Renewable and Fossil Energy

In the picture

1. 1Wind turbine: blades capture moving air to turn a generator.
2. 2Solar panel: glass and cells convert sunlight into electric current.
3. 3Dam and open gate: falling water spins turbines inside the concrete wall.
4. 4Oil pumpjack: a motorized beam lifts crude oil from underground.
5. 5Gas flame at a pipe mouth: burning methane releases heat and carbon dioxide.

Examples

• A rooftop solar panel charging a home battery.
• A petrol car refueling at a service station.

Quiz: Renewable and Fossil Energy (Age 17)

1. 1

   Which statement best describes the difference between renewable and fossil energy sources?

   • Both renewable and fossil sources replenish naturally, but fossil fuels emit no carbon dioxide.
   • Renewable sources are finite and emit much more carbon dioxide, while fossil fuels replenish naturally and emit much less.
   • Renewable sources replenish naturally and emit much less carbon dioxide, while fossil fuels are finite and emit much more.
2. 2

   Which list contains only renewable energy sources?

   • Wind, sunlight, flowing water, and heat from the Earth
   • Crude oil, sunlight, wind, and coal
   • Natural gas, flowing water, heat from the Earth, and oil
3. 3

   Why do fossil fuels generally contribute more to climate change than renewable energy sources?

   • Renewable sources are finite, so using them releases stored carbon dioxide.
   • Burning them releases much more carbon dioxide, while renewable sources emit far less.
   • They are replenished by sunlight, so they burn hotter and release oxygen.

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.