The National Academies
What You Need To Know About Energy
What do you know about energy?
Most of the world's energy originates from which two primary sources:
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Correct!
The energy we capture for use on Earth comes largely from the sun or from nuclear forces local to our own planet.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
The energy we capture for use on Earth comes largely from the sun or from nuclear forces local to our own planet.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
The energy we capture for use on Earth comes largely from the sun or from nuclear forces local to our own planet.
In 2008, what percentage of the United States' total energy consumption came from oil?
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
In 2008, 37% of the United States' total energy consumption came from oil, more than any other energy source.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
In 2008, 37% of the United States' total energy consumption came from oil, more than any other energy source.
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Correct!
In 2008, 37% of the United States' total energy consumption came from oil, more than any other energy source.
Which of the following energy sources releases carbon dioxide when burned?
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Gasoline, diesel fuel, and natural gas all release CO2 when burned.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Gasoline, diesel fuel, and natural gas all release CO2 when burned.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Gasoline, diesel fuel, and natural gas all release CO2 when burned.
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Correct!
Gasoline, diesel fuel, and natural gas all release CO2 when burned.
Which of the following is not a primary energy source?
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Electricity is a secondary energy source because it can only be produced from the use of primary energy sources such as coal, natural gas, or nuclear reactions.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Electricity is a secondary energy source because it can only be produced from the use of primary energy sources such as coal, natural gas, or nuclear reactions.
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Correct!
Electricity is a secondary energy source because it can only be produced from the use of primary energy sources such as coal, natural gas, or nuclear reactions.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Electricity is a secondary energy source because it can only be produced from the use of primary energy sources such as coal, natural gas, or nuclear reactions.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Electricity is a secondary energy source because it can only be produced from the use of primary energy sources such as coal, natural gas, or nuclear reactions.
Of the following fossil fuels, which is typically the least expensive for its energy content?
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
In 2005, a million Btu of energy from coal cost approximately $2, versus $5 for natural gas and $10 for oil. However, prices can fluctuate due to changes in the economy and new government policies.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
In 2005, a million Btu of energy from coal cost approximately $2, versus $5 for natural gas and $10 for oil. However, prices can fluctuate due to changes in the economy and new government policies.
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Correct!
In 2005, a million Btu of energy from coal cost approximately $2, versus $5 for natural gas and $10 for oil. However, prices can fluctuate due to changes in the economy and new government policies.
About how much of the world's coal reserves are located in the United States?
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
More than a quarter of the world's coal reserves are located in the United States.
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Correct!
More than a quarter of the world's coal reserves are located in the United States.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
More than a quarter of the world's coal reserves are located in the United States.
Which of the following sources do experts expect will provide us with the “silver bullet” solution to our energy needs?
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
There is no silver bullet. Tomorrow’s energy, like today’s, will come from a variety of sources.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
There is no silver bullet. Tomorrow’s energy, like today’s, will come from a variety of sources.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
There is no silver bullet. Tomorrow’s energy, like today’s, will come from a variety of sources.
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Correct!
There is no silver bullet. Tomorrow’s energy, like today’s, will come from a variety of sources.
America, with 5% of the planet's population, consumes how much of the world's total energy?
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
With 5% of the planet's population, the United States uses 20% of the world's total energy.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
With 5% of the planet's population, the United States uses 20% of the world's total energy.
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Correct!
With 5% of the planet's population, the United States uses 20% of the world's total energy.
Which of the following is not considered to be a drawback to wind energy?
- Wind's intermittency
- Aesthetic impact of wind farms
- Risks to birds and bats
- All of the above are considered drawbacks
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
While wind energy has many benefits, all of the above are considered drawbacks to wind energy.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
While wind energy has many benefits, all of the above are considered drawbacks to wind energy.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
While wind energy has many benefits, all of the above are considered drawbacks to wind energy.
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Correct!
While wind energy has many benefits, all of the above are considered drawbacks to wind energy.
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A contractual agreement between a public agency (local, state, or federal) and a private-sector entity to deliver a service or product to the general public. For example, the FutureGen project is a collaboration of the U.S. Department of Energy and members of the coal industry to develop a near-zero emissions coal-fired power plant.
