Energy Sources And Power Generation
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Questions and Answers
- 1.
In general, what is energy?
- A.
The ability to produce electricity
- B.
The ability to heat things up
- C.
Something that causes motion
- D.
The ability to cause change
Correct Answer
D. The ability to cause changeExplanation
Energy is defined as the ability to cause change. It is not limited to any specific form or manifestation such as producing electricity, heating things up, or causing motion. Energy can exist in various forms including kinetic, potential, thermal, chemical, and electrical. It is a fundamental concept in physics and is associated with the capacity to do work or bring about a change in a system.Rate this question:
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- 2.
All the energy on the surface of Earth comes from only two sources. What are they?
- A.
Outer space and the oceans
- B.
The sun and radioactivity within the earth
- C.
The sun and chemicals
- D.
Water and stars
Correct Answer
B. The sun and radioactivity within the earthExplanation
The correct answer is the sun and radioactivity within the earth. The sun is a major source of energy for the Earth, providing heat and light through nuclear fusion. Radioactivity within the Earth's core also generates heat, contributing to the energy on the surface. Other options like outer space, the oceans, water, and stars may have some influence on energy distribution, but they are not the primary sources of energy for the Earth's surface.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Energy of motion is called ...
- A.
Kinetic energy
- B.
Potential energy
- C.
Solar energy
- D.
Heat energy
Correct Answer
A. Kinetic energyExplanation
Kinetic energy refers to the energy possessed by an object due to its motion. It is the energy that an object possesses when it is in motion and is directly proportional to its mass and the square of its velocity. Potential energy refers to the energy possessed by an object due to its position or state. Solar energy is the energy obtained from the sun, while heat energy is the energy that is transferred between objects due to a temperature difference. Among the given options, kinetic energy is the most appropriate term to describe the energy of motion.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What kind of energy is produced by the sun?
- A.
Chemical energy
- B.
Radiant energy
- C.
Potential energy
- D.
Electrical energy
Correct Answer
B. Radiant energyExplanation
The sun produces radiant energy. This type of energy is in the form of electromagnetic waves, including visible light, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet radiation. Radiant energy is responsible for heating the Earth, providing light, and enabling photosynthesis in plants. It is the primary source of energy for all living organisms on Earth.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Water at the top of a dam has what kind of energy?
- A.
Kinetic energy
- B.
Chemical energy
- C.
Gravitational potential energy
- D.
Electrical energy
Correct Answer
C. Gravitational potential energyExplanation
Water at the top of a dam has gravitational potential energy. This is because it is at a higher position and has the potential to fall down due to gravity. Gravitational potential energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its position in a gravitational field. In this case, the water at the top of the dam has stored potential energy that can be converted into other forms, such as kinetic energy, when it flows down through the dam.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What kind of energy can be used to make electricity without the need for a turbine or generator?
- A.
Solar
- B.
Hydroelectric
- C.
Geothermal
- D.
Wind
Correct Answer
A. SolarExplanation
Solar energy can be used to make electricity without the need for a turbine or generator. Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, where photons from the sun's rays knock electrons loose from atoms, generating an electric current. This process does not require the use of turbines or generators, making solar energy a clean and sustainable source of electricity.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What two types of electrical energy production uses steam to turn a turbine?
- A.
Solar and tidal
- B.
Tidal and geothermal
- C.
Nuclear and solar
- D.
Fossil fuels and nuclear
Correct Answer
D. Fossil fuels and nuclearExplanation
Fossil fuels and nuclear energy are the two types of electrical energy production that use steam to turn a turbine. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are burned to produce steam, which then turns the turbine. In nuclear energy production, the heat generated from nuclear reactions is used to produce steam, which also turns the turbine. Both processes rely on the use of steam to generate electricity.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which type of electricity generation has a disadvantage of being potentially harmful to migrating birds?
- A.
Wind
- B.
Tidal
- C.
Geothermal
- D.
Solar
Correct Answer
A. WindExplanation
Wind electricity generation has a disadvantage of being potentially harmful to migrating birds. The spinning blades of wind turbines can pose a threat to birds that fly into them, causing collisions and fatalities. This is a known issue in areas with high bird populations or migration routes. While efforts are made to mitigate this risk, such as proper siting of wind farms and using bird-friendly designs, the potential harm to birds remains a disadvantage of wind power.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which type of electrical generation has the disadvantage of being dirty by polluting the air?
- A.
Nuclear
- B.
Wind
- C.
Fossil fuels
- D.
Geothermal
Correct Answer
C. Fossil fuelsExplanation
Fossil fuels have the disadvantage of being dirty by polluting the air. When these fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are burned to generate electricity, they release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These pollutants contribute to air pollution, smog, and climate change. In contrast, nuclear energy, wind energy, and geothermal energy have lower or negligible emissions, making them cleaner options for electricity generation.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Nuclear energy taps the energy stored within the _______ of an atom to produce electricity.
- A.
Electrons
- B.
Neutrons
- C.
Protons
- D.
Nucleus
Correct Answer
D. NucleusExplanation
Nuclear energy harnesses the energy stored within the nucleus of an atom to generate electricity. The nucleus, which is composed of protons and neutrons, contains a tremendous amount of energy. Through processes such as nuclear fission or fusion, this energy can be released and converted into electricity. Electrons, on the other hand, are not directly involved in the production of nuclear energy. Therefore, the correct answer is "nucleus".Rate this question:
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- 11.
The main disadvantage of using nuclear energy to generate electricity is the disposal of ...
- A.
Radioactive cooling water
- B.
Radioactive wastes
- C.
Old used turbines
- D.
Nuclear ashes
Correct Answer
B. Radioactive wastesExplanation
The main disadvantage of using nuclear energy to generate electricity is the disposal of radioactive wastes. Nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste materials during the process of generating electricity. These wastes are highly hazardous and remain radioactive for thousands of years. Proper disposal and management of these wastes are crucial to prevent any potential harm to human health and the environment. The long-term storage and containment of radioactive wastes pose significant challenges and risks, making it a major drawback of nuclear energy.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What two things must a generator contain in order to produce electricity?
- A.
Wires and heat
- B.
Coils of wire and strong magnets
- C.
Conductors and insulators
- D.
Running water and a turbine
Correct Answer
B. Coils of wire and strong magnetsExplanation
A generator must contain coils of wire and strong magnets in order to produce electricity. The coils of wire, also known as the armature, are rotated within a magnetic field created by the strong magnets. This rotation induces a flow of electrons in the wire, generating an electric current. The interaction between the magnetic field and the wire is what allows the generator to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which one of these is generally NOT used to turn a turbine?
- A.
Moving water
- B.
Steam
- C.
Wind
- D.
Electricity
Correct Answer
D. ElectricityExplanation
Electricity is generally not used to turn a turbine. Turbines are typically turned by the force of moving water, steam, or wind. While electricity can be generated by a turbine, it is not the primary source used to turn the turbine.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which one of the following is a renewable source of energy?
- A.
Coal
- B.
Wind
- C.
Nuclear
- D.
Oil
Correct Answer
B. WindExplanation
Wind is a renewable source of energy because it is generated by natural forces such as the movement of air currents. These currents are constantly replenished by the sun's heat and the rotation of the Earth, making wind a sustainable and inexhaustible resource. Unlike coal, oil, and nuclear energy, which are all finite and non-renewable, wind can be harnessed indefinitely without depleting its source. Additionally, wind energy production does not produce harmful emissions or contribute to climate change, making it a clean and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which subatomic particle causes a chain reaction in the uranium fuel of a nuclear reactor?
- A.
Proton
- B.
Neutron
- C.
Electron
- D.
Nucleus
Correct Answer
B. NeutronExplanation
Neutrons are the subatomic particles that cause a chain reaction in the uranium fuel of a nuclear reactor. When a neutron collides with a uranium atom, it can cause the atom to split, releasing more neutrons. These newly released neutrons can then go on to collide with other uranium atoms, creating a continuous chain reaction. This chain reaction releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat, which is used to generate electricity in a nuclear reactor.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What is a major disadvantage of hydroelectric power?
- A.
It produces pollution.
- B.
Dams get in the way of migratory birds.
- C.
Dams can't be built everywhere they are needed.
- D.
Water is non-renewable.
Correct Answer
C. Dams can't be built everywhere they are needed.Explanation
Hydroelectric power has a major disadvantage in that dams cannot be built everywhere they are needed. This limitation arises due to various factors such as geographical constraints, lack of suitable water sources, and environmental concerns. The availability of suitable locations for dam construction greatly affects the potential for harnessing hydroelectric power. As a result, the widespread implementation of hydroelectric power is hindered, limiting its overall feasibility and accessibility as a renewable energy source.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Where would be the best place to build a wind farm to generate electricity?
- A.
In the city
- B.
In a tropical rain forest
- C.
In an open area where it is windy most of the time
- D.
Where there are a lot of bird migration routes
Correct Answer
C. In an open area where it is windy most of the timeExplanation
An open area where it is windy most of the time would be the best place to build a wind farm to generate electricity because wind turbines require a consistent and strong wind flow to produce energy efficiently. Building a wind farm in a city may be hindered by tall buildings and other structures that can disrupt the wind flow. Similarly, building in a tropical rainforest may not be ideal as the dense vegetation can obstruct the wind. Additionally, locating the wind farm away from bird migration routes is important to minimize potential harm to bird populations.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Sunlight is made of tiny packets of energy called _________.
- A.
Neutrons
- B.
Electrons
- C.
Ions
- D.
Photons
Correct Answer
D. PhotonsExplanation
Sunlight is made of tiny packets of energy called photons. Photons are the fundamental particles of light and electromagnetic radiation. They carry energy and have properties of both particles and waves. They do not have mass and travel at the speed of light. When sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, photons are responsible for transferring the energy that we perceive as light and heat.Rate this question:
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- 19.
A device used to convert radiant energy into electrical energy is called ____.
- A.
A photovoltaic
- B.
An ionization apparatus
- C.
A particle accelerator
- D.
A cathode ray tube
Correct Answer
A. A photovoltaicExplanation
A device used to convert radiant energy into electrical energy is called a photovoltaic. Photovoltaic devices, commonly known as solar cells, utilize the photovoltaic effect to convert sunlight into electricity. When light photons strike the photovoltaic material, they excite electrons, creating a flow of electric current. This conversion process allows the device to generate electrical energy from radiant energy, making "a photovoltaic" the correct answer.Rate this question:
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- 20.
The purpose of electrical generators is convert some kind of kinetic energy into ___ energy.
- A.
Potential
- B.
Electrical
- C.
Chemical
- D.
Radiant
Correct Answer
B. ElectricalExplanation
The purpose of electrical generators is to convert some kind of kinetic energy, such as mechanical or thermal energy, into electrical energy. This conversion is achieved through the use of electromagnetic induction, where a rotating coil or magnet generates a changing magnetic field, which in turn induces an electric current in a wire. Therefore, the correct answer is "electrical."Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Feb 17, 2010Quiz Created by
Wilstar