AP Environmental Practice Exam

The poster shown below advertises tours of a power plant.
This power plant produces electricity most likely by using-

• fossil fuels

• biofuels

• solar energy

• geothermal energy

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Put the items below in correct sequence for the generation of electricity using the wind

• 1-2-3-4

• 2-1-3-4

• 2-3-1-4

• 2-4-3-1

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Passive solar design includes all of the following except

• large windows on the south side of the house

• floor and walls that will store heat in the winter

• overhang that blocks the sun in the summer, but allows it inside in the winter

• trees that block the sun for the entire year

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

a downside to relying on biomass as a primary fuel source for a nation is that

• it can cause soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat loss

• it requires little land use

• it produces no pollution

• it produces more pollution than coal 

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Ultimately, all biofuels are ________, because they are the result of ________.

• geological; sedimentation

• solar; photosynthesis 

• inefficient; decomposition by microorganisms

• synthetic; chemical manipulation of hydrocarbons

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

The most commonly used approach to solar energy collection is ________, in which buildings are designed and building materials chosen to maximize their direct absorption of sunlight in winter, even as they keep the interior cool in the heat of summer.

• Active

• Passive

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

Which of the following is a disadvantage of solar energy?

• It can only be used effectively in certain regions and certain times of day

• It produces greenhouse gases during use

• It is a nonrenewable energy source

• It is inexpensive compared to other sources

Tags

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

Which of the following is NOT one of the disadvantages of water impoundment?

• CO₂ emission from cement manufacture to build the impoundment

• lowered siltation 

• methane released as organic matter decomposes once covered by water

• loss of habitat 

What is a possible downside to hydroelectric energy?

• generates high levels of pollution 

• high startup cost

• low functional lifespan

• high operation and maintenance cost 

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-2

NGSS.HS-ETS1-3

The layer of soil which the topsoil is found.

• Horizon A

• Horizon B

• Horizon C

• Horizon D or R