Study Guide for Energy Test and Quiz
What are the fossil fuels? Coal, Natural Gas and Oil
What does it mean if energy is renewable? The energy is from a sustainable source such as: wind, or
solar.
How does a generator produce electricity?
Energy—see chart
attached.
Hydrogen
Geothermal
What is it? How is
electricity made?
Positives
Negatives
Solar
Wind
Hydropower
Biomass
Nuclear Energy
What is the difference between fission and fusion? Which one makes nuclear energy possible?
Nuclear fission is a non renewable source of energy using uranium as a fuel. Nuclear fusion is a
renewable energy source which once the process begins runs indefinitely. Nuclear fusion is not
available on a commercial scale at this time.
What problems are associated with dismantling dams?
Flooding, and the sediment that is trapped behind the dam is filled with toxins.
What are some of the benefits/negatives of electric cars?
Benefits: Use less gasoline leaving less CO2
Negatives: Batteries are difficult to dispose of without damage to the environment. Charging stations
are not plentiful.
What do they make biodiesel fuel from?
Corn, soybeans have oil which is more sustainable than petroleum.
How can they make electricity from landfills?
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Pipe the methane out, and burn it. Or burn the trash and create heat or steam.
What is “Green Power”?
Our local electricity company’s program designed to promote alternative energy use and production.
Dominion Power’s Green Energy
How can they use algae to make energy?
As America takes steps to improve our energy security, home-grown fuel sources are more important that
ever. One of the fuel sources of the future is algae, small aquatic organisms that convert sunlight into
energy and store it in the form of oil. Scientists and engineers at the Energy Department and its national
laboratories are researching the best strains of algae and developing the most efficient farming practices.
This video shows how oil is extracted from algae and refined into sustainable biofuels.
What are some of the benefits/negatives of floating wind farms?
Benefits: Once constructed, economical source of energy.
Negatives: Wind farms are not an appreciated view on the sky line, dangerous for birds and bats,
vibrations bother marine life.
How many pounds of CO2 are produced from a gallon of gasoline? 20 pounds of CO2
What does the term “carbon footprint” mean? The amount of CO2 you contribute through your activities
to the atmosphere in your life time.
How can turning off lights reduce your carbon footprint? Using less electricity reduces your carbon
footprint.
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