IB Physics: Energy Transformations and Environmental Impact

Environmental Science

Physics

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| Questions: 17 | Updated: Aug 4, 2025

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1. 8.1.1 State that thermal energy may be completely converted to work in a single process, but that continuous conversion of this energy into work requires a cyclical process and the transfer of some energy from the system.

Thermal energy may becompletely converted to work in a single process, but continuous conversion ofthis energy into work requires a... Thermal energy may becompletely converted to work in a single process, but continuous conversion ofthis energy into work requires a cyclical process and the transfer of someenergy from the system

The transfer of energy from the system is not necessary for the continuous conversion of thermal energy into work.

Thermal energy can only be partially converted to work in a single process.

Continuous conversion of thermal energy into work does not require a cyclical process.

The correct answer highlights the importance of a cyclical process and the transfer of some energy from the system for continuous conversion of thermal energy into work.

Explanation

The correct answer highlights the importance of a cyclical process and the transfer of some energy from the system for continuous conversion of thermal energy into work.

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About This Quiz

Explore the critical concepts of energy and power within the context of climate change. This assessment is designed to align with IB Physics 2009 Topic 8, enhancing your understanding of how energy transformations impact environmental sustainability.

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2. 8.1.2 Explain what is meant by degraded energy.

Energy that is stored and can be used at a later time

Energy no longer availableto perform useful work, usually lost to surroundings and other processes

Energy that has been transformed into a more usable form

Energy that has been completely destroyed and is no longer present

Degraded energy refers to energy that has been lost in the form of heat or other non-useful forms, making it no longer available to perform work. It is a common occurrence in energy transfer processes where some energy is always lost to the system or surroundings.

Explanation

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3. Construct and analyse energy flow diagrams (Sankey diagrams) and identify where the energy is degraded.

Refer to image

Estimate the total energy input without creating a diagram.

Calculate the potential energy of the system.

Illustrate the velocity of energy flow instead of its magnitude.

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4. Outline the principal mechanisms involved in the production of electrical power

2. Batteries creating electricity through chemical reactions

1. Any force thatwill spin a turbine (e.g. steam from water heated by burning fossil fuels,wind,... 1. Any force thatwill spin a turbine (e.g. steam from water heated by burning fossil fuels,wind, waves, etc.)2. Turbine causesgenerator to produce electricity from electromagnetic induction

3. Generators powered by human muscular energy

1. Solar panels converting sunlight directly into electricity

The correct answer highlights the common mechanisms involved in producing electrical power, while the incorrect answers portray alternative but inaccurate methods that are not typically used in power generation.

Explanation

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5. Identify different world energy sources

Biomass

Ethanol

1. Coal2. Oil3. Natural gas4. ... 1. Coal2. Oil3. Natural gas4. Nuclear5. Solar6. Wind7. Wave8. Tidal9. Hydroelectric10. Geothermal

Plutonium

The incorrect answers provided do not fall under the category of world energy sources as listed in the correct answer options.

Explanation

The incorrect answers provided do not fall under the category of world energy sources as listed in the correct answer options.

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6. 8.2.4 Discuss how choice of fuel is influenced by its energy density.

Lower energy density equals lower energy output, making it more efficient.

Increased energy density leads to less energy per unit mass/volume.

Greater energy density = greaterenergy per unit mass/volume = more energy for same mass/volume = more efficient

Energy density has no impact on the efficiency of fuel choice.

The correct answer highlights that greater energy density results in more energy per unit mass/volume, making it a more efficient choice of fuel.

Explanation

The correct answer highlights that greater energy density results in more energy per unit mass/volume, making it a more efficient choice of fuel.

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7. 8.2.5 State the relative proportions of world use of the different energy sources that are available.

Refer to image

10% coal, 30% natural gas, 25% oil, 15% nuclear

25% coal, 20% natural gas, 25% hydroelectric, 20% nuclear

40% coal, 30% natural gas, 15% wind, 8% solar

The correct answer asks for the relative proportions of world use of different energy sources, which can vary depending on the current data and trends. The incorrect answers provided do not accurately represent the global energy consumption patterns.

Explanation

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8. Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of various energy sources

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Compare renewable and non-renewable energy sources

Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different energy sources

Analyze the impact of energy sources on the environment

This question tests the candidate's knowledge on the pros and cons of different energy sources, requiring them to critically assess and compare the relative advantages and disadvantages of various sources in terms of availability, sustainability, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness.

Explanation

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9. Outline the historical and geographical reasons for the widespread use of fossil fuels

Historical-Industrial Revolution had large energydemands-Household appliances and heavy industrialmachinery require large amounts of energyGeographical-Fossil fuel reserves abundant in mostcontinents-Industrial developmentscentered... Historical-Industrial Revolution had large energydemands-Household appliances and heavy industrialmachinery require large amounts of energyGeographical-Fossil fuel reserves abundant in mostcontinents-Industrial developmentscentered around fossil fuel deposits

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10. Discuss the energy density of fossil fuels with respect to the demands of power stations.

The energy density of fossil fuels is irrelevant to power stations.

It is the lowest among all energy sources.

Fossil fuels have no impact on power generation.

Refer to image

Fossil fuels have a high energy density which makes them a preferred choice for power stations despite their environmental consequences.

Explanation

Fossil fuels have a high energy density which makes them a preferred choice for power stations despite their environmental consequences.

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11. Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages associated w/ the transportation & storage of fossil fuels.

NuclearAdvantages-low carbon emissionsDisadvantages-radioactive waste disposalRenewable energyAdvantages-sustainableDisadvantages-intermittent power generationHydrogenAdvantages-clean burningDisadvantages-storage challenges

CoalAdvantages-simple storage-safeDisadvantages-low energy density OilAdvantages-convenient location of rigsDisadvantages-oil spills and leaks-vulnerable to terrorist activitiesand natural disasters Natural gasAdvantages-high energy densityDisadvantages-expensive... CoalAdvantages-simple storage-safeDisadvantages-low energy density OilAdvantages-convenient location of rigsDisadvantages-oil spills and leaks-vulnerable to terrorist activitiesand natural disasters Natural gasAdvantages-high energy densityDisadvantages-expensive gas line setup andmaintenance costs

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12. Describe the environmental problems associated with the recovery of fossil fuels and their use in power stations.

The main environmental problem is the decrease in global warming

The environmental impact is limited to only one specific area

Fossil fuel recovery and use have no negative impact on the environment

CoalRecovery-stripmining (sulfuric acid and soil erosion)-mininghazards (toxic gas and tunnel cave ins) Oiland Natural gasRecovery-extensivetime to map and plan construction-expensiveconstruction... CoalRecovery-stripmining (sulfuric acid and soil erosion)-mininghazards (toxic gas and tunnel cave ins) Oiland Natural gasRecovery-extensivetime to map and plan construction-expensiveconstruction and maintenance costs-possiblespill and leak risks PowerStation Use-air pollution (CO2,CO, SO2, soot, Nitrogen oxides emissions)

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13. Describe how neutrons produced in a fission reaction may be used to initiate further fission reactions (chain reactions).

1. Neutronshot at atom nucleus.2. Nuclearfission occurs.3. Fissionproducts include more neutrons... 1. Neutronshot at atom nucleus.2. Nuclearfission occurs.3. Fissionproducts include more neutrons which may continue chain reaction.

Neutrons are used to create energy through nuclear fusion.

Neutrons are converted into protons during the process.

Neutrons are absorbed by the reactor walls.

The correct process involves the neutrons generated from nuclear fission initiating further fission reactions by being shot at atom nuclei, leading to a chain reaction with the production of more neutrons.

Explanation

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14. Distinguish between controlled nuclear fission (power production) and uncontrolled nuclear fission (nuclear weapons)

Uncontrolled nuclear fission is only used as needed

Controlled nuclear fission causes chaotic explosions

Nuclear weapons are used in power plants

Controlled:-usedin power plants-preventsuncontrolled chain reactions-onlyused as needed Uncontrolled:-usedin nuclear weapons-causeschaotic explosions for maximum energy release

Controlled nuclear fission in power production is carefully managed to generate electricity, while uncontrolled fission in nuclear weapons results in explosive energy release.

Explanation

Controlled nuclear fission in power production is carefully managed to generate electricity, while uncontrolled fission in nuclear weapons results in explosive energy release.

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15. What is meant by fuel enrichment?

Mixing different types of fuel to create a more stable reaction

Increasing the amount of fissionablematerial to increase the probability of fission occurring

Adding impurities to the fuel to reduce radiation levels

Increasing the temperature of the fuel to improve efficiency

Fuel enrichment refers to increasing the amount of fissionable material in nuclear fuel to enhance the likelihood of fission reactions taking place.

Explanation

Fuel enrichment refers to increasing the amount of fissionable material in nuclear fuel to enhance the likelihood of fission reactions taking place.

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16. Discuss the role of the moderator and the control rods in the production of controlled fission in a thermal fission reactor

Moderator-materialthat slows neutrons-requiredfor neutrons to reach a slow enough speed to cause fission Controlrods-absorbneutrons-maybe engaged at will to control fission... Moderator-materialthat slows neutrons-requiredfor neutrons to reach a slow enough speed to cause fission Controlrods-absorbneutrons-maybe engaged at will to control fission rate

The moderator slows down the neutrons to facilitate fission, while control rods absorb neutrons to control the fission rate. The incorrect answers do not align with the actual roles of these components in the process of controlled fission in a thermal fission reactor.

Explanation

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17. Describe how neutron capture by a nucleus of uranium-238 results in the production of a nucleus of plutonium-239.

1. Neutroncollides with U-238 atom.2. U-238atom fuses with neutron and creates U-239.3. ... 1. Neutroncollides with U-238 atom.2. U-238atom fuses with neutron and creates U-239.3. U-239undergoes beta decay to produce Np-239.4. Np-239undergoes beta decay to produce Pu-239.

3. Np-239 undergoes alpha decay to produce plutonium-240.

1. Neutron collides with Pu-239 atom.

2. U-238 atom combines with proton to form plutonium-239.

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