Ch 4 Unit 2 Alternative Energies And The Carbon Cycle

The correct answer is "hydroelectric". This refers to the production of electricity using the power of moving water, typically through the use of dams and turbines. "Hydro electric" is another way of saying the same thing, with "hydro" referring to water and "electric" referring to electricity. Both terms are used interchangeably to describe this form of alternative energy.

A wind farm refers to a collection of wind generators that are located in close proximity to each other on a large area of land. These wind generators harness the power of wind to generate electricity. Unlike solar panels on a rooftop or electricity generated by underground hot water, a wind farm specifically involves the use of wind generators on a vast tract of land.

The correct answer is solar. Solar energy refers to the energy derived from the sun's radiation, which is harnessed using technologies such as solar panels or solar thermal systems. This form of alternative energy is considered renewable and sustainable, as it relies on the abundant and constant supply of sunlight. Solar power has gained popularity in recent years due to its environmental benefits and potential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon into the atmosphere because fossil fuels are made up of carbon-rich organic matter that has been buried and compressed over millions of years. When these fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are burned for energy, the carbon is released as carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. This process contributes to the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to climate change.

One of the drawbacks to the extensive use of solar energy is the high cost associated with the necessary equipment and installation. Solar panels and other components required to harness solar energy can be expensive, making it less accessible to individuals or communities with limited financial resources. This cost factor can hinder the widespread adoption of solar energy as a renewable energy source.

Solar energy is considered non-polluting because it does not release harmful greenhouse gases or pollutants into the environment during its generation or use. Unlike fossil fuels, which contribute to air pollution and climate change, solar energy is a clean and sustainable source of power. It harnesses the energy from the sun without emitting any harmful substances, making it an environmentally friendly option for electricity generation.

Wind energy requires large tracts of land to install wind turbines and set up wind farms. In populated areas, finding such large areas of land can be expensive and challenging. This poses a problem for wind energy as a major source of electricity, as it may not be feasible to allocate the necessary land in densely populated regions.

The increased use of nuclear energy presents several problems. Firstly, the cost of building safe nuclear facilities is a major concern. The construction and maintenance of these facilities require significant financial resources. Secondly, there are major hazards involved in nuclear waste disposal. The proper management and disposal of radioactive waste is crucial to prevent environmental contamination and health risks. Lastly, there is a valid concern over the possibility of a serious nuclear accident. Accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima have highlighted the potential catastrophic consequences of nuclear accidents. Therefore, all the given answers are correct in highlighting the problems associated with the increased use of nuclear energy.

Geothermal energy is sourced from natural underground reservoirs of steam and hot water. These reservoirs are formed when water seeps into the Earth's crust and is heated by the high temperatures of the surrounding rocks. The heated water turns into steam, which can be harnessed to generate electricity or used directly for heating purposes. This renewable energy source is abundant in areas with volcanic activity or geothermal hotspots, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for power generation.

An environmental or carbon footprint refers to the amount of carbon that is released into the atmosphere from fossil fuels. This includes the emissions produced by burning coal, oil, and natural gas for energy purposes. It is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and their contribution to climate change.

Harnessing the sun's energy to produce heat or electricity is non-polluting because it does not release any harmful emissions or pollutants into the environment. Solar power systems use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity, or they use solar thermal collectors to heat water or air. Unlike fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases and contribute to air pollution, solar power is a clean and renewable source of energy that helps reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. Additionally, once the initial investment is made, solar power can be a cost-effective solution in the long run as it relies on an abundant and free source of energy, the sun.

Plants take in carbon that is released from the eruptions of volcanoes. This is because during volcanic eruptions, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Plants, through the process of photosynthesis, absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic compounds. This is an important part of the carbon cycle as it helps to regulate the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Organisms that make their own food, such as plants through the process of photosynthesis, take carbon from the air. Carbon dioxide is a key component required for photosynthesis, where plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. Therefore, carbon is essential for these organisms to produce their own food and carry out their metabolic processes.

Uranium is used as the fuel for nuclear fission in nuclear reactors. Nuclear fission is the process in which the nucleus of an atom is split into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. Uranium is a radioactive element that can undergo nuclear fission when bombarded with neutrons. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy in the form of heat, which is then used to generate electricity in nuclear power plants. Petroleum, carbon, and hydrogen are not used as fuels in nuclear reactors.

A solar panel is a device that consists of a collection of solar cells. These cells are made up of semiconductor materials that convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. When sunlight hits the solar cells, it excites the electrons in the material, creating a flow of electricity. This electricity can then be used to power various devices or stored in batteries for later use. Therefore, a solar panel is a collection of solar cells that harnesses solar energy to generate electricity.

A solar array refers to a collection of solar panels that are interconnected. These panels are designed to absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. By connecting multiple panels together, a solar array can generate a larger amount of electricity, making it an efficient and effective way to harness solar energy.

Wind power generates noise pollution. When wind turbines are in operation, they produce a certain level of noise due to the movement of the blades and the mechanical components. This noise can be a source of disturbance for nearby residents, especially if the wind turbines are located in residential areas. While wind power is a clean and renewable source of energy, it is important to consider and mitigate the potential negative impact of noise pollution on the surrounding environment and communities.

In the 1970s, the United States began to widely adopt the use of solar panels. This was primarily due to the energy crisis and increasing concerns about the environment. During this time, there was a growing interest in renewable energy sources, and solar power emerged as a viable option. The advancements in technology and government incentives also played a significant role in promoting the use of solar panels. As a result, the 1970s marked the beginning of a significant shift towards solar energy in the US.

Hydroelectric power is produced by harnessing the energy of falling water to turn a turbine. This process involves the construction of a dam to create a reservoir, and as water is released from the reservoir, it falls under gravity and flows through turbines. The force of the falling water causes the turbines to spin, which then drives a generator to produce electricity. This method of power generation is renewable and environmentally friendly, as it relies on the natural water cycle and does not produce greenhouse gas emissions.

The blades in our tallest wind turbine are located 215 feet off the ground.

A solar array refers to a collection of solar panels that are interconnected to work together. These panels harness sunlight and convert it into electricity. By connecting multiple panels, a solar array can generate a larger amount of electricity, making it a more efficient and effective way to harness solar energy.

The solar array on the FEDEX building can produce 904 kilowatts of power.

The correct answer is turbine because kinetic energy is the energy of motion, and a turbine is a device that converts the energy of a moving fluid (such as water or steam) into rotational motion. As the fluid flows through the turbine, it pushes against the blades, causing them to spin. This spinning motion represents the conversion of kinetic energy from the fluid into mechanical energy in the turbine. Therefore, the turbine is where the kinetic energy is taking place.

A wind farm is a large tract of land that is used to generate electricity with wind. It consists of areas used for wind turbines, which are often expensive to buy. Wind farms have the potential to generate enough electricity to meet the needs of the entire United States of America.