EASC 201 Exam 2 part1

What is the definition of energy?

The ability to do work or cause change.

What is a nonrenewable resource?

A natural resource available in limited quantities that is not replenished on a human timescale.

What is a renewable resource?

A natural resource that is replenished naturally on a relatively short timescale.

What is the primary difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources?

Renewable resources can be naturally replaced within a human lifetime, while nonrenewable resources take millions of years to form or are finite.

What are the three main fossil fuels?

Coal, oil (petroleum), and natural gas.

Why are fossil fuels considered nonrenewable?

They form over millions of years from ancient organic matter and are used much faster than they can be replaced.

How is electricity generally generated?

An energy source spins a turbine, which turns a generator that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

What is the role of a turbine in electricity generation?

Turbines spin when moved by steam, water, or wind, powering generators to make electricity.

What is the role of a generator in electricity generation?

Generators convert mechanical energy from spinning turbines into electrical energy.

How is electricity produced from fossil fuels?

Fossil fuels are burned to heat water, creating steam that spins a turbine connected to a generator.

How is electricity produced from nuclear energy?

Nuclear fission releases heat, which boils water into steam that spins a turbine connected to a generator.

How is electricity produced from hydropower?

Moving water flows through turbines, spinning them to generate electricity.

How is electricity produced from wind energy?

Wind turns turbine blades, which spin a generator to produce electricity.

How is electricity produced from solar energy?

Solar photovoltaic panels convert sunlight directly into electricity, or solar thermal systems use heat to make steam.

Why do fossil fuel and nuclear power plants require large amounts of fresh water?

They need water for cooling and often for producing steam to drive turbines.

What are the primary pros of fossil fuels?

High energy density, reliability, existing infrastructure, and the ability to provide electricity on demand.

What are the primary cons of fossil fuels?

Air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, water use, habitat destruction, and nonrenewable supply.

What is baseload power?

The minimum amount of electricity needed continuously on the grid, supplied by reliable sources like nuclear, coal, or hydropower.

What is intermittent energy?

Energy that is not produced continuously because it depends on weather or time of day, such as wind and solar.

Why does the electric grid use a mix of energy sources?

To improve reliability, balance costs, reduce risk, and meet varying demand.

What are the major energy considerations for Virginia?

Growing population, data center demand, grid reliability, climate impacts, coastal vulnerability, and freshwater use.

Why might solar energy grow in Virginia?

Falling costs, state climate goals, energy policies, and increasing demand for cleaner electricity.

Why is offshore wind significant for Virginia?

Virginia's coastal location provides strong wind potential for large-scale renewable energy generation.

Why will natural gas likely remain important in Virginia in the near term?

It provides flexible, reliable electricity to support the grid when wind or solar output is low.

Why is nuclear energy important in Virginia?

It provides large amounts of reliable, low-carbon electricity to meet baseload demand.

How do energy decisions connect to freshwater in Virginia?

Power plants affect water withdrawals, thermal pollution, river flow, and overall freshwater availability.