Academic Decathlon: Science 4

What is a common effect of VOCs from plants?

• They create a pleasant aroma.

• They cause smog-like haze.

• They reduce air pollution.

• They have no effect on the environment.

What percentage of the total energy used in the U.S. is accounted for by transportation?

• 25%

• 36%

• 50%

• 60%

What is the primary factor in calculating the efficiency of transportation methods?

• Speed of travel

• Number of passengers

• Cost of travel

• Distance covered

What is the thermal efficiency of electric water heaters described as?

• ~100 percent

• 50 percent

• 75 percent

• 90 percent

What is the potential efficiency of newer coal-burning plants?

• 36%

• 42%

• 50%

• 60%

What type of energy is converted to heat energy for cooking?

• Kinetic energy

• Radiant energy

• Potential energy

• Chemical energy

What is the potential efficiency for coal-fired systems that are not commercially feasible at present?

• 36%

• 42%

• 50%

• 60%

What is the greatest energy source in the United States currently?

• Coal

• Natural gas

• Petroleum

• Nuclear energy

What is the process called that extracts previously untapped oil and natural gas reserves?

• Drilling

• Hydraulic Fracturing

• Refining

• Distillation

What is the main reason natural gas has overtaken coal as an energy source in the U.S.?

• It is cheaper

• It is more efficient

• Hydraulic fracturing

• It is more abundant