Ch 4 Unit 2 Honors Quiz

Uranium is used in nuclear fission to produce energy. During the process of nuclear fission, the nucleus of a uranium atom is split into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat. This heat is then used to generate steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity. Uranium is a highly efficient fuel for nuclear power plants due to its high energy density and abundance in the Earth's crust.

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon into the atmosphere. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are composed of carbon-based compounds. When these fuels are burned for energy, carbon dioxide (CO2) is released as a byproduct. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. Therefore, burning fossil fuels is a significant source of carbon emissions and a major driver of climate change.

Solar energy is considered non-polluting because it does not release harmful greenhouse gases or pollutants into the atmosphere when it is generated or used. Unlike fossil fuels, which contribute to air pollution and climate change, solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power. By harnessing the energy from the sun, solar power systems can generate electricity without causing any harm to the environment. This makes solar energy a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for meeting our energy needs.

Hydroelectric dams have finite lifetimes because sediments build up behind them. Over time, water flowing into the dam carries sediment particles that settle and accumulate, forming a layer of sediment. This sediment buildup reduces the storage capacity of the dam, limiting its ability to generate electricity and control water flow. Eventually, the sediment can fill up the reservoir completely, rendering the dam ineffective. Therefore, regular maintenance and sediment removal are necessary to prolong the lifespan of hydroelectric dams.

Wind energy requires large tracts of land in order to set up wind farms and harness the power of wind. In populated areas where land is limited and expensive, it becomes a challenge to find suitable locations for wind farms. This can hinder the development and expansion of wind energy as a major source of electricity.

The given answer is incorrect. Plants primarily take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis, not from the eruptions of volcanoes. Volcanic eruptions release carbon dioxide, but it is a relatively small amount compared to the carbon dioxide released through human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

Wind power generates noise pollution due to the mechanical components of wind turbines, such as the blades and the gearbox, which produce noise as they rotate. This noise can be disruptive to nearby communities and wildlife, especially if the turbines are located in densely populated areas. Additionally, the noise generated by wind turbines can have negative effects on human health, including sleep disturbances and stress. Therefore, wind power is associated with noise pollution rather than air, water, or soil pollution.

The increased use of nuclear energy presents several problems. Firstly, the cost of building safe nuclear facilities can be a significant challenge. Secondly, there are major hazards involved in nuclear waste disposal, as it requires careful handling and long-term storage. Lastly, there is a concern over the possibility of a serious nuclear accident, which can have catastrophic consequences. Therefore, all of the given answers are correct as they highlight different problems associated with the increased use of nuclear energy.

Harnessing the sun's energy to produce heat or electricity is non-polluting because it does not release any harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that does not contribute to air pollution or climate change. It is a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for generating power.

Organisms that make their own food, such as plants, take carbon from the air. This is done through a process called photosynthesis, where plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide from the air to produce glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen. Carbon is an essential element for the production of organic compounds, which are the building blocks of living organisms. Oxygen and nitrogen are also present in the air, but carbon is the main element taken by organisms for food production. Helium, on the other hand, is an inert gas and is not used by organisms for food production.

The correct answer is "Necessary equipment and installation are expensive." This is one of the drawbacks to the extensive use of solar energy because the initial cost of purchasing and installing solar panels and other equipment can be quite high. This can make it difficult for some individuals or businesses to afford the upfront investment required to switch to solar energy. However, it is important to note that once the initial cost is overcome, solar energy can provide significant long-term savings on electricity bills.

Hydroelectric power is produced by falling water that turns a turbine. This is because the force of the falling water is used to spin the turbine, which in turn generates electricity. The gravitational potential energy of the water is converted into kinetic energy as it falls, and this energy is harnessed to produce electricity through the rotation of the turbine. The other options, tides pouring through a dam barrier, hot water from underground, and electric current flowing across a dam, are not accurate explanations for the production of hydroelectric power.

Uranium is the correct answer because it is the fuel used in nuclear fission reactions in nuclear reactors. Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom is split into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. Uranium-235 and uranium-233 are the most commonly used isotopes of uranium in nuclear reactors. These isotopes are capable of sustaining a chain reaction, where the energy released from one fission reaction triggers subsequent fission reactions. The fission process releases a tremendous amount of energy, which is harnessed to generate electricity in nuclear power plants.

Geothermal energy is derived from natural underground reservoirs of steam and hot water. These reservoirs are formed by the heat generated from the Earth's core, which warms the surrounding rocks and water. The heat causes the water to turn into steam, which can then be tapped into and used to generate electricity or for heating purposes. This renewable energy source is sustainable and does not produce greenhouse gas emissions, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

The Fed Ex building in the video uses enough solar panels to supply the electrical power to 450 homes.

Tidal power is harnessed by building a dam across the mouth of a bay or an estuary in a coastal area. This allows the incoming and outgoing tides to flow through the dam, driving turbines and generating electricity. The rise and fall of the tides is a predictable and renewable energy source, making tidal power an attractive option for sustainable energy production.

To supply all of America with electricity from solar energy, it would require an area of 10 thousand square miles in Nevada. This is because Nevada has vast open spaces and receives ample sunlight, making it an ideal location for large-scale solar energy production.