Energy Conservation - AP Environmental Science

Identify the energy transfer in a simple pendulum.

Potential energy to kinetic energy and vice versa. Maximum potential at highest point, maximum kinetic at lowest.
Identify one method to improve energy efficiency in homes.

Installing energy-efficient appliances. Reduces energy waste and lowers utility bills.
What is the purpose of energy audits in buildings?

To assess energy use and identify savings opportunities. Systematic evaluation reveals efficiency improvement opportunities.
What is the first law of thermodynamics?

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. Also known as conservation of energy principle.
What does the term 'energy conservation' mean?

Reducing energy use through efficient measures. Includes both efficiency improvements and behavioral changes.
What is the definition of energy efficiency?

Ratio of useful output energy to total input energy. Always less than 100% due to energy losses.
What is the role of an inverter in solar power systems?

Converts DC to AC electricity. Essential for connecting solar panels to electrical grid.
What is the main byproduct of burning fossil fuels?

Carbon dioxide (CO₂). Primary greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.
Which type of energy resource is biomass?

Renewable energy resource. Derived from organic materials like wood and crops.
Which energy source is known for having the highest energy density?

Nuclear energy. Small amounts produce enormous energy through fission.
What is the primary advantage of solar energy?

It is a clean and renewable energy source. No greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
State the formula for calculating power.

$P = \frac{W}{t}$ . Power is the rate of energy transfer.
Identify a major disadvantage of fossil fuels.

Environmental pollution. Releases harmful emissions and contributes to climate change.
What does the second law of thermodynamics state?

Entropy of an isolated system always increases. Systems naturally move toward greater disorder.
State the formula for calculating kinetic energy.

$KE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2$ . Where m is mass and v is velocity.
What is the primary source of energy for Earth's climate system?

The Sun. Drives weather patterns and photosynthesis.
What is the definition of thermal energy?

Total kinetic energy of particles in a substance. Related to temperature and molecular motion.
State the common unit used for measuring electricity consumption.

Kilowatt-hour (kWh). Equals 1000 watts used for one hour.
Identify one non-renewable energy source.

Coal. Fossil fuel formed from ancient plant matter.
What is the efficiency formula in energy terms?

$\text{Efficiency} = \frac{\text{Useful energy output}}{\text{Total energy input}} \times 100\%$ . Measures how well energy is converted to useful work.
What is the definition of electrical energy?

Energy from the flow of electric charge. Energy carried by moving electrons in conductors.
What is the definition of chemical energy?

Energy stored in chemical bonds of molecules. Released when bonds break during reactions.
Which law explains why perpetual motion machines are impossible?

The second law of thermodynamics. Entropy increase prevents 100% efficiency.
State the law of conservation of energy.

Total energy of an isolated system is constant. Energy can change forms but total amount stays same.
What does the term 'renewable energy' refer to?

Energy from sources that are naturally replenished. Examples include solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
What is the principle of conservation of mechanical energy?

Total mechanical energy remains constant if only conservative forces act. Energy transforms between kinetic and potential forms.
What is the primary environmental concern of nuclear energy?

Radioactive waste. Long-term storage and disposal challenges remain.
Which energy source relies on the Earth's internal heat?

Geothermal energy. Harnesses heat from Earth's core and mantle.
State the relationship between work and energy.

Work is the transfer of energy by a force. Work equals force times distance.
Identify a consequence of high energy consumption.

Increased greenhouse gas emissions. Higher demand increases fossil fuel combustion.
Identify a key benefit of using geothermal energy.

Low greenhouse gas emissions. Minimal carbon footprint and reliable baseload power.
Which form of energy is utilized in wind turbines?

Kinetic energy of wind. Moving air spins turbine blades to generate electricity.
Which device is used to measure energy consumption?

Electricity meter. Records electrical energy usage in kilowatt-hours.
State the formula for gravitational potential energy.

$PE = mgh$ . Where m is mass, g is gravity, h is height.
Which form of energy is associated with motion?

Kinetic energy. Energy of moving objects.
Identify the energy transformation in a hydroelectric dam.

Potential energy to kinetic energy to electrical energy. Water falls, spins turbines, generates electricity.
Identify the unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI).

Joule (J). Named after physicist James Prescott Joule.
What is the definition of potential energy?

Energy possessed by an object due to its position or condition. Stored energy ready to do work.
What is the formula for work done by a force?

$W = Fd \, \cos(\theta)$ . Where F is force, d is distance, θ is angle.

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