Question 1:
Which of the following power plants uses the combustion of fossil fuels to generate electricity?
Explanation: The correct answer is D) Coal-fired power plant. Coal-fired power plants burn coal to produce steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator, generating electricity. These power plants are a significant source of electricity globally but are associated with carbon emissions and environmental impacts.
Question 2:
Which of the following power plants relies on the energy from flowing or falling water to generate electricity?
Explanation: The correct answer is C) Hydroelectric power plant. Hydroelectric power plants generate electricity by harnessing the energy from flowing or falling water. Water is channeled through turbines, which are connected to generators, to produce electricity. Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source that contributes to a significant portion of global electricity generation.
Question 3:
Which of the following power plants uses the heat from the Earth's interior to generate electricity?
Explanation: The correct answer is C) Geothermal power plant. Geothermal power plants tap into the Earth's heat by accessing hot water or steam from underground reservoirs. The hot water or steam is used to generate electricity by driving turbines connected to generators. Geothermal power is a renewable energy source that harnesses the Earth's natural heat.
Question 4:
Which of the following power plants utilizes the splitting of uranium atoms to generate electricity?
Explanation: The correct answer is C) Nuclear power plant. Nuclear power plants use a process called nuclear fission, which involves splitting the nucleus of uranium atoms, to generate heat. This heat is then used to produce steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator, generating electricity. Nuclear power is a controversial source of electricity due to concerns over safety, waste disposal, and the potential for nuclear accidents.
Question 5:
Which of the following power plants relies on the conversion of sunlight into electricity?
Explanation: The correct answer is C) Solar power plant. Solar power plants utilize photovoltaic (PV) technology or concentrated solar power (CSP) systems to convert sunlight into electricity. PV panels directly convert sunlight into electricity using semiconductor materials, while CSP systems concentrate solar energy to produce steam that drives a turbine connected to a generator. Solar power is a renewable energy source that has experienced significant growth in recent years.