in swamps and
marshes. The original energy content of the coal was derived from the sun.

Answer 5

True.

Coal forms from the remains of ancient plants that were deposited in swampy or marshy environments millions of years ago. The plant material accumulated, became buried, and underwent heat and pressure over time, eventually transforming into coal. The original energy content of the coal was derived from the sun, as plants use sunlight to perform photosynthesis and store energy in their tissues. This energy is then preserved in the coal, which can be released when burned.

Question 6

7) Match the type of renewable energy with the source that generates it.
A) Organic material can be burned to produce energy.
B) Photovoltaic cells trap the sun’s radiation energy.
C) Water turns turbines at reservoir dams.
D) Turbines are driven by rising and falling levels of coastal water.
E) Trapping underground reservoirs of steam and hot water.
Answer choices: Wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, biofuels, hydroelectric

Answer 6

A) Organic material can be burned to produce energy. → Biofuels
B) Photovoltaic cells trap the sun’s radiation energy. → Solar
C) Water turns turbines at reservoir dams. → Hydroelectric
D) Turbines are driven by rising and falling levels of coastal water. → Tidal
E) Trapping underground reservoirs of steam and hot water. → Geothermal

Question 7

Discuss the advantages and the disadvantages of wind energy.

Answer 7

Advantages of Wind Energy:
Renewable and Clean: Wind energy is a renewable resource that doesn’t deplete over time, and it produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, making it a key tool for combating climate change.

Low Operating Costs: After the initial investment in turbines and infrastructure, wind energy has low operating and maintenance costs, making it a cost-effective source of power in the long run.

Disadvantages of Wind Energy:
Intermittent and Unpredictable: Wind energy production depends on wind availability, meaning it can be intermittent and less reliable compared to other energy sources like fossil fuels or nuclear power.

Impact on Wildlife: Wind turbines can pose a threat to birds and bats, which may fly into the spinning blades, although efforts are being made to reduce these risks.