AP Environmental Science › Types of Energy
Which of the following is not a type of renewable energy?
Nuclear energy
Wind energy
Geothermal energy
Solar power
None of these
Nuclear energy has the potential to last a long time; however, the quantity is finite and limited—similar to oil and gas. Solar energy, wind energy, and geothermal energy—from heat within the Earth—are produced by energy sources that do not deplete over time and can be constantly renewed.
What is the nature of photosynthesis and its objective in energy conversion?
To convert radiant energy into high grade chemical energy for the purpose of energy storage
To convert chemical energy into low grade heat energy for the purpose of biological metabolism
To convert chemical energy into low grade light energy for the purpose of bioluminescence
To convert heat energy into high grade chemical energy for the purpose of energy storage
Photosynthesis is the chemical process of utilizing the sun's radiant energy to produce glucose. Glucose is a carbohydrate monomer that is used for energy storage. Heat is not the type of energy utilized from the sun and the conversion of chemical energy into other forms is the reverse process of Photosynthesis.
Which of the following forms of energy results from the motion of electrons?
electrical
nuclear
chemical
thermal
mechanical
Electrical energy is form of energy that results from the motion of electrons.
One of the major challenges in creating a sustainable future is to develop renewable energies. Which of the following is not an example of a renewable energy?
Natural gas
Solar
Wind
Geothermal
The correct response is natural gas. This is an example of a fossil fuel - like coal and oil. Fossil fuels are considered non-renewable resources because once they are used up, they are gone forever. All of the other answer choices are considered renewable resources because they can be used multiple times without being depleted. For example, if an individual adds solar panels to their home, then they will receive energy day after day - sunlight is not completely used up by the solar panels.
Imagine you own an electric car and you recharge the battery each night. Each morning before you leave for work, the battery is fully charged. What time of energy does this fully charged battery contain before you start the engine?
Potential energy
Kinetic energy
Radiant energy
Metabolic energy
The correct response is **potential energy.**This is stored energy at rest. It's energy waiting to be used. However, if the car was moving they would would call it kinetic energy - energy in motion. Since in the questions the car hadn't been started yet, kinetic energy is the incorrect response. Radiant energy is from the sunlight, thus that answer is incorrect. Metabolic energy is related to digestion so that response is incorrect.