The National Academies
What You Need To Know About Energy
What do you know about energy?
In 2008, approximately how much energy did the United States use?
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
In 2008, the United States used approximately 99.2 quads. One quad is about as much total energy as the city of Chicago requires in one year.
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Correct!
In 2008, the United States used approximately 99.2 quads. One quad is about as much total energy as the city of Chicago requires in one year.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
In 2008, the United States used approximately 99.2 quads. One quad is about as much total energy as the city of Chicago requires in one year.
In 2008, of the four economic sectors, which used the most energy in the United States?
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
In 2008, industry used 31% of the total energy used; next was transportation at 28%, then residential at 22%, and commercial at 19%.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
In 2008, industry used 31% of the total energy used; next was transportation at 28%, then residential at 22%, and commercial at 19%.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
In 2008, industry used 31% of the total energy used; next was transportation at 28%, then residential at 22%, and commercial at 19%.
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Correct!
In 2008, industry used 31% of the total energy used; next was transportation at 28%, then residential at 22%, and commercial at 19%.
True or False: Burning coal in electric power plants is a major source of CO2 and other emissions. However, its use doesn't have negative consequences beyond the emissions caused by combustion.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Mining coal disturbs the land and modifies the chemistry of rainwater runoff, which in turn affects stream and river water quality.
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Correct!
Mining coal disturbs the land and modifies the chemistry of rainwater runoff, which in turn affects stream and river water quality.
Energy intensity is a measure of:
- The amount of energy used by a nation per unit of GDP
- The amount of energy contained in a given amount of fuel
- The amount of electric current passing through a point
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Correct!
Energy intensity is a measure of a nation's energy efficiency represented through energy use per unit of GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Energy intensity is a measure of a nation's energy efficiency represented through energy use per unit of GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Energy intensity is a measure of a nation's energy efficiency represented through energy use per unit of GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
How much electricity does an average U.S. household consume each year?
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
The average U.S. household consumes an average of 10,000 kilowatt-hours each year.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
The average U.S. household consumes an average of 10,000 kilowatt-hours each year.
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Correct!
The average U.S. household consumes an average of 10,000 kilowatt-hours each year.
Which residential usage consumes the largest amount of energy?
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Consuming the largest amount of energy, space heating accounts for 31% of all residential energy used. Space cooling accounts for an additional 12% of energy usage.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Consuming the largest amount of energy, space heating accounts for 31% of all residential energy used. Space cooling accounts for an additional 12% of energy usage.
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Correct!
Consuming the largest amount of energy, space heating accounts for 31% of all residential energy used. Space cooling accounts for an additional 12% of energy usage.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Consuming the largest amount of energy, space heating accounts for 31% of all residential energy used. Space cooling accounts for an additional 12% of energy usage.
Which primary energy source did we depend on the most to generate electricity in the United States in 2008?
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
In 2008, the United States depended most on coal to generate electricity. Coal provided approximately 49% of the electricity generated by the United States that year.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
In 2008, the United States depended most on coal to generate electricity. Coal provided approximately 49% of the electricity generated by the United States that year.
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Correct!
In 2008, the United States depended most on coal to generate electricity. Coal provided approximately 49% of the electricity generated by the United States that year.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
In 2008, the United States depended most on coal to generate electricity. Coal provided approximately 49% of the electricity generated by the United States that year.
About 21% of the electricity used in residential and commercial buildings goes to what use?
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Roughly 21% of the electricity used in residential and commercial buildings goes to lighting.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Roughly 21% of the electricity used in residential and commercial buildings goes to lighting.
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Correct!
Roughly 21% of the electricity used in residential and commercial buildings goes to lighting.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Roughly 21% of the electricity used in residential and commercial buildings goes to lighting.
How much of France's electricity is produced by nuclear power plants?
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Nearly 80% of France's electricity is produced by nuclear power plants.
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Sorry, that’s incorrect.
Nearly 80% of France's electricity is produced by nuclear power plants.
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Correct!
Nearly 80% of France's electricity is produced by nuclear power plants.
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