Energy Choices: Renewables, Fossil Fuels and Nuclear Power

Question 1

What does a pumped-storage hydropower plant typically do when electricity supply exceeds demand?

Accepted Answer

Pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir

Answer

Release water from an upper reservoir to generate electricity

Answer

Convert reservoir water into hydrogen for later use

Answer

Store electricity as heat in the lower reservoir

Question 2

Why is conventional uranium-fueled nuclear power classified as non-renewable despite its low operational carbon emissions?

Accepted Answer

Its mined uranium fuel is finite on human timescales

Answer

Its reactors must burn fossil fuels to sustain fission

Answer

Its output depends on the annual replenishment of rainfall

Answer

Its fuel can be used only when electricity demand is high

Question 3

Why can methane leaks reduce the climate advantage of natural gas over coal?

Accepted Answer

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas when released unburned

Answer

Leaked methane raises the sulfur content of the gas that remains

Answer

Methane leaks increase the carbon content of natural gas

Answer

Leaked methane makes coal plants burn more fuel

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