What is the primary source of energy for photovoltaic (PV) systems?
A Biomass
B Sunlight
C Water
D Wind
Photovoltaic systems generate electricity by converting sunlight into electrical energy using semiconductor materials. This technology is widely used in solar panels to harness the abundant energy from the sun.
Which of the following is the main advantage of wind power?
A Requires a large land area
B High efficiency
C Intermittent availability
D No emissions
Wind power produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, making it a clean and sustainable energy source. This helps reduce the environmental impact associated with electricity generation compared to fossil fuels.
What is one environmental benefit of using biomass as an energy source?
A Reduces carbon emissions
B Destroys ecosystems
C Requires large land areas
D Increases pollution
Biomass is considered a renewable energy source that, when used properly, can reduce overall carbon emissions. The CO₂ released during its combustion is offset by the CO₂ absorbed by the plants during their growth, making it a carbon-neutral source.
What is the function of a wind turbine?
A Control wind speed
B Convert wind into electricity
C Generate heat
D Store energy
Wind turbines harness the kinetic energy from wind and convert it into mechanical energy, which is then used to generate electricity. This renewable source of energy is used globally for large-scale electricity production.
What is the main characteristic of hydropower as an energy source?
A It depends on sunlight
B It generates power from water flow
C It requires fossil fuels
D It emits harmful gases
Hydropower generates electricity by using the energy of moving water, typically from rivers or dams. It is one of the oldest and most efficient forms of renewable energy, producing clean, reliable power.
What is the primary function of an inverter in solar energy systems?
A Store electricity
B Convert DC to AC
C Convert AC to DC
D Increase sunlight
Inverters in solar energy systems convert the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is the standard form of electricity used by most home appliances and the electrical grid.
What does “off-grid” refer to in renewable energy systems?
A Using fossil fuels
B Independent from the main grid
C Renewable only during daytime
D Connected to the central grid
Off-grid systems operate independently of the central electrical grid. They typically rely on renewable energy sources like solar or wind, often supplemented with energy storage systems, to provide power in remote or rural areas.
What is the purpose of net metering in renewable energy?
A Allow energy sale to the grid
B Store excess energy
C Increase carbon footprint
D Reduce energy efficiency
Net metering allows homeowners and businesses with renewable energy systems to sell excess power back to the grid. In return, they receive credits that offset their electricity costs, encouraging more renewable energy adoption.
Which renewable energy source is most commonly used in hybrid systems?
A Tidal
B Biomass
C Solar
D Wind
Solar energy is often used in hybrid systems, combined with other renewable sources like wind or energy storage. This ensures continuous power generation, even during times when one energy source is unavailable (e.g., at night for solar).
What is the main purpose of energy storage in renewable energy systems?
A Decrease system efficiency
B Store excess energy for later use
C Increase carbon emissions
D Reduce energy demand
Energy storage systems, like batteries, store excess energy generated during periods of high renewable energy production (e.g., sunny or windy days) and release it when production is low, ensuring a consistent power supply.
Which renewable energy source is most commonly associated with tidal power?
A Geothermal heat
B Biomass
C Wind
D Water currents
Tidal power generates electricity from the movement of ocean tides. Turbines placed in tidal areas harness the energy from rising and falling tides, converting it into electrical power.
What is a key challenge in integrating renewable energy into the electrical grid?
A Reduced efficiency in production
B Lack of demand for electricity
C Variability and intermittency of renewable generation
D High operational costs
Renewable energy sources, like wind and solar, are intermittent and weather-dependent. This variability makes it difficult to maintain a stable power supply and requires grid enhancements like energy storage or backup systems for reliability.
What is the main purpose of renewable energy policies?
A Reduces energy storage
B Encourage renewable energy adoption
C Increase fossil fuel consumption
D Limit solar energy use
Renewable energy policies, such as feed-in tariffs and renewable energy standards, aim to increase the adoption of clean energy by providing financial incentives and setting targets for the use of renewable resources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
What is the environmental impact of geothermal energy?
A Has minimal impact if managed properly
B Produces significant carbon emissions
C Requires large land areas
D Pollutes the water supply
Geothermal energy, when managed properly, has minimal environmental impact. It generates electricity using the Earth’s heat with low emissions. However, poor management can lead to issues like groundwater depletion or release of harmful gases.
Which of the following is a characteristic of small hydro systems?
A High energy production
B Requires a large dam
C Low environmental impact
D Limited to coastal areas
Small hydro systems typically use the natural flow of rivers or streams to generate electricity. They have a smaller environmental footprint compared to large dams, as they do not require large reservoirs or significant land alteration.