Environmental Science- Chapter 16 flashcards

 What are the major benefits of renewable energy?

Reduces pollution, limits greenhouse gases, diversifies energy sources, and creates green-collar jobs.

What's the difference between passive and active solar energy collection?

Passive uses design to absorb heat; active uses devices like solar collectors.

How do PV (photovoltaic) cells work?

Convert sunlight directly into electricity by moving electrons across silicon plates.

What are the pros and cons of solar energy?

 Pros: Clean, renewable, low maintenance.
Cons: Intermittent, high installation cost, sun not always available.

 What makes wind power efficient?

High EROI, scalable, reduces emissions.

What are wind energy limitations?

 Intermittent, geography-dependent, wildlife threats, public opposition.

How is geothermal energy harnessed?

By drilling into hot groundwater or using ground-source heat pumps.

What is tidal energy and where is it most effective?

Uses tidal height difference; best in coastal areas like South Korea's Sihwa Lake.

What are the three main types of hydropower?

Storage, run-of-river, and pumped storage.

Why isn’t hydropower expanding much more?

Most suitable rivers are already dammed.

What is biomass used for in energy production?

Heating, electricity (biopower), and transportation fuels (biofuels).

What's the difference between ethanol and biodiesel?

 Ethanol: from crops like corn; Biodiesel: from oils, fats, and waste.

What is cellulosic ethanol and why is it promising?

Ethanol made from non-food plant material like switchgrass—fast growing, low competition with food.