Environmental Science - Chapter 10 Flashcards

1
Q

The process that uses bacteria to break down wet, green biomass and animal waste into methane and CO2 is called

A

Anaerobic digestion

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2
Q

Which of the following is not considered a renewable energy energy source?

A

Coal burning plants

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3
Q

On a worldwide basis _________ provides the largest percentage of renewable energy.

A

biomass

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4
Q

True or False: Fuelwood is the primary energy source for nearly half of the world’s population.

A

True

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5
Q

Environmental problems associated with geothermal energy include

A

air pollution, corrosion of pipes, and may be toxic to fish.

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6
Q

What is contained in the steam produced by geothermal energy?

A

Hydrogen sulfide

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7
Q

A disadvantage of wind-generated energy is that

A

Wind turbines can be visually displeasing
Wind turbines are noisy
Spinning vanes are dangerous to birds and bats

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8
Q

Geothermal energy works best in regions where

A

Magma is near Earth’s surface

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9
Q

Explain how dams alter ecosystems and can harm plant and animal life.

A

The water from the dams can flood vast area of land

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10
Q

Describe the differences between passive solar heating system with active solar heating systems

A

Active solar heating is when various devices are used to collect energy from the sun.
Passive solar heating is when solar panels allow the sun to generate electricity in buildings.

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11
Q

True or False. Tidal energy development requires that areas be flooded, and people be displaced from their homes.

A

False

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12
Q

Sources of biomass energy (fuel)

A

Fuelwood
Municipal and industrial wastes
Agricultural crop residues and animal wastes
energy plantations

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13
Q

passive solar heating system

A

Light energy is transformed to heat energy when it is absorbed by a surface. They do NOT produce electricity.

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14
Q

Both active solar heating systems and passive solar heating systems

A

Must face south

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15
Q

A device that produces electricity directly from solar energy is called

A

A photovoltaic cell

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16
Q

lack of water may prevent construction of a geothermal energy facility in a particular area because

A

water is used as a steam to turn turbines

17
Q

What is geothermal energy?

A

In geologically active areas hot magma moves to the surface and heats water. The hot water can heat buildings or generate electricity through a steam turbine. Wells are drilled to obtain steam trapped underground, and the steam powers electrical generators. The U.S. produces 30% of world’s geothermal electricity.

18
Q

What are some problems associated with using geothermal energy?

A

The steam contains hydrogen sulfide gas which ends up smelling like rotten eggs. Minerals in the steam corrode pipes and equipment. The minerals are toxic to fish.

19
Q

What are the negative impacts of building hydroelectric dams?

A
  • change in the temperature of the water
  • silt is trapped behind the dam
  • flooding vast areas of land