Fossil Fuels - AP Environmental Science
- What does the term 'peak oil' refer to?
- The point of maximum oil production rate. The theoretical point when oil production begins declining permanently.
- What equipment is used to extract oil from the ground?
- Oil rig. Drilling platform used for petroleum extraction from wells.
- What is the process of refining crude oil called?
- Distillation. Separates crude oil into different petroleum products by boiling point.
- What is the main disadvantage of fossil fuels?
- Non-renewable and environmentally damaging. Finite supply and significant environmental pollution when used.
- What is an oil refinery?
- A facility where crude oil is processed and refined. Industrial plant that separates crude oil into usable products.
- What is the primary environmental impact of natural gas leakage?
- Methane emissions contribute to greenhouse effect. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas when released unburned.
- Name a major non-carbon emission from burning coal.
- Sulfur dioxide (SO₂). Coal contains sulfur impurities that release SO₂ when burned.
- Identify the chemical formula for methane.
- The chemical formula is CH₄. One carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms.
- What is a significant risk associated with coal mining?
- Mine collapses and worker safety. Underground mining poses structural and health hazards.
- List three main types of fossil fuels.
- Coal, oil, and natural gas. These are the most commonly extracted and used fossil fuels.
- Identify the main gas released during coal combustion.
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂). Complete combustion of carbon produces carbon dioxide.
- What is the main environmental concern with burning fossil fuels?
- Release of greenhouse gases causing climate change. CO₂ and other emissions trap heat in the atmosphere.
- What is a common product derived from crude oil?
- Petroleum products like gasoline. Crude oil refining produces many useful hydrocarbon compounds.
- Identify the primary fossil fuel used in electricity generation globally.
- Coal. Coal-fired power plants dominate global electricity production.
- State the formula for calculating energy efficiency.
- . Measures how much input energy becomes useful output energy.
- Which fossil fuel is typically formed under the sea?
- Oil. Marine sediments and pressure create ideal oil formation conditions.
- What is the main source of energy in fossil fuels?
- Stored chemical energy from ancient organic matter. Solar energy captured by plants millions of years ago.
- What is hydraulic fracturing commonly known as?
- Fracking. High-pressure water fractures rock to release trapped gas.
- What is the term for coal deposits that can be mined economically?
- Coal reserves. Coal that is accessible and profitable to extract.
- What is the main advantage of using natural gas over coal?
- Lower carbon emissions. Natural gas burns cleaner with less carbon dioxide per unit energy.
- What is the primary method of transporting natural gas?
- Pipelines. Long-distance transport system for gaseous fuel distribution.
- Identify a byproduct of natural gas extraction.
- Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). H₂S is a toxic gas produced during natural gas processing.
- What process converts organic material into fossil fuels over time?
- The process is called carbonization. Heat and pressure gradually transform organic matter into carbon-rich fuels.
- Which fossil fuel forms from plant material?
- Coal. Coal originates from compressed ancient plant matter in swamps.
- Which fossil fuel is often associated with acid rain?
- Coal, due to sulfur emissions. Sulfur dioxide from coal forms acidic precipitation.
- Which fossil fuel is used in fertilizer production?
- Natural gas. Methane provides hydrogen for ammonia-based fertilizer synthesis.
- What is a common method for transporting oil internationally?
- Oil tankers. Large ships designed for bulk petroleum transport across oceans.
- What is the main component of gasoline?
- Octane (C₈H₁₈). An eight-carbon hydrocarbon that resists engine knocking.
- What is the definition of fossil fuels?
- Fossil fuels are energy resources formed from decomposed organic matter. Formed over millions of years under heat and pressure.
- What is the main use of natural gas in households?
- Heating and cooking. Natural gas burns cleanly for thermal energy applications.
- What is the process of converting coal into liquid fuels?
- Coal liquefaction. Industrial process converting solid coal into liquid hydrocarbons.
- Which fossil fuel has the highest carbon content?
- Coal. Coal has the highest carbon-to-hydrogen ratio of fossil fuels.
- What environmental impact is associated with oil spills?
- Water pollution and harm to marine life. Oil coats marine organisms and disrupts ecosystems.
- Which fossil fuel is primarily used for transportation?
- Oil is primarily used for transportation fuels. Refined into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel for vehicles.
- Which gas is a major component of natural gas?
- Methane (CH₄) is a major component. Natural gas consists mainly of methane molecules.
- What is the primary use of coal?
- Coal is primarily used for electricity generation. Coal burns in power plants to produce electrical energy.
- What is the term for the solid waste from coal combustion?
- Fly ash. Fine particles of ash produced when coal burns in power plants.
- Which fossil fuel is considered the cleanest burning?
- Natural gas. Produces fewer pollutants and CO₂ per unit energy than coal or oil.