Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources - AP Environmental Science

Which energy source uses turbines and generators to convert kinetic to electrical energy?

Hydropower. Water flow turns turbines to generate electricity.
Which renewable resource relies on photovoltaic cells?

Solar energy. Photovoltaic technology converts sunlight into electricity.
What is the primary use of uranium in energy production?

Nuclear power generation. Nuclear fission of uranium creates heat for electricity.
What is a significant limitation of solar energy?

Energy production is limited by sunlight availability. Clouds and nighttime prevent continuous energy generation.
What is geothermal energy?

Energy derived from the Earth's internal heat. Heat from Earth's core provides thermal energy.
Identify one advantage of using biomass as an energy source.

Reduces waste through organic matter utilization. Converts waste materials into useful energy sources.
What is a major disadvantage of wind energy?

Intermittent energy supply due to variable wind conditions. Wind patterns vary, making power output unpredictable.
What is the definition of a nonrenewable resource?

A resource with a finite supply that cannot be replenished quickly. These take millions of years to form naturally.
What is the main issue with nuclear waste?

Requires long-term storage solutions due to radioactivity. Radioactive materials remain hazardous for thousands of years.
What type of resource is uranium classified as?

Nonrenewable resource. Uranium is finite and takes millions of years to form.
What is the primary challenge of tidal energy?

Limited to coastal areas with significant tidal ranges. Only viable in specific geographic locations globally.
Which resource is primarily used for transportation fuels?

Petroleum. Refined into gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.
Which renewable energy is least affected by weather conditions?

Geothermal energy. Earth's internal heat remains constant regardless of weather.
Identify the primary gas contributing to the greenhouse effect from fossil fuels.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂). Released when fossil fuels are burned for energy.
What is a major advantage of hydropower over solar power?

Consistent energy production regardless of weather. Water reservoirs store energy for continuous electricity generation.
Identify one key benefit of using natural gas over coal.

Produces fewer emissions of sulfur dioxide and particulates. Burns cleaner than coal with fewer pollutants.
Identify one environmental impact of extracting natural gas.

Potential groundwater contamination from fracking. Hydraulic fracturing can pollute underground water supplies.
Which resource is used in the production of biofuels?

Biomass. Organic matter converted into ethanol and biodiesel.
State one environmental benefit of using renewable resources.

Reduces carbon footprint and air pollution. Renewable energy produces minimal harmful emissions.
Identify one health impact of air pollution from fossil fuels.

Respiratory problems such as asthma. Air pollutants irritate and damage respiratory systems.
Which energy source can cause habitat destruction and water use conflicts?

Hydropower. Dams flood ecosystems and compete for water resources.
Identify the main environmental impact of burning fossil fuels.

Increased greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuel combustion releases $CO_2$ into the atmosphere.
What is the main environmental concern associated with nuclear power?

Nuclear waste disposal and potential for accidents. Radioactive waste and meltdown risks pose threats.
Which renewable resource is harnessed using wind turbines?

Wind energy. Moving air spins turbine blades to generate electricity.
What is the primary factor affecting the efficiency of wind turbines?

Wind speed and consistency. Turbines need consistent wind to operate efficiently.
State the main disadvantage of hydropower.

Potential ecological disruption in aquatic ecosystems. Dams can disrupt fish migration and river ecosystems.
State the primary use of coal.

Electricity generation. Burned in power plants to produce electrical energy.
What is the main benefit of using tidal energy?

Predictable energy generation based on tidal cycles. Ocean tides follow regular, reliable patterns.
What is the primary component of coal?

Carbon. Coal is mostly carbon formed from compressed plants.
Which energy source is derived from organic matter decomposition?

Biomass. Wood, agricultural waste, and organic materials provide energy.
Identify one example of a nonrenewable resource.

Coal. Formed from ancient organic matter over millions of years.
State one challenge of integrating renewable energy into power grids.

Variable and intermittent power supply. Grid stability requires consistent, predictable power output.
What is the primary component of natural gas?

Methane. Natural gas is primarily composed of $CH_4$ .
What is the main advantage of using renewable energy over nonrenewable?

Sustainability due to an unlimited supply. Renewable resources won't be depleted over time.
Identify one consequence of large-scale deforestation.

Loss of biodiversity. Habitat destruction eliminates species and ecological relationships.
What is the primary advantage of solar energy?

It is abundant and emits no greenhouse gases during use. Solar panels convert sunlight without harmful emissions.
What is a common use of petroleum besides fuel?

Production of plastics and other petrochemicals. Petroleum serves as raw material for synthetic products.
Identify one example of a renewable resource.

Solar energy. Continuously available from the sun's radiation.
How does geothermal energy impact land use?

Minimal land footprint compared to other energy sources. Underground systems require small surface areas.
What is the definition of a renewable resource?

A resource replenished naturally at a rate comparable to its usage. Renewable resources regenerate within human timescales.

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