module40REVIEW

465

In this module, we have seen that conservation and efficiency need to be considered simultaneously with a wide variety of renewable energy sources. Environmental, economic, and convenience considerations must be evaluated when comparing renewable energy options against each other and with nonrenewable fuels. The path we take in our energy future will depend on the potential for a given energy source to meet the needs of the country, along with its availability and issues of reliability, storage, and accessibility. Challenges include improving the electrical grid and the adoption of smart grid technologies to address some of the challenges that are specific to renewable and sometimes intermittent energy supplies.

Module 40 AP® Review Questions

Question 1

1. Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of liquid biofuels?

  1. They are associated with lower gas mileage.

  2. They create more carbon monoxide than fossil fuels.

  3. They can contribute to a loss of agricultural land.

  4. They can increase food costs.

  5. They can lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 2

2. Which aspects of renewable energy electricity generation require updating the electricity transmission grid?

  1. Electricity generators are located in numerous, remote locations.

  2. There is a need to transport electricity long distances.

  3. There are storage problems due to the unpredictable nature of some renewables.

  1. I and II only

  2. I and III only

  3. II and III only

  4. III only

  5. I, II, and III

Question 3

3. The smart grid does NOT

  1. use the Internet to coordinate energy use and energy availability.

  2. reduce the variability in electricity demand.

  3. have the potential to provide a cheap way to store electricity.

  4. increase the need for variable pricing of electricity.

  5. allow for the use of hydrogen fuel cells as a part of the electricity grid.

Question 4

4. Which renewable energy source has become cost-competitive with fossil fuels?

  1. Tidal

  2. Geothermal

  3. Wind

  4. Solar photovoltaic

  5. Concentrated solar

Question 5

5. Which will NOT increase adoption of renewable technologies?

  1. Increased cost of fossil fuels

  2. A carbon dioxide emissions tax

  3. Cheaper energy storage

  4. Decreased government subsidies

  5. Increased production efficiency