In 1987, 36 nations meeting in Montreal, Canada, developed the Montreal Protocol to reduce production of

In 1987, 36 nations meeting in Montreal, Canada, developed the Montreal Protocol to reduce production of

a. carbon dioxide

b. nitrous oxide

c. CFCs

d. toxic wastes

e. halons







Answer: C

If all of the ozone-depleting substances were banned tomorrow, it would take about ___ years for earth to recover to pre-1950 levels.

If all of the ozone-depleting substances were banned tomorrow, it would take about ___ years for earth to recover to pre-1950 levels.

a. 25

b. 50

c. 75

d. 100

e. 125










Answer: D

Chemicals capable of destroying ozone include all of the following, except

Chemicals capable of destroying ozone include all of the following, except

a. chlorofluorocarbons

b. formaldehyde used as a preservative

c. halons in fire extinguishers and crop fumigants

d. carbon tetrachloride used as a solvent

e. methyl bromide used as a fumigant






Answer: B

CFCs take _____ years to reach the stratosphere.

CFCs take _____ years to reach the stratosphere.

a. 1-2

b. 5-10

c. 10-20

d. 20-30

e. 30-50







Answer: C

All of the following chemicals are ozone-eaters, except

All of the following chemicals are ozone-eaters, except

a. methyl bromide

b. PCBs

c. halons

d. methyl chloroform

e. CFCs







Answer: B

Which of the following is the deadliest of skin cancers?

Which of the following is the deadliest of skin cancers?

a. squamous cell

b. basal cell

c. cervical

d. melanoma

e. testicular






Answer: D

Chlorofluorocarbons are

Chlorofluorocarbons are

a. nontoxic

b. corrosive

c. odorous

d. flammable

e. expensive








Answer: A

The most serious threat from ozone depletion is that increased UV radiation

The most serious threat from ozone depletion is that increased UV radiation 

a. causes cataracts

b. destroys phytoplankton

c. increases skin cancers

d. suppresses immune system

e. causes worse sunburns







Answer: B

The effects of ozone depletion on humans includes all of the following, except

The effects of ozone depletion on humans includes all of the following, except

a. more cataracts

b. suppression of immune system

c. more brain cancers

d. worse sunburn

e. more skin cancers





Answer: C

A layer of ozone in the lower stratosphere reduces the sun's harmful UV radiation by how much?

A layer of ozone in the lower stratosphere reduces the sun's harmful UV radiation by how much?

a. 95%

b. 63%

c. 49%

d. 33%

e. 20%








Answer: A

Which of the following companies ordered the manufacturers of its truck fleet to double the gas mileage by 2015?

Which of the following companies ordered the manufacturers of its truck fleet to double the gas mileage by 2015?

a. Alcoa

b. Walmart

c. DuPont

d. General Electric

e. British Petroleum







Answer: B

California requested that the EPA allow it to set tough new standards for CO2 emissions. The response of EPA was to

California requested that the EPA allow it to set tough new standards for CO2 emissions. The response of EPA was to 

a. use the California law as an example for Congress

b. use the California law as an example for other states

c. allow the law to stand as enacted

d. request changes to match federal laws

e. refuse California's request

Answer: E

Governments can use four of the following methods to promote solutions to the climate change crisis. Which of the following is not one of those methods?

Governments can use four of the following methods to promote solutions to the climate change crisis. Which of the following is not one of those methods?

a. Strictly regulate carbon dioxide and methane as pollutants.

b. Shift the production of electricity to developing countries.

c. Phase in carbon taxes on each unit of carbon dioxide or methane emitted.

d. Greatly increase subsidies to businesses to encourage energy efficiency.

e. Share green technologies with developing countries.

Answer: B

President George W. Bush's response to the 1997 Kyoto treaty was

President George W. Bush's response to the 1997 Kyoto treaty was 

a. to demand changes

b. to demand exclusion of the US on CO2 emissions

c. to withdraw the U.S. from participation in the treaty

d. to not send the treaty to the Senate for confirmation

e. to accept the treaty as it stands







Answer: C

The first phase of the 1997 Kyoto treaty to reduce global warming includes all of the following, except

The first phase of the 1997 Kyoto treaty to reduce global warming includes all of the following, except

a. exempts rapidly developing nations from the first phase

b. requires reduction of CO2 emissions to less than 1990 levels

c. requires reduction of methane emissions to less than 1990 levels

d. requires reduction of N2O emissions to less than 1990 levels

e. requires the United States to curb economic growth

Answer: E

It has been suggested that the threat of global warming can be addressed by all of the following "technofixes," except

It has been suggested that the threat of global warming can be addressed by all of the following "technofixes," except

a. adding iron to the oceans

b. using foil-surfaced sun shields in space

c. injecting sulfate particulates into the stratosphere

d. covering the oceans with Styrofoam chips

e. releasing billions of helium-filled reflective balloons into the atmosphere

Answer: D

Prevention approaches to global warming include all of the following, except

Prevention approaches to global warming include all of the following, except

a. Increase beef production to strengthen public health.

b. Reduce deforestation.

c. Switch to sustainable agriculture.

d. Slow population growth.

e. Improve energy efficiency.








Answer: A

Carbon capture and storage techniques have all of the following problems, except

Carbon capture and storage techniques have all of the following problems, except

a. CCS is an unproven technology.

b. CCS promotes continued use of coal.

c. CCS operates on the precautionary principle.

d. CCS requires huge government subsidies that draw money from other strategies.

e. CCS requires there to be no leaks for any reason.

Answer: C

All of the following are examples of reducing carbon dioxide levels in the troposphere through carbon sequestration, except

All of the following are examples of reducing carbon dioxide levels in the troposphere through carbon sequestration, except

a. planting more trees

b. bringing more cropland into production

c. pumping it deep underground

d. growing more switchgrass

e. injecting it into the deep ocean








Answer: B

Which of the following is not a strategy for reducing the threat of climate change?

Which of the following is not a strategy for reducing the threat of climate change?

a. Improve energy efficiency.

b. Shift from fossil fuels to a mix of carbon-free energy resources.

c. Stop cutting down tropical forests.

d. Capture and store as much carbon dioxide as possible.

e. Continue with current practices.

Answer: E

Addressing climate change is difficult for all of the following reasons, except

Addressing climate change is difficult for all of the following reasons, except

a. The problem is global, not regional.

b. The effects will last a long time.

c. Problems will be solved by long-term political solutions.

d. Many of the problems and solutions are controversial.

e. The benefits and harmful impacts are spread evenly.

Answer: E

In a warmer world, which of the following organisms are likely to decline in numbers?

In a warmer world, which of the following organisms are likely to decline in numbers?

a. insects

b. microbes

c. humans

d. fungi and molds

e. weeds

Answer: C

Which of the following ecosystems is least likely to suffer disruption and species loss from climate change?

Which of the following ecosystems is least likely to suffer disruption and species loss from climate change?

a. temperate oak-pine and oak-hickory forests

b. coral reefs

c. coastal wetlands

d. high elevation mountaintops

e. alpine and Arctic tundra








Answer: A

Climate models indicate that we will have to deal with all of the following issues that will result from a rapidly changing climate, except

Climate models indicate that we will have to deal with all of the following issues that will result from a rapidly changing climate, except

a. where food can be grown

b. how much food can be grown

c. which areas will have increased drought or flooding

d. where people and wildlife will be able to live

e. what kinds of economies will exist









Answer: E

Increased rain in the north Atlantic, along with melting of land-based glaciers may alter the oceans by irreversibly disrupting

Increased rain in the north Atlantic, along with melting of land-based glaciers may alter the oceans by irreversibly disrupting

a. animal breeding grounds

b. polar bear hunting areas

c. bird migratory routes

d. ocean current conveyor belts

e. ocean fishing grounds

Answer: D

Methane locked in the permafrost soils of the tundra contains _____ times the amount of carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuels each year.

Methane locked in the permafrost soils of the tundra contains _____ times the amount of carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuels each year.

a. 70-100

b. 50-60

c. 30-40

d. 20-30

e. 10-15








Answer: B

Which of the following statements about the potential effects of global warming is false?

Which of the following statements about the potential effects of global warming is false?

a. Areas where much of the rice is grown will be flooded.

b. Fresh water becomes scarcer because of saltwater intrusion into aquifers.

c. Insect-borne diseases are likely to decrease in today's temperate zones.

d. Low lying islands are likely to disappear.

e. Large cities along the coasts are likely to be flooded.

Answer: C

A rise in sea level is least likely to

A rise in sea level is least likely to

a. flood areas where one-third of the world's human population lives

b. save the coral reefs

c. accelerate coastal erosion

d. contaminate coastal aquifers

e. disrupt coastal fisheries









Answer: B

A warmer world is least likely to result in

A warmer world is least likely to result in

a. decreased food production

b. reductions in biodiversity

c. a rise in sea level

d. more moderate weather

e. spread of tropical diseases

Answer: D

Climate models predict that global warming will be most severe in which regions?

Climate models predict that global warming will be most severe in which regions?

a. Australia

b. North America

c. Polar regions

d. Africa

e. Euro-Asia








Answer: C

It is expected as global warming causes drought to get worse that the growth of trees and plants will slow, reducing CO2 removal from the atmosphere and intensifying global warming. An effect such as this is called

It is expected as global warming causes drought to get worse that the growth of trees and plants will slow, reducing CO2 removal from the atmosphere and intensifying global warming. An effect such as this is called

a. negative response

b. negative feedback

c. biomagnifications

d. positive response

e. positive feedback







Answer: E

A 2005 study indicates the area of the earth's land experiencing severe drought between 1979 and 2002,

A 2005 study indicates the area of the earth's land experiencing severe drought between 1979 and 2002,

a. increased from 15% to 30%

b. decreased by 10%

c. increased by 10%

d. remained reasonably stable in size

e. increased by 5%

Answer: A

According to climate scientists, how much of an increase in temperature will threaten human civilization as we know it?

According to climate scientists, how much of an increase in temperature will threaten human civilization as we know it?

a. 2 degrees C

b. 3 degrees C

c. 4 degrees C

d. 5 degrees C

e. 6 degrees C







Answer: C

Without changing what we are doing to the environment, the projected amount of warming by the year 2100 is

Without changing what we are doing to the environment, the projected amount of warming by the year 2100 is 

a. 2 degrees C

b. 3 degrees C

c. 4 degrees C

d. 5 degrees C

e. 6 degrees C







Answer: D

What is the big deal about the atmosphere getting a few degrees warmer?

What is the big deal about the atmosphere getting a few degrees warmer?

a. may raise the ocean level

b. may kill off the coral in the oceans

c. may cause warm weather plants to move further north or south

d. may move weather patterns around

e. may cause a very rapid global change in climate

Answer: E

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the acidity of the ocean surface has increased by what percentage?

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the acidity of the ocean surface has increased by what percentage?

a. 10%

b. 20%

c. 30%

d. 40%

e. 50%

Answer: C

The oceans absorb between 25-30% of the CO2 in the lower atmosphere. As the oceans heat up, this absorption

The oceans absorb between 25-30% of the CO2 in the lower atmosphere. As the oceans heat up, this absorption 

a. increases dramatically

b. increases somewhat

c. stays relatively stable

d. decreases

e. stops







Answer: D

Some people believe the sun has become hotter and is responsible for global warming. Data about which of the following disputes that claim?

Some people believe the sun has become hotter and is responsible for global warming. Data about which of the following disputes that claim?

a. the stratosphere being cooler than the troposphere

b. projected surface temperature of the sun

c. air currents at high altitude

d. ocean currents

e. air currents at low altitude







Answer: A

Major climate models project all of the following, except

Major climate models project all of the following, except

a. a 2- to 4.5-degree centigrade rise in earth's mean surface temperature by 2100

b. human responsibility for the changes in temperature

c. the falling of global sea levels

d. global warming occurring at a rapid rate

e. human activities playing a greater role in this century

Answer: C

Following is the primary cause of a 20% increase in nitrous oxide emissions over the past 275 years.

Following is the primary cause of a 20% increase in nitrous oxide emissions over the past 275 years.

a. cattle belching

b. increased use of nitrogen fertilizers

c. automobile exhausts

d. nitrogen fertilizer use

e. release from oceans







Answer: D

The United States is responsible for 25% of the cumulative emissions of CO2. China is responsible for what percentage of the same emissions?

The United States is responsible for 25% of the cumulative emissions of CO2. China is responsible for what percentage of the same emissions?

a. 28%

b. 23%

c. 18%

d. 14%

e. 5%







Answer: E

Scientific studies and models indicate we need to prevent CO2 levels from reaching an irreversible tipping point of _____ ppm, which could set into motion large-scale, long-term changes.

Scientific studies and models indicate we need to prevent CO2 levels from reaching an irreversible tipping point of _____ ppm, which could set into motion large-scale, long-term changes. 

a. 450 ppm

b. 500 ppm

c. 550 ppm

d. 600 ppm

e. 650 ppm

Answer: A

Between 1906 and 2005, mean global temperature had risen _____ degree(s) Centigrade.

Between 1906 and 2005, mean global temperature had risen _____ degree(s) Centigrade.

a. 0.1-0.3

b. 0.6-0.8

c. 0.8-1.1

d. 1.0-1.5

e. 1.5-2.0







Answer: B

Which of the following statements about the greenhouse effect is false?

Which of the following statements about the greenhouse effect is false?

a. The amount of heat trapped in the troposphere depends on concentrations of greenhouse gases.

b. The greenhouse effect is a new theory that explains the warming of the atmosphere.

c. Heat trapped by greenhouse gases keeps the planet warm enough for life.

d. Changes in CO2 and methane levels correlate closely with changes in global average temperature.

e. Life on earth is totally dependent on the natural greenhouse effect.

Answer: B

If CO2 rates continue to increase at their current rate, by 2050 the concentration will rise from 384 ppm in 2007 to

If CO2 rates continue to increase at their current rate, by 2050 the concentration will rise from 384 ppm in 2007 to

a. 410 ppm

b. 460 ppm

c. 510 ppm

d. 560 ppm

e. 610 ppm







Answer: D

The concentration of carbon dioxide in the troposphere at the start of the Industrial Revolution was approximately

The concentration of carbon dioxide in the troposphere at the start of the Industrial Revolution was approximately

a. 280 ppm

b. 290 ppm

c. 300 ppm

d. 310 ppm

e. 320 ppm

Answer: A

About 1% of the earth's lower atmosphere is composed of all the following greenhouse gases, except

About 1% of the earth's lower atmosphere is composed of all the following greenhouse gases, except

a. water vapor

b. methane

c. carbon dioxide

d. hydrogen

e. nitrous oxides







Answer: D

The greenhouse effect is best described as

The greenhouse effect is best described as

a. consensus science

b. pioneer science

c. fantasy

d. a convention of florists

e. junk science







Answer: A

Which of the following best describes the earth's average surface temperature for the past 900,000 years?

Which of the following best describes the earth's average surface temperature for the past 900,000 years?

a. a steady warming trend

b. fairly steady temperatures until recently

c. prolonged periods of cooling and warming

d. fairly steady with occasional cool spells

e. fairly steady with a recent cooling trend.

Answer: C

The results of Hansen's test of computer models using data from Mount Pinatubo supported his projections of

The results of Hansen's test of computer models using data from Mount Pinatubo supported his projections of 

a. how much air pollution volcanoes produce

b. how much water pollution volcanoes produce

c. how much impact on climate human actions make

d. how much damage volcanoes do to land resources

e. the age of fossils contained within volcanic ash

Answer: C

NASA Scientist James Hansen used the eruption of the volcano Mount Pinatubo to test his computer models about which of the following?

NASA Scientist James Hansen used the eruption of the volcano Mount Pinatubo to test his computer models about which of the following?

a. when volcanoes will erupt

b. how large volcanic eruptions will be

c. how much damage an eruption does to water resources

d. how volcanic eruptions affect air pollution

e. global climate change

Answer: E

The oldest and largest cap and trade program, in effect since 1993 in southern California, had which of the following results?

The oldest and largest cap and trade program, in effect since 1993 in southern California, had which of the following results?

a. far exceeded expectations

b. exceeded expectations plans outdoor air pollutant

c. more or less broke even

d. fell short of expectations

e. fell far short of expectations






Answer: E

One way to reduce indoor air pollution in developed countries, especially VOCs, is to do which of the following?

One way to reduce indoor air pollution in developed countries, especially VOCs, is to do which of the following?

a. Use lots of air fresheners.

b. Put new filters on furnaces and air conditioners.

c. Leave the windows open a little bit.

d. Leave absorbent charcoal in key areas.

e. Use houseplants to absorb the VOCs.

Answer: E

According to environmental scientists, all of the following are deficiencies of the U.S. air pollution control laws, except

According to environmental scientists, all of the following are deficiencies of the U.S. air pollution control laws, except

a. reliance on pollution cleanup rather than prevention

b. failure to increase fuel-efficiency standards for light trucks and SUVs

c. failure to curb petroleum released into harbor waters

d. failure to regulate greenhouse gas releases

e. failure to regulate air pollution from oceangoing ships in U.S. ports

Answer: C

According to a 2007 EPA report, between 1980 and 2006 the combined emissions of six major air pollutants decreased by how much?

According to a 2007 EPA report, between 1980 and 2006 the combined emissions of six major air pollutants decreased by how much?

a. 17%

b. 23%

c. 36%

d. 49%

e. 53%







Answer: D

National ambient air quality standards

National ambient air quality standards

a. have been established for almost 100 air pollutants

b. must be met by 50 major U.S. metropolitan areas that are responsible for implementation

c. are established by Congress

d. specify the maximum allowable level, averaged over a specific time period, for a certain

e. specify the minimum allowable level, averaged over a specific time period, for a certain







Answer: D

How many people are thought to die prematurely because of air pollution caused by ocean-going ships that dock at U.S. ports?

How many people are thought to die prematurely because of air pollution caused by ocean-going ships that dock at U.S. ports?

a. 100

b. 250

c. 750

d. 60,000

e. 100,000







Answer: C

In the United States, how many people get cancer from breathing diesel fumes from buses and trucks?

In the United States, how many people get cancer from breathing diesel fumes from buses and trucks?

a. 10,000

b. 50,000

c. 75,000

d. 100,000

e. 125,000







Answer: E

The people least vulnerable to air pollution are

The people least vulnerable to air pollution are

a. infants

b. elderly people

c. adult males

d. people with heart and respiratory disease

e. pregnant women

Answer: C

In 1988, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommended that everyone living in a detached house or the first three floors of an apartment building test for radon. By 2004, ______% of all households had tested for radon.

In 1988, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommended that everyone living in a detached house or the first three floors of an apartment building test for radon. By 2004, ______% of all households had tested for radon.

a. >10

b. <10

c. >15

d. <15

e. >5






Answer: A

On average, radon levels should be monitored continuously in the main living areas of houses for ___.

On average, radon levels should be monitored continuously in the main living areas of houses for ___.

a. two to seven days per year

b. one to two weeks per year

c. regular patterns throughout the year

d. two months to a year, per year

e. six to seven months per year

Answer: D

Radioactive ____ is a product of uranium decay and an indoor air pollutant.

Radioactive ____ is a product of uranium decay and an indoor air pollutant.

a. radon

b. radium

c. plutonium

d. lead

e. hydrogen







Answer: A

Respiratory illnesses in developing countries are most likely to be caused by

Respiratory illnesses in developing countries are most likely to be caused by

a. formaldehyde

b. cigarette smoke

c. particulate matter

d. asbestos

e. chloroform





Answer: C

Exposure to indoor formaldehyde pollution is least likely to cause

Exposure to indoor formaldehyde pollution is least likely to cause

a. ulcers

b. headaches

c. chronic breathing problems

d. dizziness

e. sore throat







Answer: A

Furniture stuffing, paneling, particle board, and foam insulation may be sources of

Furniture stuffing, paneling, particle board, and foam insulation may be sources of

a. chloroform

b. formaldehyde

c. carbon monoxide

d. asbestos

e. sulfur dioxide








Answer: B

All of the following are on EPA's "four most dangerous indoor air pollutants list," except

All of the following are on EPA's "four most dangerous indoor air pollutants list," except

a. asbestos

b. radon-222

c. sulfur dioxide

d. cigarette smoke

e. formaldehyde

Answer: C

Sick Building Syndrome is linked to all of the following, except

Sick Building Syndrome is linked to all of the following, except

a. headaches

b. coughing and sneezing

c. lung cancer

d. chronic fatigue

e. burning eyes

Answer: C

Of the following, the least vulnerable to air pollution are

Of the following, the least vulnerable to air pollution are

a. sick people

b. pregnant women

c. infants and children

d. white-collar workers

e. smokers







Answer: D

Experts rate indoor air pollution as a

Experts rate indoor air pollution as a

a. high-risk health problem for humans

b. medium-risk health problem for humans

c. low-risk health problem for humans

d. high-risk ecological problem

e. none of these







Answer: A

Of the following strategies to reduce acid deposition, the least effective is probably

Of the following strategies to reduce acid deposition, the least effective is probably

a. removing sulfur from coal before it is burned

b. reducing energy use

c. switching to natural gas

d. adding lime to neutralize the acids

e. improving energy efficiency

Answer: D

Approximately ___ % of China's cropland suffers from excess acidity.

Approximately ___ % of China's cropland suffers from excess acidity.

a. 10

b. 20

c. 30

d. 40

e. 50







Answer: C

Acid deposition has been linked to

Acid deposition has been linked to

a. contamination of fish with highly toxic methyl mercury

b. excessive soil nitrogen levels

c. reduced nutrient uptake by tree roots

d. weakening trees so they become more susceptible to other types of damage

e. all of these






Answer: E

In general, acid deposition has harmful effects for terrestrial ecosystems when it falls below a pH level of

In general, acid deposition has harmful effects for terrestrial ecosystems when it falls below a pH level of

a. 3.6

b. 4.6

c. 5.6

d. 6.6

e. 7.6







Answer: C

Experts rate acid rain as a

Experts rate acid rain as a

a. high-risk ecological and human health problem

b. medium-risk ecological problem and high-risk human health problem

c. high-risk ecological and low-risk human health problem

d. medium-risk ecological and human health problem

e. high-risk ecological problem and no-risk human health problem

Answer: B

Acid deposition is best classified as a

Acid deposition is best classified as a

a. local problem

b. state problem

c. regional problem

d. national problem

e. international problem







Answer: C

Typical rain in the eastern United States has a pH of

Typical rain in the eastern United States has a pH of

a. 3.6

b. 4.6

c. 5.6

d. 6.6

e. 7.6









Answer: B

Acid deposition is properly defined as the ____ deposition of ____ pollutants onto earth's surface.

Acid deposition is properly defined as the ____ deposition of ____ pollutants onto earth's surface.

a. wet; secondary

b. dry; secondary

c. wet and dry; primary

d. wet and dry; secondary

e. dry; primary

Answer: D

A temperature inversion is the result of

A temperature inversion is the result of

a. precipitation

b. cold air drainage

c. a lid of warm air on top of cooler, stagnant air

d. a cold blanket of air that prevents warm air from rising

e. mixing of cool and warm air









Answer: C

Which of the following statements is true?

Which of the following statements is true?

a. Temperature inversion occurs when a layer of cold air prevents warm air from rising.

b. Temperature inversions make pollution problems worse.

c. Temperature inversions last only a few minutes to a few hours.

d. Normally, cool air near earth's surface expands and rises, carrying pollutants higher into the troposphere.

e. Temperature inversions help prevent air pollution

Answer: B

Which of the following would not be a factor that reduces outdoor air pollution?

Which of the following would not be a factor that reduces outdoor air pollution?

a. Particles that are heavier than air settle out of the atmosphere.

b. Rain and snow wash pollutants out of the atmosphere.

c. Winds sweep pollutants away.

d. Chemical reactions convert pollutants into benign chemicals.

e. Radiation from the sun converts pollutants into benign chemicals.

Answer: E

Gray-air smog comes from suspended particles of

Gray-air smog comes from suspended particles of

a. carbon dioxide

b. ammonium salts

c. soot

d. carbonic acid

e. ozone






Answer: C

Primary pollutants from burning coal include all of the following, except

Primary pollutants from burning coal include all of the following, except

a. carbon monoxide

b. sulfur dioxide

c. soot

d. ozone

e. carbon dioxide







Answer: D

Photochemical smog is characteristic of urban areas with many vehicles and a climate that is

Photochemical smog is characteristic of urban areas with many vehicles and a climate that is

a. cool, wet, and cloudy

b. cool, dry, and sunny

c. warm, dry, and sunny

d. warm, wet, and cloudy

e. warm, wet, and sunny

Answer: C

Photochemical smog is formed when primary pollutants interact with

Photochemical smog is formed when primary pollutants interact with

a. sunlight

b. water vapor

c. sulfur dioxide

d. oxygen

e. carbon






Answer: A

Harmful chemicals emitted directly into the air from natural processes and human activities are called

Harmful chemicals emitted directly into the air from natural processes and human activities are called

a. secondary pollutants

b. smog

c. photochemical smog

d. tertiary pollutants

e. primary pollutants







Answer: E

What do all volatile organic compounds have in common?

What do all volatile organic compounds have in common?

a. all are carbon based.

b. All are produced from manmade sources.

c. All are emitted for processing and/or burning fossil fuels.

d. All are colorless, odorless reactive gases.

e. All are naturally occurring colorless and odorless gases found in rocks and vegetation.

Answer: A

All of the following are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), except

All of the following are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), except

a. methane

b. vinyl chloride

c. carbon monoxide

d. benzene

e. trichloroethylene







Answer: C

According to the World Health Organization, one in every _____ persons lives in urban areas with air that is unhealthy to breathe.

According to the World Health Organization, one in every _____ persons lives in urban areas with air that is unhealthy to breathe.

a. two

b. six

c. ten

d. twenty

e. fifty






Answer: B

Human inputs of outdoor air pollutants occur mostly

Human inputs of outdoor air pollutants occur mostly 

a. in rural areas

b. in the mountains

c. along the oceans

d. in urban areas

e. in the deserts

Answer: D

Human health depends on having

Human health depends on having

a. low amounts of ozone in the troposphere and stratosphere

b. enough ozone in the stratosphere and little ozone in the troposphere

c. high amounts of ozone in the troposphere and low amounts in the stratosphere

d. high amounts of ozone in the stratosphere

e. high amounts of ozone in the troposphere







Answer: B

Stratospheric ozone is responsible for all of the following, except

Stratospheric ozone is responsible for all of the following, except

a. screening out ultraviolet radiation

b. allowing the evolution of life on land

c. preventing ozone formation in the troposphere

d. helping protect humans from sunburn and cataracts

e. lowering atmospheric water vapor







Answer: E

The troposphere differs from the stratosphere in that it has

The troposphere differs from the stratosphere in that it has

a. 1,000 times less oxygen by volume

b. 1,000 times more ozone by volume

c. 1,000 times less ozone by volume

d. 1,000 times more nitrogen

e. 1,000 times less moisture by volume

Answer: C

You send up a weather balloon that monitors temperature changes in the atmosphere. Initially, the temperature drops as the balloon rises. Suddenly, there is a reversal and the temperature starts to rise. This boundary would be the

You send up a weather balloon that monitors temperature changes in the atmosphere. Initially, the temperature drops as the balloon rises. Suddenly, there is a reversal and the temperature starts to rise. This boundary would be the

a. the tropopause

b. the stratopause

c. the menopause

d. the mesopause

e. the thermopause







Answer: A

Most of earth's weather occurs in the

Most of earth's weather occurs in the

a. troposphere

b. thermosphere

c. mesosphere

d. stratosphere

e. tropopause






Answer: A

If the earth were an apple, the lower layer of the atmosphere would be the thickness of

If the earth were an apple, the lower layer of the atmosphere would be the thickness of

a. the core

b. the part of the apple we eat

c. the skin

d. the whole apple

e. a seed

Answer: C

The atmospheric layer containing 75% of the mass of earth's air is the

The atmospheric layer containing 75% of the mass of earth's air is the

a. thermosphere

b. mesosphere

c. stratosphere

d. troposphere

e. tropopause







Answer: D

The atmosphere is divided into spherical layers based upon the

The atmosphere is divided into spherical layers based upon the

a. density of each layer

b. concentration of ozone in each layer

c. temperature changes from variations in absorption of solar energy

d. concentration of oxygen in each layer

e. precipitation in each layer

Answer: C

The correct sequence of layers of the atmosphere from innermost to outermost is

The correct sequence of layers of the atmosphere from innermost to outermost is

a. mesosphere—stratosphere—thermosphere—troposphere

b. troposphere—stratosphere—mesosphere—thermosphere

c. stratosphere—thermosphere—troposphere—mesosphere

d. thermosphere—stratosphere—mesosphere—troposphere

e. thermosphere—mesosphere—stratosphere—troposphere

Answer: B

In India, the Asian Brown Cloud has reduced photosynthesis by what percentage?

In India, the Asian Brown Cloud has reduced photosynthesis by what percentage?

a. 23%

b. 14%

c. 7%

d. 5%

e. 3%








Answer: C

Which of the following is not a part of the Asian Brown Cloud?

Which of the following is not a part of the Asian Brown Cloud?

a. ozone

b. toxic metals

c. dust

d. smoke and ash

e. mercury





Answer: A

The Asian Brown Cloud is approximately the size of

The Asian Brown Cloud is approximately the size of

a. Tibet

b. Shanghai

c. India

d. China and India

e. Continental U.S.

Answer: E

Which of the following guidelines is least likely to be included in personal sustainable energy plans?

Which of the following guidelines is least likely to be included in personal sustainable energy plans?

a. Get as much heat and cooling as possible from natural sources.

b. Insulate existing houses heavily.

c. Create cracks along flooring and ceilings to increase indoor air quality.

d. Don't use electricity to heat space or water.

e. None of these.



Answer: C

According to Amory Lovins, the most expensive way to get more electricity would be

According to Amory Lovins, the most expensive way to get more electricity would be

a. industrial cogeneration

b. eliminating pure waste of electricity

c. building a new central power station

d. making appliances cost-effectively efficient

e. using alternative energy sources

Answer: C

Which of the following statements does not reflect the thinking of Amory Lovins?

Which of the following statements does not reflect the thinking of Amory Lovins?

a. The answers you get depend on the questions you ask.

b. The cheapest way to get more electricity is to convert to efficient lighting equipment.

c. Energy efficiency and conservation are the cheapest ways to achieve low-temperature heating and cooling.

d. The way to develop a sound energy policy is to define your energy sources and find the most efficient ways to increase each of them.

e. None of these.

Answer: E

Which of the following is least likely to characterize a sustainable energy future?

Which of the following is least likely to characterize a sustainable energy future?

a. fiber-optic cables and microprocessors

b. larger, regional power plants

c. energy management systems

d. improved energy efficiency

e. ecocars







Answer: B

The energy resource that most improves the quality of the environment is

The energy resource that most improves the quality of the environment is

a. improved energy efficiency

b. wind energy

c. biomass

d. hydrogen gas

e. geothermal energy







Answer: A

The renewable and perpetual resources with the best availability in the short term and the long term are

The renewable and perpetual resources with the best availability in the short term and the long term are

a. large- and small-scale dams

b. low-temperature solar heating and improved energy efficiency

c. photovoltaics and high-temperature solar heating

d. wind energy

e. geothermal energy







Answer: B

The least expensive perpetual resource is

The least expensive perpetual resource is

a. improving energy efficiency

b. hydroelectricity

c. tidal energy

d. photovoltaics

e. wind energy

Answer: A

The fossil fuel with the least environmental impact is

The fossil fuel with the least environmental impact is

a. oil

b. natural gas

c. coal

d. oil shale

e. kerosene






Answer: B

The estimated net useful energy of oil, natural gas, and coal is

The estimated net useful energy of oil, natural gas, and coal is

a. high and increasing

b. high and decreasing

c. and stable

d. low and increasing

e. and increasing







Answer: B

A sustainable energy future is least likely to encourage

A sustainable energy future is least likely to encourage

a. requiring that all energy systems supported by government funds be based on cost-benefit analysis

b. requiring that electrical production be on a least-cost basis

c. full-cost pricing including social and environmental costs of energy sources

d. permitting utilities to earn money by reducing electricity demand

e. None of these





Answer: A

A sustainable energy future is least likely to encourage

A sustainable energy future is least likely to encourage

a. greatly increased use of perpetual and renewable resources

b. phasing out of government subsidies for nonrenewable resources

c. taxing of fossil fuels with energy assistance to the poor

d. no government influence on personal decisions about purchases of energy-consuming goods

e. tax credits for buying efficient cars

Answer: D

Keeping energy prices artificially high does all of the following, except

Keeping energy prices artificially high does all of the following, except

a. encourage improvements in energy efficiency

b. reduce dependence on imported energy

c. dampen economic growth

d. cause high unemployment

e. none of these








Answer: D

Keeping energy prices artificially low

Keeping energy prices artificially low

a. encourages waste and rapid depletion of energy resources getting favorable treatment

b. protects consumers from sharp price increases

c. discourages the development of energy alternatives not getting favorable treatment

d. does all of these

e. encourages waste and rapid depletion of energy resources getting favorable treatment and protects consumers from sharp price increases

Answer: D

Governments use _____ to manipulate the energy playing field.

Governments use _____ to manipulate the energy playing field.

a. tax breaks

b. regulations

c. subsidies

d. all of these

e. regulations and subsidies

Answer: D

Which of the following approaches emphasizes today's prices for short-term economic gain and inhibits long-term development of new energy resources?

Which of the following approaches emphasizes today's prices for short-term economic gain and inhibits long-term development of new energy resources?

a. free-market competition

b. energy prices kept artificially high

c. energy prices kept artificially low

d. government command and control

e. intense regulation

Answer: A

The Solar-Hydrogen Revolution could be encouraged by

The Solar-Hydrogen Revolution could be encouraged by

a. convincing private investors to risk capital in investing in hydrogen

b. convincing the government to put up some money for hydrogen development as it did for

c. phasing in full-cost pricing of fossil fuels

d. all of these

e. none of these

Answer: D

Large-scale funding of hydrogen research would generally be least opposed by

Large-scale funding of hydrogen research would generally be least opposed by

a. electric utilities

b. sustainable developers, reservoir sites, hydrogen releases low amounts of carbon dioxide.

c. fossil-fuel companies

d. automobile manufacturers

e. heating and air conditioning manufacturers

Answer: B

Which of the following statements is false?

Which of the following statements is false?

a. The costs of using solar energy to produce electricity are coming down.

b. Hydrogen gas could be stored at high pressures and distributed by pipeline.

c. Burning hydrogen releases low amounts of carbon dioxide.

d. Hydrogen gas is easier to store than electricity.

e. The costs of using solar energy to produce electricity are coming down and Burning

Answer: C

Which of the following statements is false?

Which of the following statements is false?

a. When burned, hydrogen produces virtually no air pollutants.

b. Some metals can store and release hydrogen.

c. Fuel tanks of metal-hydrogen compounds would tend to explode in an accident.

d. Experimental cars have been running on hydrogen for years.

e. None of these statements is false.






Answer: C

Hydrogen gas can be used to

Hydrogen gas can be used to

a. heat buildings

b. fuel cars and trucks

c. power factories

d. fuel planes

e. all of these







Answer: E

By 2050, which country plans to run its entire economy on renewable hydropower, geothermal energy, and wind and use these sources to produce hydrogen for running all of its motor vehicles and ships?

By 2050, which country plans to run its entire economy on renewable hydropower, geothermal energy, and wind and use these sources to produce hydrogen for running all of its motor vehicles and ships? 

a. Norway

b. Denmark

c. Finland

d. Iceland

e. Spain







Answer: D

An advantage associated with the development and use of geothermal energy systems is that

An advantage associated with the development and use of geothermal energy systems is that

a. Carbon dioxide is the only air pollutant produced.

b. Geothermal power plants do not require cooling water.

c. Geothermal energy sources are vast, reliable, and potentially renewable for areas near

d. There is no risk of harmful environmental impact.

e. It requires high land use.





Answer: C

Which of the following disadvantages of the development of geothermal power is false?

Which of the following disadvantages of the development of geothermal power is false?

a. Use of geothermal energy is limited by scarcity of sites and economics.

b. It sometimes causes land subsidence.

c. It releases more carbon dioxide than fossil fuels.

d. It sometimes causes ecosystem degradation.

e. It has very high efficiency.






Answer: C

Magma is

Magma is

a. a deep source of fossil fuel

b. molten rock

c. an air pollutant given off by geothermal energy

d. cooled lava flow

e. volcanic ash






Answer: B

Geothermal energy can be used for all of the following, except

Geothermal energy can be used for all of the following, except

a. heating space

b. producing electricity

c. transportation fuel

d. producing high-temperature heat for industry

e. heating space and producing high-temperature heat for industry






Answer: C

Geothermal energy is stored in the form of

Geothermal energy is stored in the form of

a. dry steam

b. wet steam

c. hot water

d. dry steam, wet steam, and hot water

e. wet steam and hot water

Answer: D

The country that is the world's largest producer of geothermal electricity is

The country that is the world's largest producer of geothermal electricity is 

a. Finland

b. China

c. Iceland

d. the Philippines

e. the United States









Answer: E

Some ecologists say that it makes the least sense to use crop residues as

Some ecologists say that it makes the least sense to use crop residues as

a. fuel for energy

b. food for animals

c. a way to retard erosion

d. a fertilizer

e. building material







Answer: A

Which of the following would not make a good choice for a biomass plantation?

Which of the following would not make a good choice for a biomass plantation?

a. cottonwood

b. oak

c. sycamore

d. poplar

e. pine







Answer: B

A major disadvantage of using biomass for energy is

A major disadvantage of using biomass for energy is

a. large land requirements

b. higher nitrous oxide emissions than other sources of energy

c. lack of versatility in its use and application

d. that it is not renewable

e. higher sulfur dioxide emissions than other sources of energy

Answer: A

All of the following are advantages of using ethanol as a fuel, except

All of the following are advantages of using ethanol as a fuel, except

a. lower NO emissions

b. potentially renewable

c. lower CO emissions

d. high octane

e. some reduction in carbon dioxide emissions





Answer: A

Which of the following substances is not considered to be a source of ethanol?

Which of the following substances is not considered to be a source of ethanol?

a. sorghum

b. sugar beets

c. potatoes

d. corn

e. rice








Answer: C

Gasohol is gasoline mixed with

Gasohol is gasoline mixed with

a. ethanol

b. methane

c. methanol

d. butane

e. propane





Answer: A

Biogas digesters are

Biogas digesters are

a. very efficient, slow, and unpredictable

b. very efficient, fast, and predictable

c. very inefficient, slow, and unpredictable

d. very inefficient, fast, and predictable

e. very inefficient, fast, and unpredictable

Answer: A

Gaseous and liquid biofuels include

Gaseous and liquid biofuels include

a. biogas

b. liquid methanol

c. wood alcohol

d. ethanol

e. all of these






Answer: E

Burning of biomass

Burning of biomass

a. releases more carbon dioxide per ton burned than does coal

b. releases more air pollution per unit of energy produced than does uncontrolled burning of coal

c. requires little land

d. can cause soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of wildlife habitat

e. does not cause water pollution

Answer: D

Potentially renewable biomass is currently being exploited in unsustainable ways because of

Potentially renewable biomass is currently being exploited in unsustainable ways because of

a. inefficient burning of wood in open fires

b. use of inefficient stoves

c. soil erosion

d. all of these

e. none of these






Answer: D

Biomass fuels are

Biomass fuels are

a. solid

b. liquid

c. gaseous

d. solid and liquid

e. all of these







Answer: E

Wind farms

Wind farms

a. are very quiet

b. may interfere with flight patterns of migratory birds

c. do not require backup energy production systems

d. are considered visually pleasing

e. all of these








Answer: B

Wind power

Wind power

a. is an unlimited source of energy at favorable sites

b. requires long construction time

c. has a low net useful energy yield

d. emits air pollution

e. produces CO2 emissions

Answer: A

The world's fastest growing energy resource is

The world's fastest growing energy resource is

a. hydroelectric dams

b. wind power

c. nuclear power

d. coal-fired power plants

e. tidal energy






Answer: B

Huge dams have all of the following impacts, except

Huge dams have all of the following impacts, except

a. destruction of wildlife habitat

b. lessening of natural fertilization of agricultural land below the dam

c. lessening of fish harvests above the dam

d. flooding of vast areas

e. increasing fish harvests above the dam

Answer: C

Which of the following is a disadvantage of hydroelectric plants?

Which of the following is a disadvantage of hydroelectric plants?

a. high pollution

b. high construction costs

c. high operation and maintenance costs

d. low functional life span

e. all of these






Answer: B

Hydroelectric plants

Hydroelectric plants

a. need to be shut down frequently for maintenance checks

b. offer low net useful energy yield

c. have relatively high operating and maintenance costs

d. help control flooding and supply a regulated flow of irrigation water to areas below the dam

e. all of these

Answer: D

Which of the following countries produces the greatest proportion of its electricity by hydroelectric plants?

Which of the following countries produces the greatest proportion of its electricity by hydroelectric plants?

a. Austria

b. Switzerland

c. Norway

d. Italy

e. Russia







Answer: C

Hydroelectric power may be

Hydroelectric power may be

a. large scale

b. small scale

c. pumped storage

d. large scale and small scale

e. all of these

Answer: E

In 1890, the first country to use wind turbines to produce commercial electricity was

In 1890, the first country to use wind turbines to produce commercial electricity was 

a. Denmark

b. Germany

c. Spain

d. Holland

e. France





Answer: A

Most of the world's untapped potential for hydropower is in all of the following regions, except

Most of the world's untapped potential for hydropower is in all of the following regions, except 

a. India

b. China

c. South America

d. the United States

e. Central Africa



Answer: D

All of the following are likely to be big markets for solar cell technology, except

All of the following are likely to be big markets for solar cell technology, except

a. Mexico

b. India

c. Poland

d. Brazil

e. Korea

Answer: C

All of the following are characteristic of solar cells, except

All of the following are characteristic of solar cells, except

a. durability up to 30 years

b. quick installation

c. expansion of the system as needed

d. primarily metal composition

e. no carbon dioxide emissions





Answer: D

The chief ingredient of most solar cells is

The chief ingredient of most solar cells is

a. silicon

b. sodium

c. chromium

d. arsenic

e. calcium



Answer: A

Cells that convert solar energy directly into electricity are called

Cells that convert solar energy directly into electricity are called

a. electrosolar chips

b. photovoltaic cells

c. helios electric units

d. photoelectric cells

e. solarelectric cells





Answer: B

Solar power plants

Solar power plants

a. pollute air and water

b. take three to five years to construct

c. with natural gas backup produce electricity at twice the price of nuclear plants

d. can be built as large or small as needed

e. are almost as cost effective as nuclear power plants

Answer: D

A type of distributed receiver system that has captured a fraction of the commercial market is the

A type of distributed receiver system that has captured a fraction of the commercial market is the

a. active solar heating system

b. solar power tower

c. solar cooker

d. solar thermal plant

e. solar wind tunnel





Answer: D

The solar technology that most strongly focuses the sun's rays is the

The solar technology that most strongly focuses the sun's rays is the

a. active solar heating system

b. solar power tower

c. non-imaging optical solar concentrator

d. solar cooker

e. solar wind tunnel






Answer: B

Solar thermal systems can

Solar thermal systems can

a. track the sun

b. focus sunlight on a central heat-collection point

c. produce temperatures high enough for making high-pressure steam to run turbines

d. all of these

e. none of these

Answer: D

All of the following can be used for cooling a house in warm weather, except

All of the following can be used for cooling a house in warm weather, except

a. windows

b. earth tubes and tanks buried 20 feet underground

c. deciduous trees to block the summer sun

d. foil sheets under the floor

e. fans

Answer: D

Advantages of solar space heating include all of the following, except

Advantages of solar space heating include all of the following, except

a. a free energy source

b. low to net useful energy

c. well-developed active and passive technologies

d. no carbon dioxide additions to the atmosphere

e. well-developed active and passive technologies and no carbon dioxide additions to the atmosphere

Answer: B

Which country gets 92% of its energy from renewable sources?

Which country gets 92% of its energy from renewable sources? 

a. Denmark

b. Brazil

c. Iceland

d. Costa Rica

e. China




Answer: D

All of the following are features of passive solar design, except

All of the following are features of passive solar design, except

a. adobe walls used for heat storage

b. coniferous trees blocking the sun all year

c. windows on the south side of the house

d. summer cooling vents in the roof

e. flagstone floor used for heat storage

Answer: B

Thermal mass could be provided in the form of walls and floors of all of the following, except

Thermal mass could be provided in the form of walls and floors of all of the following, except

a. brick

b. paper

c. concrete

d. adobe

e. none of these

Answer: B

Windows designed to capture solar energy in the United States face

Windows designed to capture solar energy in the United States face

a. north

b. east

c. south

d. west

e. northeast






Answer: C

Development of renewable energy resources would

Development of renewable energy resources would

a. cost money

b. eliminate the need for oil imports

c. produce more pollution per unit of energy

d. decrease military, economic, and environmental security

e. cost jobs

Answer: B

Developing renewable energy resources could account for _____ of world energy production by 2050 or sooner.

Developing renewable energy resources could account for _____ of world energy production by 2050 or sooner.

a. 20%

b. 30%

c. 40%

d. 50%

e. 60%





Answer: D

Renewable energy resources include all of the following, except

Renewable energy resources include all of the following, except

a. the sun

b. the wind

c. biomass

d. natural gas

e. water






Answer: D

In 2004, which of the following sources represented the highest total cost of producing electricity (in U.S. cents per kilowatt hour)?

In 2004, which of the following sources represented the highest total cost of producing electricity (in U.S. cents per kilowatt hour)? 

a. solar cells

b. coal

c. wind

d. nuclear

e. biomass






Answer: A

All of the following statements regarding the use of solar cookers are true, except they

All of the following statements regarding the use of solar cookers are true, except they

a. can reduce deforestation

b. are expensive to purchase

c. can save time and labor

d. reduce indoor air pollution

e. can be built locally







Answer: B

The most effective water heater

The most effective water heater

a. is an electric water tank

b. is a gas water heater

c. is an oil water heater

d. is a tankless instant water heater fired by natural gas

e. is a propane water heater

Answer: D

The cheapest and most energy-efficient way to heat a house is super-insulation coupled with

The cheapest and most energy-efficient way to heat a house is super-insulation coupled with

a. active solar heating and a natural gas furnace

b. active solar heating and electric resistance heating produced by a nuclear power plant

c. passive solar heating and a high-efficiency natural gas furnace

d. passive solar and electric resistance heating produced by a nuclear power plant

e. a heat pump






Answer: C

The energy efficiency of buildings can be improved by all of the following strategies, except

The energy efficiency of buildings can be improved by all of the following strategies, except

a. use of energy-efficient appliances

b. use of energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs

c. plugging leaks

d. building big windows into the northern side of new housing

e. energy-efficient lighting





Answer: D

Heating, cooling, and lighting buildings consumes about _____ of the energy used in modern societies.

Heating, cooling, and lighting buildings consumes about _____ of the energy used in modern societies.

a. one-fifth

b. one-fourth

c. one-third

d. one-half

e. two-thirds






Answer: C

Demand for eco cars would be increased by all of the following strategies, except

Demand for eco cars would be increased by all of the following strategies, except

a. a rebate system that gives people money for buying fuel-efficient cars and charges people more for buying gas-guzzling vehicles

b. establishing higher average fuel-efficiency standards for all new cars

c. including social and environmental costs in the price of gasoline

d. maintaining the status quo

e. establishing higher average fuel-efficiency standards for all new cars and including social and environmental costs in the price of gasoline

Answer: D

Eco Cars

Eco Cars

a. are made from composite materials that won't rust and can be recycled

b. have a greater range than electric cars

c. could operate emission-free in urban areas

d. are made from composite materials that won't rust and can be recycled and could operate emission-free in urban areas

e. all of these

Answer: E

The weakness of electric cars is their

The weakness of electric cars is their

a. noise level

b. maintenance cost

c. energy-storage system

d. slow acceleration

e. price






Answer: C

Requiring higher average fuel-efficiency standards would do all of the following, except

Requiring higher average fuel-efficiency standards would do all of the following, except

a. save huge amounts of energy

b. reduce air pollution

c. cost jobs

d. reduce emissions of heat-trapping carbon dioxide

e. reduce water pollution





Answer: C

At this time, the most important way to save energy and money in transportation is to

At this time, the most important way to save energy and money in transportation is to

a. switch to hydrogen-powered cars

b. switch to electric engines

c. increase the fuel efficiency of motor vehicles

d. ban cars in cities

e. require mandatory mass transportation







Answer: C

Energy efficiency can be encouraged by all of the following, except

Energy efficiency can be encouraged by all of the following, except

a. demand-side management

b. regulations making it possible for utilities to profit from reducing the amount of electricity they sell

c. giving utilities a share of the money they save by improvements in energy efficiency

d. supply-side management

e. none of these






Answer: D

Utilities make money by selling electricity. To make more money, they have often encouraged customers to use even more electricity. This lack of incentive to improve energy efficiency creates a(n)

Utilities make money by selling electricity. To make more money, they have often encouraged customers to use even more electricity. This lack of incentive to improve energy efficiency creates a(n)

a. harmful negative feedback loop

b. harmful positive feedback loop

c. helpful negative feedback loop

d. helpful positive feedback loop

e. synergistic effect




Answer: B

Industry can reduce its energy consumption by

Industry can reduce its energy consumption by

a. switching to incandescent lighting

b. quickly venting waste heat to the environment

c. increasing recycling and reuse of materials

d. using more standard electric motors

e. using more fossil fuels






Answer: C

Forty-five percent of new passenger-car sales in Europe is made up of

Forty-five percent of new passenger-car sales in Europe is made up of 

a. energy-efficient diesel cars

b. hybrid cars

c. plug-in hybrid cars

d. hydrogen fuel cell cars

e. conventional gasoline cars






Answer: A

Cogeneration

Cogeneration

a. involves instruments like heat pumps that can generate heating and cooling

b. combines passive solar and active solar technologies

c. involves both electricity and natural gas

d. uses waste heat to produce electricity

e. uses heat from the earth to produce electricity

Answer: D

Improving energy efficiency does all of the following, except

Improving energy efficiency does all of the following, except

a. make nonrenewable fossil fuel supplies last longer

b. provide a longer time for phasing in renewable energy sources

c. improve national security by reducing dependence on oil imports

d. eliminate excess jobs

e. reduce environmental damage






Answer: D

Improving energy efficiency is least likely to

Improving energy efficiency is least likely to

a. reduce environmental damage

b. lessen the need for military intervention in the Middle East

c. decrease competitiveness in the international marketplace

d. give us more time to phase in renewable energy resources

e. save money and provide jobs






Answer: C

If the United States wanted to make the most difference in tightening up energy efficiency of widespread energy-using devices, which one of the following is likely to attract the least attention?

If the United States wanted to make the most difference in tightening up energy efficiency of widespread energy-using devices, which one of the following is likely to attract the least attention?

a. internal combustion engines

b. nuclear power plants

c. refrigerators

d. incandescent light bulbs

e. heating and air conditioning systems

Answer: C

Energy efficiency could be improved by all of the following, except

Energy efficiency could be improved by all of the following, except

a. buying cars with good fuel mileage

b. buying energy-efficient appliances

c. keeping car engines tuned

d. removing insulation from attics

e. buying fluorescent light bulbs






Answer: D

The most expensive way to provide space heat is by using

The most expensive way to provide space heat is by using

a. propane

b. electricity

c. kerosene

d. oil

e. wood

Answer: B

The least efficient method of space heating is

The least efficient method of space heating is

a. passive solar heat

b. electricity produced by nuclear power plants

c. natural gas furnaces

d. oil furnaces

e. none of these







Answer: B

We can conserve energy by

We can conserve energy by

a. increasing the efficiency of our equipment

b. recycling the energy we use

c. using nonrenewable resources

d. using high-quality energy whenever possible

e. all of these






Answer: A

When purchasing appliances, consumers can make more economically and environmentally conscious decisions by considering

When purchasing appliances, consumers can make more economically and environmentally conscious decisions by considering

a. initial cost

b. operating cost

c. external cost

d. life-cycle cost

e. consumer cost






Answer: D

Energy consumption can be reduced by all of the following except

Energy consumption can be reduced by all of the following except

a. using mass transit instead of individual automobiles

b. turning the thermostat up in wintertime

c. turning off unused lights

d. purchasing only needed products

e. reducing packaging







Answer: B

According to Amory Lovins, the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to get more energy with the least environmental impact is to

According to Amory Lovins, the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to get more energy with the least environmental impact is to

a. Improve photovoltaics.

b. Develop wind power.

c. Initiate the second wave of nuclear power plants in the United States.

d. Eliminate energy waste.

e. Switch to natural gas transportation.

Answer: D

What percentage of the commercial energy used in the United States is wasted unnecessarily?

What percentage of the commercial energy used in the United States is wasted unnecessarily?

a. 11%

b. 23%

c. 33%

d. 43%

e. 51%







Answer: D

What percentage of the commercial energy used in the United States is wasted?

What percentage of the commercial energy used in the United States is wasted?

a. 54%

b. 64%

c. 74%

d. 84%

e. 94%







Answer: D

Which of the following is the most energy efficient?

Which of the following is the most energy efficient? 

a. nuclear power plant

b. coal-burning power plant

c. internal combustion engine

d. passive solar heating

e. incandescent light bulbs

Answer: D

Which is our best immediate energy option?

Which is our best immediate energy option?

a. Find and burn more forms of oil, natural gas, and coal.

b. Cut out unnecessary energy waste by improving energy efficiency.

c. Build more and better conventional nuclear power plants.

d. Increase efforts to develop breeder nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

e. Discover a new form of energy.

Answer: B

Iceland intends to use and sell what fuel source?

Iceland intends to use and sell what fuel source?

a. petroleum

b. oxygen

c. hydropower

d. windpower

e. hydrogen

Answer: E

In order for nuclear power to be acceptable, new reactors would have to meet all of the following, except

In order for nuclear power to be acceptable, new reactors would have to meet all of the following, except

a. Spent fuel can be no more than 50% higher in radioactivity.

b. Runaway chain reactions must be impossible.

c. Fuel can not be used to make nuclear weapons.

d. They must generate higher net energy yields than alternatives.

e. Energy cycle must generate fewer greenhouse gases than alternatives.






Answer: A