Energy, Waste, and Water Resources Practice Exam

Comprehensive practice questions covering global energy mixes, nuclear science and reactors, waste management strategies, and water resource management based on lecture notes.

According to the global electricity mix, which energy source is the top player generating the most electricity?

Coal

What percentage of the world's electricity is generated by nuclear power?

About $10\%$

In the United States, how much of our electricity is provided by nuclear power?

About a fifth ($20\%$)

Which major disaster was caused by an earthquake and a tsunami, supplemented by human error, leading to a massive nuclear meltdown?

The Fukushima disaster

What is the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion in terms of atoms?

Fission involves splitting atoms, while fusion involves fusing atoms.

What characterizes isotopes in terms of subatomic particles?

Isotopes have the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons.

What are the characteristics of an alpha particle in radioactivity?

It includes two protons and two neutrons.

Which type of radioactivity is described as waves that require the most protection because they can penetrate the furthest?

Gamma radiation

Define 'half-life' in the context of radioactive decay.

The amount of time it takes for half of the parent material to remain.

How many years of proven uranium reserves are estimated to remain if use stays the same?

About $90$ years

What is 'yellow cake'?

The uranium extracted from rock during the milling process, which is a combination of $U-238$ and $U-235$.

What occurs during the process of enrichment in nuclear fuel production?

The proportion of $U-235$ is increased in the yellow cake to make it suitable for a reactor.

How much energy does a single cubic centimeter of nuclear fuel pellets contain compared to coal?

The same amount of energy as a $1\,\text{metric ton}$ of coal.

What material are control rods made of, and what is their role in a nuclear reactor?

They are made of boron; they absorb neutrons to slow down the nuclear reaction.

Where is high-level radioactive waste typically stored currently?

At the nuclear power plants themselves, usually in water tanks.

What are the two major benefits of nuclear power mentioned in contrast to coal or oil?

High energy efficiency (more power) and low greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the primary difference between an open dump and a sanitary landfill?

A sanitary landfill is lined and sealed to prevent leachate from penetrating the soil and contaminating groundwater.

What is a major advantage of trash incineration?

It can reduce the volume of trash by $90\%$ or more and generate electricity.

What percentage of the water on Earth is freshwater?

$$2.5\%$$

Define a 'watershed'.

The land surrounding a body of water that drains precipitation into that specific body of water.

What is the 'water table'?

The line below which the soil/ground is $100\%$ saturated with water.

Distinguish between 'infiltration' and 'percolation'.

Infiltration is water running into the soil; percolation is when it infiltrates all the way to the aquifer.

Which type of aquifer is most susceptible to pollution?

Unconfined aquifers

What feature of confined aquifers allows for the creation of artesian wells?

Increased pressure due to being trapped between impermeable layers with Only small recharge openings.

What occurs when groundwater is extracted too quickly near a well, causing the water table to dip?

A cone of depression forms.

What is a common consequence of groundwater pumping in coastal areas?

Saltwater intrusion

Leaky pipes account for what percentage of global water loss?

$30\%$ to $40\%$

What is the largest domestic use of water in a typical home?

Watering the lawn

What are the primary agents used to clean water in a wastewater treatment facility?

Bacteria and other microbes

What is a riparian area (or riparian zone)?

A wetland directly adjacent to a stream or river that helps clean water and shade the stream.

Which specific event led to the creation of the Clean Water Act?

The Cuyahoga River catching on fire due to industrial waste and sewage.