ENVIRONMENTAL FINAL - Unit 6 Flashcards
Renewable energy infinite sources of energy
-active and passive solar
-wind energy
-hydroelectricity
-biomass
-geothermal energy
-location is key
Potentially renewable
can be generated indefinitely as long as we do not consume faster than generated (biomass)
Nondepletable
can never be used up in the span of a life time
Fossil fuels
a) derived from fossilized biological matter
b) coal, oil, natural gas
c) used by most developed and developing nations
Nuclear energy
a) derived mostly from uranium; nuclear fission
Where is “Three Mile Island” located?
Harrisburg, PA
Which of the following is true concerning nuclear energy?
it is a form of non-renewable energy, uranium is needed, and is created through fission
Which of the following forms of renewable energy is the best example of a “potentially renewable” source of energy?
biomass
According to the Nuclear Disaster video, what was the “China Syndrome?”
molten uranium leaking through the bottom of a nuclear reactor
Which of the following countries is a large oil producer in the world?
Canada
What is the big difference between active and passive solar energy?
active solar energy requires energy while passive does not require energy
t/f Hydroelectric power is an example of “non-depletable resource.”
t
t/f Geothermal energy can be used to warm or cool a home.
t
What is a major obstacle faced when using wind energy?
transport of energy to populated regions
If you wanted to use geothermal heat energy as a source of renewable energy, where would you most likely want to build a house?
Alaska
According to the Nuclear Disaster video, in 2011 there was another nuclear concern that arose in ___________ after a major earthquake causing a decrease of popularity of nuclear power in the United States.
Japan
According to the video on Nuclear Disasters, how many people died from the event?
0
The “Three Mile Island” Disaster occured on ________________.
March 28, 1979
If you wanted to find large supplies of oil in the United States, where would you most likely travel to?
Pennsylvania
t/f If you wanted to mine for coal in the United States, you would want to consider travelling to a place like West Virginia to accomplish this task.
t
t/f Biomass is known as a non-depletable resource. 65% of the energy in Sub Saharan Africa is based on biomass and it is being consumed faster than it is being produced.
f
t/f The biggest obstacle for wind energy is the movement of the generated energy to populated areas.
t
t/f Canada and Venezuela are major oil producers in the world.
t
t/f Renewable energy is also known as an “infinite” resource.
t
What are the categories of renewable energy
potentially renewable, nondepletable
What are the categories for non renewable resources
Fossil fuels, nuclear energy
air pollution (indoors and outdoors)
introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or microorganisms into the air
-can be harmful to plants, animals, and humans
coal and oil pollution
-coal combustion: releases most pollutants (CO2)
-Oil is slightly less in releasing pollutants
sulfur dioxide (SO2)
-corrosive gas released by combustion of fuels originating with coal and oil
nitrogen oxides
results from pollution reacting with nitrogen in the atmosphere; mostly from motor vehicles; can lead to acid rain
carbon dioxide (CO2)
-colorless, odorless gas formed during COMPLETE combustion of matter; greenhouse gas
carbon monoxide (CO)
-colorless odorless gas formed during INCOMPLETE combustion of matter; can be a dangerous indoor pollutant
particulate matter
-solid/liquid particles suspended in the air; comes from combustion of wood, manure, coal, oil, gas; aka “soot particles” (smog and or haze)
Thermal inversions
atmospheric condition in which a warm layer of air at mid-altitudes covers a layer of colder air
Normal conditions (bottom to top): warm air, cold air, cold air
Thermal inversions (bottom to top): cold air, warmer air (inversion layer), cold air
Indoor air pollutants
compounds that adversely affect the quality of air in buildings and structure
-carbon monoxide
-dust
-mold
-asbestos
-smoke
-radon gas
Point source
distinct source from which pollution is directly produced (ex: smoke stack)
non-point source
diffuse area that produces pollution(ex: farming region)
chemical pollutants
include heavy metals and synthetic compounds produced naturally or by humans
neurotoxins
attacks nervous system
carcinogen
cancer causing chemicals
teratogens
affects embryos/fetuses
allergens
can cause allergic reactions
endocrine disruptor
affects hormones in body
When did the chemical disaster in ohio occur and what city
feb 3, 2023; west palestine
in the accident, 50 train cars were derailed, 5 of which carried a specific toxic chemical called
vinyl chloride
the vinyl chloride and other chemicals were detonated in a controlled
burn
vinyl chloride burns at __ degrees F and it is ______ flammable, a class 1 IARC ___________. Vinyl chloride is one of the most likely chemicals to cause ________ in humans. In the ohio disaster, there could be close to _________ gallons of vinyl chloride involved and burnt up into the atmosphere.
7; highly; carcinogen; cancer; 150,000
According to the ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry) vinyl chloride in the air breaks down in a few _____ resulting in the formation of several other chemicals including __________ and ____
days; hydrochloride; CO2
How many gallons of vinyl chloride were spilled in the New Jersey disaster
23,000 (1/5-1/6 of Ohio’s incident)
norfolk southern railroad donated _______ to the victims of the Ohio train derailment
$25,000
ecotourism
the responsible travel to natural areas that conserve the environment, educate, and improves the well-being of people
