ENSC TEST 2 GCSU STUDY GUIDE
non renewable energy - Answers :a conserved property that that allows for changes in
position, composition, or temperature of matter
potential energy - Answers :energy of position ex food and water behind a dam
kinetic energy - Answers :energy of movement ex running or flowing water
list specific example of non-renewable resources - Answers :coal, natural gas, and oil
Explain what makes an energy source non renewable? - Answers :energy sources that
will run out and not be replaced in our lifetime
Describe the main types of fossil fuels and how they formed. - Answers :aquatic/swamp
biomass decays -> anaerobic decomposition (cover the remains) -> heat and pressure
transform remains in 100 - 500 million years
Explain the environmental impacts associated with exploration, extraction and use of
acid mine drainage - Answers :sulfur dioxide and Nitrogen oxide mixed with water
creates sulfuric acid that can cause acid rain
Explain the environmental impacts associated with exploration, extraction and use of
mountain top removal - Answers :form of strip mining that clears layers off the tops of
mountains for coal. It can cause disruptions in ecosystems and pollute water sources
toxic metals from coal burning - Answers :leading source of pollution for mining areas
and mercury escapes causing high mercury levels in ponds and water. Predators with
long lives have been recorded with high levels of mercury
Oil spills - Answers :large spills of oil cause animals in oceans to get covered in oil and
lead to issues.
hydraulic fracturing - Answers :wells are dug deep in the ground then machines split the
rock surface and inject water and minerals to release the oils and gas but can lead to
contamination in public water sources and earthquakes
explain nuclear fission - Answers :nucleus splitting = 1 Uranium ore nucleus splits the
Enrichment spins around and is separated when the 238U sinks and 235U rises but
required large machinery
assess the environmental and human risks and benefits of nuclear energy - Answers :-
machines require lots of space
