AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Global Energy Consumption

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Global Energy Consumption, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Environmental Science.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Which sector has the highest potential for energy efficiency improvements?

Answer: Buildings sector. Heating, cooling, and lighting offer major efficiency opportunities.

Flashcard 2: What is the main reason for the decline in coal usage in some countries?

Answer: Environmental regulations. Pollution controls and climate policies are reducing coal dependence.

Flashcard 3: What does the acronym 'IEA' stand for in the context of energy?

Answer: International Energy Agency. Global organization that tracks and analyzes world energy trends.

Flashcard 4: Which form of renewable energy is derived from the sun?

Answer: Solar energy. Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Flashcard 5: What is the primary energy source for residential heating?

Answer: Natural gas. Natural gas furnaces and boilers heat most homes and buildings.

Flashcard 6: Identify the largest energy consumer in the European Union.

Answer: Germany. Germany has the largest economy and energy consumption in the EU.

Flashcard 7: Name one environmental consequence of nuclear energy.

Answer: Radioactive waste. Nuclear reactions produce long-lived radioactive byproducts.

Flashcard 8: What is the main component of natural gas?

Answer: Methane ($CH_4$). Natural gas is primarily composed of this hydrocarbon molecule.

Flashcard 9: Which energy source is primarily used in the production of plastics?

Answer: Oil. Petroleum serves as feedstock for petrochemical manufacturing processes.

Flashcard 10: What is the primary energy source for electricity generation worldwide?

Answer: Coal. Coal-fired power plants generate the majority of global electricity.

Flashcard 11: Which renewable energy source is the most widely used globally?

Answer: Hydropower. Dams harness flowing water to generate electricity in many countries.

Flashcard 12: What is the main component of natural gas?

Answer: Methane ($CH_4$). Natural gas is primarily composed of this hydrocarbon molecule.

Flashcard 13: Name one key environmental impact of biomass energy.

Answer: Deforestation. Harvesting wood for fuel can lead to forest clearing.

Flashcard 14: Define 'energy intensity'.

Answer: Energy use per unit of GDP. Measures how much energy is needed to produce economic output.

Flashcard 15: What is the key benefit of energy efficiency?

Answer: Reduction in energy consumption. Using less energy reduces costs and environmental impact.

Flashcard 16: Calculate the energy cost in dollars for 5 kWh at $0.15 per kWh.

Answer: $0.75. Multiply energy usage by rate: $5 × 0.15 = 0.75$ dollars.

Flashcard 17: What is the primary energy source for transportation?

Answer: Oil. Petroleum-based fuels power most vehicles and aircraft worldwide.

Flashcard 18: What percentage of global energy consumption is derived from nuclear power?

Answer: About 10%. Nuclear provides significant baseload power without carbon emissions.

Flashcard 19: Define 'energy intensity'.

Answer: Energy use per unit of GDP. Measures how much energy is needed to produce economic output.

Flashcard 20: What is the term for the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy?

Answer: Energy transition. The shift from fossil fuels to renewable and sustainable energy sources.

Flashcard 21: Identify one negative impact of hydropower.

Answer: Disruption of aquatic ecosystems. Dams alter river flow and can harm fish migration patterns.

Flashcard 22: Name one benefit of using natural gas over coal for energy.

Answer: Lower $CO_2$ emissions. Natural gas burns cleaner than coal, producing fewer emissions.

Flashcard 23: State the percentage of global energy consumption met by renewable sources.

Answer: Approximately 14%. Renewables have grown rapidly but still represent a small fraction of total energy use.

Flashcard 24: Identify the main greenhouse gas released by burning fossil fuels.

Answer: Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$). Combustion of fossil fuels releases this primary greenhouse gas.

Flashcard 25: What is the primary energy source for electricity in the United States?

Answer: Natural gas. Natural gas power plants have largely replaced coal in US electricity generation.

Flashcard 26: What is the primary source of global energy consumption?

Answer: Fossil fuels. Coal, oil, and natural gas provide about 80% of global energy needs.

Flashcard 27: Name the largest producer of solar energy as of recent data.

Answer: China. China leads in both solar panel manufacturing and installation capacity.

Flashcard 28: Calculate the total energy in kWh for a 100W bulb running for 10 hours.

Answer: $1$ kWh. Power × time: $100W × 10h = 1000Wh = 1kWh$.

Flashcard 29: Which fossil fuel emits the least $CO_2$ per unit of energy?

Answer: Natural gas. Natural gas produces about half the $CO_2$ of coal per energy unit.

Flashcard 30: Identify the fastest-growing source of electricity in the world.

Answer: Renewable energy. Solar and wind are expanding rapidly as costs decline.