Chapter 8: Energy Sources and the Environment

Question 1

form from the remains of ancient plants and animals that were buried and altered over millions of years

Answer 1

fossil fuel

Question 2

a flammable liquid formed from the decay of ancient organisms, such as microscopic plankton and algae

Answer 2

petroleum

Question 3

resources that cannot be replaced by natural processes as quickly as they are used

Answer 3

nonrenewable resource

Question 4

occurs when atomic nuclei combine at very high temperatures

Answer 4

fusion

Question 5

when the nucleus of an atom splits apart, releasing energy

Answer 5

fission

Question 6

uses energy from controlled nuclear reactions to generate electricity

Answer 6

nuclear reactor

Question 7

any radioactive material that results when radioactive materials are used

Answer 7

nuclear waste

Question 8

an energy source that is replaced by natural processes faster than humans can consume the resource

Answer 8

renewable resource

Question 9

converts radiant energy directly into electrical energy

Answer 9

photovoltaic cell/solar cell

Question 10

electric current produced from the energy of moving water

Answer 10

hydroelectricity

Question 11

the thermal energy that is contained in and around magma

Answer 11

geothermal energy

Question 12

includes all the individuals of one species living in a particular area

Answer 12

population

Question 13

the largest number of individuals of a particular species that the environment can support

Answer 13

carrying capacity

Question 14

include any substance that contaminates the environment

Answer 14

pollutants

Question 15

wastes that are poisonous, that cause cancer, or that can catch fire are classified as…

Answer 15

hazardous wastes

Question 16

a term used to describe the pollution that results from the reactions between sunlight and vehicle or factory exhaust

Answer 16

photochemical smog

Question 17

when acidic moisture falls from the sky as precipitation, it is called…

Answer 17

acid precipitation

Question 18

the burning of fossil fuels converts chemical potential energy to

Answer 18

thermal energy, which is then converted into other useful forms

Question 19

three examples of fossil fuels:

Answer 19

petroleum, natural gas, and coal

Question 20

petroleum is a mixture of…

Answer 20

hydrocarbons

Question 21

power plants burn fossil fuels to… (describe entire process, not just end result)

Answer 21

extract chemical potential energy that spins turbines and powers electric generators

Question 22

nuclear power plants transform nuclear energy into…

Answer 22

electrical energy

Question 23

nuclear reactors use the energy released in _______ of U-235 to produce electricity

Answer 23

fission

Question 24

energy released in fission reactions in nuclear power plants is used to make…

Answer 24

steam, which then spins a turbine that powers an electric generator

Question 25

nuclear power generation produces…

Answer 25

high-level nuclear waste

Question 26

renewable energy sources help…

Answer 26

lessen human dependence on fossil fuels

Question 27

solar cells convert radiant energy into…

Answer 27

electrical energy

Question 28

hydroelectric power plants convert gravitational potential energy into…

Answer 28

electrical energy

Question 29

wind energy is converted into _________ using a __________ attached to an _________ generator

Answer 29

electrical energy; propeller; electric

Question 30

human impact on land, water, and air affects…

Answer 30

the natural resources available for use

Question 31

land resources are threatened by…

Answer 31

agriculture, deforestation, industry, and waste

Question 32

water can be contaminated with…

Answer 32

sediment, industrial pollutants, and human waste

Question 33

three major air pollutants:

Answer 33

smog, acid precipitation, and CFCs