Download Questions - Net Start Class

Energy Questions:
1. What is a fuel?
A substance that provides a form of energy-such as heat, light, electricity, or
motion.
2. What is combustion?
The process of burning a fuel.
3. Describe how the energy from an electrical power plant is produced and what
kind of energy transformation is happening?
Thermal energy produced by burning fuel boils the water, then makes the steam.
The mechanical energy of the steam turns the blades of the turbine, then powers
electrical energy to homes.
4. What are fossil fuels?
The energy-rich substances formed from the remains of once-living organisms.
5. Why are they considered to be nonrenewable?
Because they are not replaced as they are used.
6. What would happen if we used them too quickly?
We would run out!
7. What are the 3 main fossil fuels?
Oil, natural gas, and coal
8. What makes fossil fuels so energy rich?
Hydrocarbons
9. What is coal made out of?
Formed from plant remains.
10. Which fossil fuel is used the most in the U.S.?
Coal
11. Which fossil fuel produces the least pollution?
Natural gas
12. What are refineries?
A factory where crude oil is separated into fuels and other products by heating.
13. What is renewable energy?
Sources of energy that are constantly being supplied.
14. What are some advantages of solar energy?
Constantly gives off energy in the form of light and heat.
It is renewable or inexhaustible.
Does not cause pollution.
15. What are some things powered by solar cells?
Calculators, lights, telephones
16. Name some other sources of renewable energy?
Wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal
17. Which one is most widely used?
hydroelectric
18. What is hydroelectric power?
Electricity produced by flowing water.
19. What is biomass fuel?
Fuels made from things that were once alive.
20. Give some examples of biomass fuel?
Wood, corn, sugar cane, manure, food wastes, other crops that can be used to
make alcohol.
21. What is geothermal energy? Where do you find it?
An unlimited source of cheap energy where magma comes close to the Earth’s
surface.
22. How is wind used as energy?
Wind is used to turn turbines and generate electricity.
23. What is energy conservation?
Reducing energy use
24. How can you reduce your use of energy?
Turn off unnecessary lights, recycle aluminum cans, home needs to be insulated
25. What is efficiency?
The percentage of energy that is actually used to perform work.
26. How can you increase your energy efficiency?
Using proper lighting, heating and cooling, and transportation
27. Explain how putting insulation in a building conserves energy?
By putting insulation in your home to keep it from losing or gaining heat from the
outside.
28. Name some energy efficient devices?
Fluorescent light bulbs, insulation, solar cells, microwave ovens, smart roads,
high efficiency window coatings.