Explore Renewables: Grades 9-12

1.

Most of the energy we use today in the United States comes from ________________.

A.

Fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas)
B.

The sun
C.

Wind
D.

Biomass

Correct Answer
A. Fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas)

Explanation
Fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) are the primary sources of energy in the United States. These fuels are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that have been buried and subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. They are highly combustible and release large amounts of energy when burned. Fossil fuels have been widely used for electricity generation, transportation, and heating due to their abundance and high energy density. However, their use contributes to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change, leading to a growing interest in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and biomass.

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2.

How is electricity generated?

A.

Copper wire spinning around a magnet
B.

Steam causing a turbine to rotate
C.

Flowing water forcing a turbine to spin
D.

All of the above

Correct Answer
D. All of the above

Explanation
Electricity can be generated through various methods. One way is by copper wire spinning around a magnet, which creates a magnetic field that induces an electric current. Another method is using steam to cause a turbine to rotate, which then generates electricity. Additionally, flowing water can force a turbine to spin, converting the kinetic energy of the water into electrical energy. Therefore, all of the given options are correct ways in which electricity can be generated.

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3.

What is the difference between solar thermal and solar photovoltaic energy?

A.

Solar photovoltaic panels can be installed on a roof while solar thermal panels cannot
B.

Solar thermal uses the heat from the sun to make electricity (or heat up water) and solar photovoltaics uses light from the sun to make electricity
C.

Solar phototovoltaics can be used to make electricity, but solar thermal cannot
D.

Solar photovoltaics is a renewable source of energy, but solar thermal is not

Correct Answer
B. Solar thermal uses the heat from the sun to make electricity (or heat up water) and solar photovoltaics uses light from the sun to make electricity

Explanation
Solar thermal energy harnesses the heat from the sun to generate electricity or heat up water, while solar photovoltaic energy uses the light from the sun to generate electricity. This means that solar thermal panels are able to convert the sun's heat into usable energy, while solar photovoltaic panels convert the sun's light into electricity.

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4.

Which of the following is a barrier to using more renewable sources of energy?

A.

There isn’t enough possible renewable energy to serve human needs
B.

Biofuels require a lot of land and resources
C.

Modern wind farms aren’t financially competitive with fossil fuel power plants
D.

Oceans are too large for tidal power to be effective

Correct Answer
B. Biofuels require a lot of land and resources

Explanation
Biofuels requiring a lot of land and resources is a barrier to using more renewable sources of energy because it limits the availability and feasibility of producing biofuels on a large scale. The requirement for a significant amount of land and resources can lead to deforestation, competition with food production, and environmental degradation. This barrier hinders the widespread adoption of biofuels as a renewable energy source.

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5.

What is "distributed generation?"

A.

Generating electricity from many small sources that are located close to customers
B.

A way to make electricity from algae found all over the world
C.

Generating electricity from a few large power plants located far away from customers
D.

Using long power lines to deliver electricity from coal power plants to keep pollution away from populated areas

Correct Answer
A. Generating electricity from many small sources that are located close to customers

Explanation
Distributed generation refers to the generation of electricity from multiple small sources that are located near the consumers. This decentralized approach allows for a more efficient and reliable energy system as it reduces transmission and distribution losses, improves grid stability, and increases the utilization of renewable energy sources. It also provides the opportunity for consumers to generate their own electricity through technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, or fuel cells, thereby promoting energy independence and sustainability.

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6.

Which of the following is a barrier to storing energy from renewable sources?

A.

Fuel cells pollute the atmosphere
B.

Today's energy batteries are expensive and heavy
C.

Scientists have not discovered any creative ways to store energy
D.

None of the above

Correct Answer
B. Today's energy batteries are expensive and heavy

Explanation
Today's energy batteries being expensive and heavy is a barrier to storing energy from renewable sources. This is because the cost and weight of batteries can make it impractical to store large amounts of energy generated from renewable sources such as solar or wind power. Expensive and heavy batteries can limit the scalability and efficiency of renewable energy systems, hindering their widespread adoption and integration into the grid.

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7.

What is a "smart grid?"

A.

A type of fence that helps fish avoid hydroelectric dams
B.

A modern electrical grid that uses information technology to improve the efficiency and reliability of electricity production and distribution.
C.

The best way to arrange solar panels on a roof
D.

A map of all the geothermal hotspots in the United States

Correct Answer
B. A modern electrical grid that uses information technology to improve the efficiency and reliability of electricity production and distribution.

Explanation
A "smart grid" refers to a modern electrical grid that utilizes information technology to enhance the effectiveness and dependability of electricity generation and distribution. This includes incorporating advanced sensors, communication networks, and automation systems to monitor and control the flow of electricity. By doing so, a smart grid can optimize energy usage, detect and respond to power outages more efficiently, and integrate renewable energy sources more effectively. Overall, the implementation of a smart grid aims to improve the efficiency and reliability of electricity production and distribution.

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8.

If we took away all of the current energy efficiency standards for buildings and appliances, we would need ________________ energy?

A.

More
B.

The same amount of
C.

Less
D.

The same amount but different forms of

Correct Answer
A. More

Explanation
If we took away all of the current energy efficiency standards for buildings and appliances, we would need more energy. This is because energy efficiency standards are put in place to ensure that buildings and appliances consume less energy and operate more efficiently. Without these standards, buildings and appliances would use more energy, resulting in an increased demand for energy.

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9.

True or false: We'll need a combination of renewable energy sources to move forward with a secure, sustainable energy supply.

A.

True
B.

False, our only way of reducing carbon dioxide emissions and slowing down climate change is to find one source of renewable energy that can cover all of our energy needs

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The statement suggests that in order to have a secure and sustainable energy supply, a combination of renewable energy sources is needed. This implies that relying on one source alone is not sufficient to meet all energy needs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

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10.

Which of the following energy strategies will help ensure a long and healthy future for ourselves and our planet?

A.

Energy efficiency
B.

Demand response
C.

Renewable energy
D.

All of the above. This combination of strategies is called "Integrated Demand Side Management."

Correct Answer
D. All of the above. This combination of strategies is called "Integrated Demand Side Management."

Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the above. This combination of strategies is called 'Integrated Demand Side Management.'" This means that implementing energy efficiency, demand response, and renewable energy strategies together will help ensure a long and healthy future for ourselves and our planet. Integrated Demand Side Management refers to the coordinated use of these strategies to optimize energy consumption and reduce environmental impact.

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