AP Environmental Science : Introductory Energy Topics
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Energy Production And Usage
Which of the following forms of energy results from the motion of electrons?
electrical
nuclear
chemical
mechanical
thermal
electrical
Electrical energy is form of energy that results from the motion of electrons.
Example Question #1 : Types Of Energy
Which of the following is not a type of renewable energy?
Solar power
None of these
Geothermal energy
Nuclear energy
Wind energy
Nuclear energy
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.
Example Question #2 : Types Of Energy
What is the nature of photosynthesis and its objective in energy conversion?
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 radiant energy into high grade chemical energy for the purpose of energy storage
To convert heat energy into high grade chemical energy for the purpose of energy storage
To convert radiant 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.
Example Question #1 : Types Of Energy
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
Metabolic energy
Radiant energy
Kinetic energy
Potential 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.
Example Question #1 : Energy Production And Usage
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
Wind
Geothermal
Solar
Natural gas
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.
Example Question #1 : Units And Conversions
The kilowatt-hour is a unit that is used to quantify __________.
energy use
rates of erosion and weathering
amounts of air pollution
rate of deforestation
changes in pH
energy use
A kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy equal to one thousand watt-hours. A watt-hour is the amount of energy used to power a hypothetical device for one hour that requires one watt of energy to function. Thus, a kilowatt-hour is used to measure energy consumption.
Example Question #1 : Laws Of Thermodynamics
Most automobiles today have an energy efficiency of roughly 25% to 30%, meaning only a fraction of the potential energy from the gas you pump into your car will be converted into the kinetic energy of the car actually moving. Which of the following statements is true and best explains this phenomenon?
Energy cannot be created, but it can be destroyed in the process of converting to another form.
Energy cannot be destroyed, but it can be created.
Energy can be neither created nor destroyed.
Energy can be converted from one form to another but no energy is lost in this process.
When energy is converted to another form, the energy quality will decrease and energy cannot be recycled to a higher efficiency.
When energy is converted to another form, the energy quality will decrease and energy cannot be recycled to a higher efficiency.
The second law of thermodynamics states that when energy is converted from one form to another, some energy is lost and efficiency decreases. The energy from gasoline igniting is lost to friction from the engine and converting energy in the form of a combustion to the form of wheels rotating forward. Efficiency of energy use is lost in this conversion process.
Example Question #1 : Laws Of Thermodynamics
Which Law of Thermodynamics explains how Earth is an open system?
The First Law because no energy escapes from Earth, it stays on the planet indefinitely.
The Second Law because the entropy on Earth can only increase.
The Second Law because the Sun provides energy to the Earth, thus making it unable to be an isolated system.
The First Law because all energy on Earth originates from the Sun.
The Second Law because the Sun provides energy to the Earth, thus making it unable to be an isolated system.
The Second Law of thermodynamics states that the entropy on Earth can only increase unless there is an external source of energy. This external source is the Sun, which makes Earth an open system. Energy is able to flow both into an out of the Earth's energy system and explains phenomena such as evolution and global warming.
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