What is a nonrenewable resource?
A. a resource that can replace itself quickly
B. a resource that harms the environment when it is used
C. a resource that is in limited supply
D. a resource that is used for energy
C. a resource that is in limited supply
The correct answer is C. a resource that is in limited supply.
To understand what a nonrenewable resource is, we need to break down the options:
A. A resource that can replace itself quickly - This describes a renewable resource. Renewable resources are those that can be naturally replenished or replaced, such as solar energy or wind. They can regrow, reproduce, or replenish themselves relatively quickly.
B. A resource that harms the environment when it is used - This is a description of some nonrenewable resources, but it is not a definition of nonrenewable resources as a whole. While many nonrenewable resources can indeed harm the environment when used (such as coal or oil), it is not the defining characteristic of nonrenewable resources.
C. A resource that is in limited supply - This is the correct definition of a nonrenewable resource. Nonrenewable resources are natural resources that exist in limited quantities and cannot be replenished or replaced within a human lifespan or at a rate comparable to their consumption. Examples include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
D. A resource that is used for energy - While many nonrenewable resources are indeed used for energy production, it is not the sole defining characteristic of nonrenewable resources. There are nonrenewable resources that are used for purposes other than energy, such as metals like gold or copper.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. a resource that is in limited supply. Nonrenewable resources are considered finite and will eventually run out if consumed at a faster rate than they can form naturally.
A nonrenewable resource is an option C: a resource that is in limited supply.
Coal is a very useful rock that formed over millions of years from the remains of plants. Is coal a mineral?
A. no, coal is not a mineral because coal can be burned to produce electricity and heat
B. yes, coal is a mineral because all rocks are nonliving solid minerals
C. yes, coal is a mineral because all rocks that are useful to people are minerals
D. no, coal is not a mineral because coal is made of dead plants
D. no, coal is not a mineral because coal is made of dead plants
Which is a negative aspect of fossil fuels?
A. they are difficult to find
B. they cause pollution on Earth
C. they take a long time to produce energy
D. they are difficult to transport
B. they cause pollution on Earth
Which fossil fuel is considered the most abundant in the United States?
A. natural gas
B. petroleum
C. coal
D. oil
C. coal
Which statement best explains an environmental outcome of using fossil fuels for energy?
A. fossil fuels release carbon dioxide which plants use to make food
B. fossils fuels produce waste that exposes humans to dangerous levels of radiation
C. when fossil fuels are burned hazardous ash is created and carried through the environment by wind and dropped into nearby lakes and ponds
D. when fossil fuels are burned, they release toxic gases into the air that cause pollution and increase globe warming
D. when fossil fuels are burned, they release toxic gases into the air that cause pollution and increase global warming.
A farmer wants to properly manage her soil to prevent a situation like the Dust Bowl. What is the best way to manage the soil?
A. allow plants such as grass to root in it
B. remove humus from the soil
C. water the soil frequently
D. frequently dig the soil to get rid of unwanted plants
A. allow plants such as grass to root in it
Allowing plants, particularly deep-rooted ones like grass, to grow and root in the soil is the best way to manage the soil and prevent a situation like the Dust Bowl. The roots of these plants help to hold the soil in place, preventing erosion, and also contribute to the addition of organic matter, which improves soil structure and fertility. Removing humus from the soil (option B) would deplete the organic matter content, which is important for soil health. Watering the soil frequently (option C) may lead to over-watering and waterlogging, which can harm the soil and its structure. Frequently digging the soil to get rid of unwanted plants (option D) can disturb the soil structure and increase the risk of erosion.
Why is soil considered a vital resource?
A. it provides the source of material for different landforms
B. it is hard to destroy and easy to make
C. it is the place where all nutrients on Earth are stored
D. it plays a variety of roles for plants and animals
D. it plays a variety of roles for plants and animals
Soil is considered a vital resource because it plays a variety of roles for plants and animals. It serves as a medium for plant growth, providing essential nutrients, water, and anchorage. It also supports a diverse range of organisms, including beneficial microorganisms and insects. Soil is involved in the cycling and storage of nutrients, the purification and infiltration of water, and the breakdown and decomposition of organic matter. Additionally, soil helps regulate temperature and provides habitat for many organisms. Therefore, soil is crucial for sustaining and supporting life on Earth.
Which describes a renewable energy resource?
A. it produces less pollutants than fossil fuels
B. it consists of carbon and hydrogen molecules
C. it is less expensive than fossil fuels
D. it is more prone to serious accidents
A. it produces less pollutants than fossil fuels
A renewable energy resource is one that can be naturally replenished or replaced and typically has a lower environmental impact compared to fossil fuels. The option that describes a renewable energy resource is "it produces less pollutants than fossil fuels." Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass do not produce as many pollutants as fossil fuels during energy generation, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy system.
Edwin buys a water bottle, reuses it twice, and then recycles it. Eleanor buys a water bottle, reuses it twelve times, and then throws it away.
Which energy cost would apply to Edwin, but not to Eleanor?
A. the cost of transporting the bottle to the store
B the cost of producing the original bottle
C. the cost of transporting the bottle away from the house
D. the cost of producing the bottle after it was no longer used
C. the cost of transporting the bottle away from the house
In this scenario, Edwin recycles the water bottle after reusing it twice, while Eleanor throws it away after reusing it twelve times. Therefore, the energy cost that would apply to Edwin but not to Eleanor is the cost of transporting the bottle away from the house. Edwin needs to transport the bottle to a recycling facility or location, incurring an energy cost for transportation after its use. Eleanor, on the other hand, throws the bottle away, implying no additional energy cost for transportation after use.
Your class goes on a field trip to observe drilling machinery. The geologists at the drill site show you displays of drilled rocks to compare different types of drills and methods. The drilled holes in one rock display are significantly larger than the holes drilled in the display next to it. Given this information, which statement is correct?
A. the rock display with larger holes shows copper drilling, which is closer to the surface
B. the rock display with smaller holes shows copper drilling, which is deep underground
C. the rock display with smaller holes shows petroleum drilling, which is closer to the surface
D. the rock display with larger holes shows petroleum drilling, which is deep underground
D. the rock display with larger holes shows petroleum drilling, which is deep underground
The presence of significantly larger holes in the rock display suggests that it is associated with petroleum drilling, which typically occurs at greater depths underground. The larger holes may indicate the use of a larger drilling rig or a different drilling method suitable for deeper drilling operations. Copper drilling (option A) is typically closer to the surface and generally involves smaller-scale drilling operations, so it is unlikely to be associated with the display depicting larger holes. Similarly, petroleum drilling (option C) is often conducted at significant depths, making it more plausible that the rock display with larger holes corresponds to this drilling technique.