Unit 8 Study Guide: Sustaining Energy Name: ______

AP Environmental Science Date: ______Hr: ___

Chapter 15: Nonrenewable Energy Resources

Major Sources of Energy

1.  Describe how we have used energy throughout history until modern times.

2.  Identify the major sources of energy used in the US vs. worldwide.

3.  Describe the concept of net energy.

Oil Resources

4.  Describe the mining methods, refining methods, uses, and environmental impact of petroleum resources.

5.  Identify the leading petroleum holding nations and where we find it in the US.

6.  Describe the petroleum alternatives (oil sands, shale oil) to using crude oil.

7.  Describe the pros and cons to opening the ANWR to petroleum and natural gas exploration/mining.

Natural Gas Resources

8.  Describe the mining methods, refining methods, uses, and environmental impact of natural gas resources.

9.  Identify the leading natural gas holding nations and where we find it in the US.

Coal Resources

10.  Describe the mining methods, refining methods, uses, and environmental impact of coal resources.

11.  Identify the leading coal mining nations and where we find it in the US.

12.  Outline the carbon content and energy potential of peat, lignite, bituminous, and anthracite coal.

13.  Outline coal use in China and the environmental effects associated with it.

14.  Contrast the energy and emission characteristics of eastern vs. western US coal.

Nuclear Resources

15.  Explain how a nuclear reactor works, including the main components.

16.  Describe the major environmental hazards associated with nuclear power plants.

17.  Outline the causes of the 3 major nuclear disaster case studies (TMI, Chernobyl, Japan).

18.  Describe what nuclear waste actually is, the current method of storing it, and the proposed storage location.

Chapter 16: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Resources

Improving Energy Efficiency & Cutting Energy Waste

1.  Define energy efficiency and provide examples of common conventional use efficiencies.

2.  Explain why 100% of the energy going into a system is not returned as 100% useful energy.

3.  Describe net energy efficiency, including examples of low and high net energy efficiency.

4.  List reasons whey we should care about becoming a more efficient society.

5.  Define cogeneration and how it relates to net energy efficiency.

6.  Describe 7 ways to improve energy efficiency for current buildings.

7.  Describe the CAFE standard and its history over the past 35 years.

Solar Energy

8.  Describe how passive solar heating systems work in a home.

9.  Describe how active solar heating systems

10.  Describe how a photovoltaic cell is used to generate electricity.

11.  Outline the major advantages and disadvantages for switching to this alternative.

Moving Water Energy

12.  Describe how energy is harnessed using hydropower plants, tidal power, and wave action.

Wind Energy

13.  Describe how wind energy systems work.

14.  Outline the major advantages and disadvantages for switching to this alternative.

Biomass Energy

15.  Describe how biomass energy systems work.

16.  Outline the major advantages and disadvantages for switching to this alternative.

Geothermal Energy

17.  Describe how geothermal energy systems work.

18.  Outline the major advantages and disadvantages for switching to this alternative.

Hydrogen Energy

19.  Describe how hydrogen energy systems work.

20.  Outline the major advantages and disadvantages for switching to this alternative.