nonrenewable energy
What is the primary difference between coal and natural gas in terms of carbon emissions? (Coal releases more CO₂ per unit of energy than natural gas)
Coal releases more CO₂ per unit of energy than natural gas
Which renewable energy source uses the Earth’s heat from below the surface?
Answer: Geothermal energy
Define cogeneration and give an example.
Answer: Using waste heat from electricity production for heating; e.g., combined heat & power plants
How do you calculate net energy?
Answer: Net energy = energy returned – energy invested
What are the environmental effects of mountaintop removal mining?
Answer: Deforestation, habitat destruction, water pollution
Which country is the largest producer of oil?
Answer: United States or Saudi Arabia
What are two main drawbacks of wind energy?
Answer: Intermittency and noise/visual impact
What is the main purpose of a smart grid?
Answer: To efficiently distribute electricity, reduce waste, and allow better monitoring of demand
A coal plant has an EROI of 40:1. Explain what this means.
Answer: For every 1 unit of energy invested, 40 units of energy are produced
Explain how oil spills impact marine ecosystems.
Answer: They coat animals and plants, reduce oxygen in water, and poison the food chain
Name one environmental hazard associated with nuclear energy.
Answer: Radioactive waste, potential meltdown, or thermal pollution
How does a hydroelectric dam generate electricity?
Answer: Water flows through turbines, spinning them to generate electricity
List two ways households can conserve energy.
Answer: LED lighting, efficient appliances, turning off electronics when not in use
Compare global energy use in developed vs. developing countries.
Answer: Developed countries use more per capita; developing countries are increasing consumption as economies grow
What are greenhouse gas emissions, and which energy source produces the most?
Answer: Gases like CO₂ that trap heat; coal produces the most
Explain the difference between proven and unproven fossil fuel reserves.
Answer: Proven = confirmed & economically recoverable; Unproven = estimated or less certain
Give an example of biomass energy.
Answer: Wood, crop waste, or methane from landfills
What is the difference between energy conservation and energy efficiency?
Answer: Conservation = using less energy; Efficiency = using energy more effectively
Why is net energy an important measure in evaluating energy sources?
Answer: It shows the actual usable energy after accounting for energy costs to extract and produce it
List two pros and two cons of solar energy.
Answer: Pros: renewable, low emissions; Cons: intermittent, high initial cost
What is the main environmental impact of fracking?
Answer: Water contamination, earthquakes, habitat disruption
What is one limitation of solar and wind energy related to energy storage?
Answer: They are intermittent; energy storage systems are needed to provide constant power
Explain how cogeneration improves overall energy efficiency.
Answer: Captures waste heat from electricity production to provide heat, reducing total energy use
If a power plant produces 1000 MJ but uses 200 MJ to operate, what is its net energy?
Answer: 800 MJ
How does acid mine drainage affect waterways?
Answer: Lowers pH, releases heavy metals, harms aquatic life