Sources Of Energy - Practice Test, Class 10 Science - Class 10 MCQ

Hydro Power Plant: Conversion of Potential Energy into Electricity
Explanation:
Hydro power plants utilize the potential energy stored in water to generate electricity. The process involves the following steps:
1. Water Storage: A hydro power plant is typically built near a river or a dammed water reservoir. The water is stored at a higher elevation in the reservoir.
2. Water Release: When electricity is needed, the water is released from the reservoir and allowed to flow downhill.
3. Turbine: The flowing water is directed towards a turbine, which is a device with blades that rotate when water flows through it.
4. Rotational Energy: As the water strikes the turbine blades, it transfers its kinetic energy to the turbine, causing it to rotate.
5. Generator: The rotating turbine is connected to a generator, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
6. Electricity Generation: The generator produces electricity as a result of the rotational motion of the turbine.
7. Grid Connection: The generated electricity is then transmitted through power lines and integrated into the electrical grid for distribution to consumers.
In summary, a hydro power plant converts the potential energy of stored water into electricity by utilizing the kinetic energy of flowing water to drive a turbine, which in turn powers a generator. This process is a sustainable and renewable method of generating electricity.

The Major Problem in Harnessing Nuclear Energy: Disposing of Spent Fuel Safely
There are several challenges associated with harnessing nuclear energy, but one of the major problems is effectively disposing of spent fuel. Spent fuel refers to the radioactive waste that is generated after nuclear fuel has been used in a reactor. This waste remains highly radioactive and dangerous for thousands of years, posing significant environmental and health risks if not managed properly.
Here are the key points to consider:
1. Longevity of Radioactive Waste: Spent fuel contains highly radioactive materials, such as plutonium and uranium, which have long half-lives. This means that the waste remains hazardous for thousands of years, making it crucial to find a safe disposal method that can contain the radiation.
2. Storage and Security: Storing and managing spent fuel is a significant challenge. The waste needs to be securely stored to prevent any leakage or unauthorized access, as it could potentially be used for harmful purposes. Additionally, the storage facilities need to be designed to withstand natural disasters or other unexpected events.
3. Environmental Impact: Improper disposal of nuclear waste can have severe environmental consequences. Radioactive materials can contaminate soil, water sources, and ecosystems, leading to long-term damage and health risks for both humans and wildlife.
4. Public Perception and Acceptance: The issue of nuclear waste disposal often faces opposition from the public due to concerns about safety and the potential for accidents or leaks. This opposition can hinder the development and expansion of nuclear energy as a viable source of power.
5. Exploring Safe Disposal Methods: Scientists and engineers are actively researching and developing safe disposal methods for nuclear waste. Some proposed solutions include deep geological repositories, where the waste is stored deep underground in stable rock formations, or advanced reprocessing techniques that aim to recycle and reduce the volume of waste.
In conclusion, effectively disposing of spent fuel is a major challenge in harnessing nuclear energy. It requires careful planning, advanced technologies, and public acceptance to ensure the safe management of radioactive waste for generations to come.

Fuel used in thermal power plants:
There are different types of fuels that can be used in thermal power plants, but the most commonly used fuel is fossil fuels. Here is a detailed explanation of the various fuels used:
1. Fossil fuels:
- Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are the primary sources of fuel used in thermal power plants.
- These fuels are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that lived millions of years ago.
- Fossil fuels are burned in the power plants to produce heat.
- The heat generated is then used to convert water into steam, which drives the turbines to generate electricity.
- Fossil fuels are widely used because they are easily available and have a high energy content.
2. Biomass:
- Biomass is another type of fuel that can be used in thermal power plants.
- It includes organic materials such as wood, agricultural residues, and dedicated energy crops.
- Biomass is burned to produce heat, which is used to generate steam and produce electricity.
- Biomass is considered a renewable source of energy as it comes from organic matter that can be replenished.
3. Water:
- Water is not used as a fuel in thermal power plants, but it plays a crucial role in the generation of electricity.
- Water is heated using fossil fuels or other heat sources to produce steam.
- The steam drives the turbines, which in turn generate electricity.
4. Uranium:
- Uranium is a radioactive element that can be used as fuel in nuclear power plants.
- Nuclear power plants generate electricity through a process called nuclear fission.
- Uranium atoms are split apart in a controlled manner, releasing a large amount of heat.
- This heat is used to produce steam, which drives the turbines to generate electricity.
In conclusion, the most commonly used fuel in thermal power plants is fossil fuels, followed by biomass. Water is not a fuel but is used to generate steam, and uranium is used as fuel in nuclear power plants.

Ocean thermal energy is due to:
Answer: B. Temperature difference at different levels in the ocean
Explanation:
The ocean thermal energy is generated due to the temperature difference at different levels in the ocean. Here's a detailed explanation of how this process works:
1. Temperature gradient: The ocean has different temperature layers, with the surface being warmer and the deeper layers being colder. This difference in temperature creates a temperature gradient or a temperature difference.
2. Thermocline: The thermocline is the boundary between the warm surface water and the cold deep water. It is the region where the temperature changes rapidly with depth.
3. Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC): OTEC is a process that harnesses the temperature difference between the warm surface water and the cold deep water to generate power. It involves the following steps:
- Warm surface water is used as a heat source.
- Cold deep water is used as a heat sink.
- A working fluid with a low boiling point, such as ammonia, is circulated between the warm and cold water.
- The temperature difference causes the working fluid to evaporate in the warm water and condense in the cold water.
- The vaporized working fluid is then used to drive a turbine, which generates electricity.
4. Advantages of ocean thermal energy:
- It is a renewable and sustainable energy source.
- It produces clean and environmentally friendly power.
- It can provide a constant and reliable source of energy.
- It has the potential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
In conclusion, ocean thermal energy is generated by utilizing the temperature difference at different levels in the ocean, particularly between the warm surface water and the cold deep water. This temperature gradient is harnessed through the process of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) to produce electricity.

The glass sheet is responsible for the greenhouse effect in a solar cooker.
The greenhouse effect is a process where the glass or transparent material traps the heat inside the solar cooker, allowing it to heat up and maintain a higher temperature. Here's a detailed explanation:
1. Introduction
Solar cookers are designed to utilize the sun's energy to cook food by converting sunlight into heat. The greenhouse effect plays a crucial role in the functioning of a solar cooker.
2. Working of a solar cooker
- Solar cookers consist of a box or container with a glass or transparent cover.
- The box is painted black on the inside, which helps in absorbing the sunlight and converting it into heat.
- The glass sheet allows sunlight to enter the cooker but prevents the escape of heat, creating a greenhouse effect.
3. Greenhouse effect
- The glass sheet acts as a barrier that allows shortwave solar radiation (sunlight) to pass through it.
- Once the sunlight enters the solar cooker, it interacts with the black surface inside the box.
- The black coating absorbs the sunlight and converts it into heat energy.
- The heat energy is then radiated back into the cooker as longwave infrared radiation.
- However, the glass sheet traps this longwave radiation inside the cooker, preventing it from escaping.
- As a result, the temperature inside the solar cooker increases, allowing for cooking or heating of food.
4. Importance of the glass sheet
- The glass sheet plays a vital role in the greenhouse effect by allowing sunlight to enter and trapping the heat inside the solar cooker.
- Without the glass sheet, the heat energy would escape, leading to inefficient cooking or heating.
In conclusion, the glass sheet in a solar cooker is responsible for the greenhouse effect. It allows sunlight to enter the cooker while preventing the escape of heat, thereby increasing the temperature inside and facilitating the cooking process.

The incorrect statement is C: "The main ingredient of bio-gas is ethane and it gives a lot of smoke and also produces a lot of residual ash."
Explanation:
- Bio-gas is primarily composed of methane, not ethane. Methane is the main ingredient of bio-gas and is responsible for its combustible properties.
- Bio-gas is produced through the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter, such as crops and vegetable wastes, in the absence of oxygen. This process creates a mixture of gases, including methane and carbon dioxide, which can be used as a renewable source of energy.
- Bio-gas is a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels and does not emit a lot of smoke. It is considered an environmentally friendly fuel due to its low carbon emissions.
- Bio-gas production does not generate a lot of residual ash. The by-products of bio-gas production are primarily liquid fertilizers and sludge, which can be used as organic fertilizers.
In summary, statement C is incorrect as it misrepresents the composition and properties of bio-gas.

The Greenhouse Effect and its Causes
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that occurs in Earth's atmosphere. It is caused by certain gases that trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space. This process is essential for maintaining a habitable temperature on Earth.
Key gases responsible for the greenhouse effect:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2): This is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for the greenhouse effect. It is released into the atmosphere through natural processes like volcanic eruptions and human activities such as burning fossil fuels.
- Methane (CH4): Methane is another potent greenhouse gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect. It is emitted during the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas. It is also released by livestock and other agricultural practices.
- Nitrous oxide (N2O): Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas that is mainly emitted by agricultural and industrial activities, as well as the combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste.
- Water vapor: Although not considered a primary greenhouse gas, water vapor is an important component of the greenhouse effect. It is responsible for amplifying the warming effect of other greenhouse gases.
Other gases:
While the above-mentioned gases are the main contributors to the greenhouse effect, there are other greenhouse gases as well. These include ozone, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). However, these gases are relatively less abundant in the atmosphere and have a lower impact on the greenhouse effect compared to carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
In conclusion, the greenhouse effect is primarily caused by gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. It is important to understand and address the impact of these gases to mitigate climate change and its consequences.

The Country of Winds is Denmark

To determine the correct answer, we need to analyze the characteristics of each country listed and identify which one is commonly associated with the nickname "The country of winds."
1. India:
- India is known for its diverse climate, with varying wind patterns across the country. However, it is not commonly referred to as "The country of winds."
2. China:
- China experiences a wide range of wind patterns due to its vast geographical and topographical features. However, it is not commonly referred to as "The country of winds."
3. Denmark:
- Denmark is known for its strong and consistent winds, particularly in coastal areas. It is often associated with the nickname "The country of winds" due to its flat landscape, which allows the wind to travel freely across the country.
4. Netherlands:
- The Netherlands also experiences strong winds, especially along its coastal regions. However, it is not commonly referred to as "The country of winds."
Therefore, based on the given information, the correct answer is C: Denmark.

Wood is a Primary Fuel:
- Wood is considered a primary fuel because it is a natural and renewable resource that is directly used as a source of energy.
- It has been used as a fuel for heating and cooking for thousands of years.
- Wood is often burned in fireplaces, stoves, and furnaces to produce heat and energy.
- It is widely available and can be sourced sustainably through responsible forestry practices.
- Wood is a carbon-neutral fuel, meaning that it releases the same amount of carbon dioxide when burned as it absorbed during its growth.
- It is also a renewable fuel source because trees can be replanted and regrown to replace the ones that are harvested for wood fuel.
- Wood can be used in various forms, such as logs, pellets, and chips, depending on the specific application and technology used.
- In addition to being a primary fuel for heating and cooking, wood can also be used to generate electricity through biomass power plants.
- Wood fuel is considered an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option for many households and industries, particularly in rural areas where access to other fuel sources may be limited.
- Overall, wood is a versatile and sustainable primary fuel that plays a significant role in meeting energy needs and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The Ultimate Source of Energy: The Sun
The ultimate source of energy on Earth is the Sun. Here's a detailed explanation of why the Sun is the ultimate source of energy:
1. Nuclear Fusion:
- The Sun generates energy through a process called nuclear fusion.
- In the Sun's core, hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process.
- This energy is in the form of heat and light, which radiates out into space.
2. Solar Radiation:
- The Sun emits vast amounts of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, infrared, and ultraviolet rays.
- These rays reach the Earth and provide the primary source of energy for various natural processes.
3. Solar Energy Conversion:
- Solar energy can be directly converted into usable forms of energy, such as electricity.
- Photovoltaic (PV) cells, commonly known as solar panels, capture sunlight and convert it into electrical energy.
- Solar thermal systems harness the Sun's heat to produce electricity or to generate heat for various applications.
4. Indirect Energy Sources:
- Many other forms of energy, such as wind, hydroelectric, and biomass, are ultimately derived from solar energy.
- Wind power is created by the Sun's heat causing air movement, which drives wind turbines.
- Hydroelectric power is generated by the water cycle, which is driven by the Sun's heat evaporating water and causing rainfall.
- Biomass energy comes from organic matter that grows using the Sun's energy through photosynthesis.
5. Sustainable and Renewable:
- The Sun's energy is sustainable and renewable, as it will continue to shine for billions of years.
- Unlike fossil fuels and uranium, which are finite resources, the Sun's energy is virtually limitless.
In conclusion, the Sun is the ultimate source of energy on Earth. Its nuclear fusion processes, solar radiation, and the ability to convert solar energy directly into usable forms make it the most abundant and sustainable source of energy available to us.

To find the percentage of methane in biogas, we need to consider the composition of biogas. Biogas is primarily composed of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), with trace amounts of other gases.
The correct answer is C: 75%.
Here's a detailed explanation:
1. Biogas Composition:
- Biogas is produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic matter such as animal manure, crop residues, and kitchen waste.
- The main components of biogas are methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2).
- Other gases present in smaller quantities include nitrogen (N2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and trace amounts of other organic compounds.
2. Methane Content in Biogas:
- The percentage of methane in biogas can vary depending on the feedstock used and the efficiency of the anaerobic digestion process.
- On average, biogas typically contains around 50-75% methane.
- The remaining portion is mostly carbon dioxide, with small amounts of other gases.
3. Importance of Methane:
- Methane is the primary component of biogas and is responsible for its combustible properties.
- It is a potent greenhouse gas with a much higher global warming potential compared to carbon dioxide.
- Utilizing biogas as a renewable energy source helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provides a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
In conclusion, biogas contains approximately 75% methane. This high methane content makes biogas a valuable renewable energy source for various applications, including electricity generation, heating, and cooking.

Wind Energy Farm


To establish a 1 MW generator, the wind energy farm needs about 2 hectares of land. Here's a detailed explanation:
1. Understanding MW and Land Requirements
- MW: MW stands for megawatt, which is a unit of power. It represents the rate at which electricity is generated or consumed.
- Land Requirements: The land required for a wind energy farm depends on various factors, including the size and capacity of the wind turbines.
2. Factors Affecting Land Requirements
- Turbine Capacity: The capacity of a wind turbine is measured in MW. A 1 MW generator means that the wind turbine can produce 1 MW of power.
- Turbine Spacing: The distance between wind turbines is an important factor to ensure efficient operation and to prevent interference with each other.
- Wind Conditions: The wind conditions in a specific area determine the efficiency and productivity of the wind turbines.
3. Calculation of Land Requirements
- The land requirement for a wind energy farm is typically measured in terms of the spacing between the turbines.
- A general guideline suggests that the spacing between wind turbines should be around 5 to 10 rotor diameters.
- For a 1 MW wind turbine, the rotor diameter is typically around 70 to 90 meters.
- Assuming a conservative spacing of 10 rotor diameters, the land requirement for a 1 MW generator would be approximately 2 hectares (or 5 acres).
4. Conclusion
- To establish a 1 MW generator, a wind energy farm needs about 2 hectares of land.
- This calculation is based on general guidelines and may vary depending on specific factors such as turbine capacity, spacing, and wind conditions.

Hydropower is the power plant that works on the basis of the gravity of the earth. Here is a detailed explanation:

• What is Hydropower?

Hydropower, also known as hydroelectric power, is the generation of electricity from the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. It is a renewable energy source that utilizes the energy of moving water to produce electricity.

• How does Hydropower work?

Hydropower plants convert the potential energy of water into mechanical energy and then into electrical energy. The basic working principle involves the following steps:



1. Water is stored in a reservoir, usually created by building a dam across a river.


2. When the water is released from the reservoir, it flows through pipes called penstocks, which lead to turbines.


3. The force of the flowing water causes the turbines to spin.


4. The spinning turbines are connected to generators, which produce electricity.


5. The electricity generated is then transmitted through power lines to homes, businesses, and industries.




• Advantages of Hydropower:




1. Renewable: Hydropower relies on the continuous water cycle, making it a renewable energy source.


2. Clean: Hydropower does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants.


3. Reliable: Water flow can be controlled, allowing for a steady and consistent power supply.


4. Economic: Hydropower plants can provide long-term, low-cost electricity.


5. Multi-purpose: Reservoirs created for hydropower can also be used for irrigation, flood control, and recreational activities.




• Examples of Hydropower Plants:




1. Three Gorges Dam in China is the largest hydropower plant in the world.


2. Itaipu Dam, located on the border of Brazil and Paraguay, is one of the most productive hydropower plants.


3. Grand Coulee Dam in the United States is the largest hydropower producer in the country.




• Conclusion:

Hydropower is a sustainable and environmentally friendly method of generating electricity. By harnessing the gravity of the earth through the flow of water, hydropower plants contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and provide a reliable source of energy for various applications.

Fossil fuels:
- Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
- They are non-renewable resources that are used for energy production.
- Fossil fuels include coal, petroleum, and natural gas.
Wood:
- Wood is not a fossil fuel.
- It is a natural resource derived from trees and plants.
- Wood can be used as a fuel source, but it is considered a renewable resource because it can be replanted and regrown.
Coal:
- Coal is a fossil fuel.
- It is formed from the remains of plants that lived and died millions of years ago.
- Coal is primarily used for electricity generation and industrial processes.
Petroleum:
- Petroleum is a fossil fuel.
- It is formed from the remains of marine organisms buried under layers of sediment.
- Petroleum is commonly used for transportation, heating, and electricity generation.
Natural gas:
- Natural gas is a fossil fuel.
- It is formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
- Natural gas is primarily composed of methane and is used for heating, cooking, and electricity generation.
Therefore, the correct answer is A: Wood, as it is not a fossil fuel.

Element used in making solar cells: Silicon
Explanation:
Silicon is the most commonly used element in making solar cells. Here is a detailed explanation of why silicon is used:
1. Semiconductor Material:
- Silicon is a semiconductor material, meaning that it has properties that are between those of a conductor (like metal) and an insulator (like rubber).
- This property allows silicon to selectively conduct electricity, making it ideal for use in solar cells.
2. Photovoltaic Effect:
- Solar cells work based on the photovoltaic effect, where light energy is converted into electrical energy.
- Silicon has a unique property that enables it to absorb photons (light particles) and release electrons, generating an electric current.
3. Abundance and Availability:
- Silicon is one of the most abundant elements on Earth, making it easily accessible and cost-effective for mass production of solar cells.
- It is primarily extracted from sand and then purified for use in the manufacturing process.
4. Efficiency and Durability:
- Silicon-based solar cells have demonstrated high efficiency in converting sunlight into electricity.
- They also have good durability and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, making them suitable for long-term use.
In conclusion, silicon is the preferred element in making solar cells due to its semiconductor properties, photovoltaic effect, abundance, efficiency, and durability.

The power plant which converts potential energy of falling water into electricity is a hydro power plant.


Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Hydro power plant:
- A hydro power plant is a type of power plant that utilizes the potential energy of falling or flowing water to generate electricity.
- It is also known as a hydroelectric power plant.
- The process involves the conversion of the kinetic energy of water into mechanical energy, which is then used to rotate turbines.
- The rotating turbines are connected to generators, which produce electricity.
2. Nuclear plant:
- A nuclear power plant uses nuclear reactions, specifically nuclear fission, to generate electricity.
- It involves the splitting of atomic nuclei, usually uranium or plutonium, which releases a large amount of energy.
- This energy is then converted into electricity using steam turbines or other methods.
- Nuclear power plants do not rely on the potential energy of falling water.
3. Thermal plant:
- A thermal power plant uses the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, or natural gas, to generate electricity.
- The combustion process heats water, producing steam that drives a turbine connected to a generator.
- Thermal power plants do not directly utilize the potential energy of falling water.
4. Wind plant:
- A wind power plant, also known as a wind farm, converts the kinetic energy of wind into electricity.
- It uses wind turbines, which have blades that capture the wind's energy and convert it into rotational motion.
- The rotational motion is then used to generate electricity through a generator.
- Wind power plants do not rely on the potential energy of falling water.
In conclusion, the power plant that converts the potential energy of falling water into electricity is a hydro power plant. It harnesses the power of flowing or falling water to generate clean and renewable energy.

Acid rain happens because of the following reasons:
Burning of fossil fuels release oxides of carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur in the atmosphere:
- When fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for energy production or transportation, they release gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) into the atmosphere.
- These gases combine with water vapor in the air to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4), nitric acid (HNO3), and carbonic acid (H2CO3).
- These acids then mix with rainwater, snow, fog, or other forms of precipitation, resulting in acid rain.
Sun leads to heating of the upper layer of the atmosphere:
- While the sun's heat does contribute to the overall climate and weather patterns, it is not directly responsible for acid rain.
- The sun's heat causes evaporation of water from the Earth's surface, which then rises into the atmosphere.
- However, it is the pollutants released from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, that combine with this evaporated water to form acid rain.
Electrical charges are produced due to friction amongst clouds:
- While electrical charges and lightning are natural phenomena that occur during thunderstorms, they are not the primary cause of acid rain.
- Lightning can cause nitrogen oxides to form in the atmosphere, which can eventually contribute to the formation of acid rain.
- However, the main source of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, which are the primary contributors to acid rain, come from human activities such as burning fossil fuels.
Earth's atmosphere contains acids:
- While it is true that the Earth's atmosphere naturally contains trace amounts of acids, such as carbonic acid, these natural acids are not the primary cause of acid rain.
- Acid rain is primarily caused by the release of pollutants from human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels.
Overall, the primary cause of acid rain is the burning of fossil fuels, which releases pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. These pollutants then combine with water vapor to form acids, which subsequently mix with precipitation and result in acid rain.

The popular name of bio gas is Gobar gas.
Bio gas is a type of renewable energy that is produced by the breakdown of organic matter such as animal waste, agricultural waste, and sewage. It is a mixture of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2), with small amounts of other gases.
Here is a detailed explanation of the popular name of bio gas:
Gobar gas:
- Gobar gas is the popular name of bio gas in India.
- The term "gobar" refers to cow dung, which is one of the main sources of bio gas in the country.
- In rural areas of India, cow dung is collected and used to produce bio gas through a process called anaerobic digestion.
- The bio gas produced from cow dung is commonly known as gobar gas.
Other options:
- Marsh gas: Marsh gas is another name for bio gas.
- Ethane gas: Ethane is a different type of gas and is not synonymous with bio gas.
- Helium gas: Helium is a noble gas and is not associated with bio gas production.
In conclusion, the popular name of bio gas is gobar gas in India, which is derived from cow dung through anaerobic digestion.

Analysis:
To determine which form of energy leads to the least environmental pollution in the process of its harnessing and utilization, we need to evaluate each option:
A: Nuclear energy
- Nuclear energy is harnessed through nuclear power plants, where nuclear reactions occur.
- While nuclear energy itself is considered clean and produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, the process of harnessing and utilizing nuclear energy does have some environmental concerns:
- Radioactive waste disposal: Nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste that needs to be carefully stored and managed.
- Risk of accidents: Nuclear accidents, although rare, can have severe environmental consequences, such as the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters.
B: Thermal energy
- Thermal energy refers to heat energy.
- The process of harnessing and utilizing thermal energy can involve burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
- Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which contribute to climate change and air pollution.
C: Solar energy
- Solar energy is harnessed through the use of solar panels or solar thermal systems.
- The process of harnessing and utilizing solar energy has several environmental advantages:
- Renewable and abundant: Solar energy is derived from sunlight, which is a renewable resource and available in abundance.
- No greenhouse gas emissions: Solar energy does not release any greenhouse gases during operation.
- Low impact: Solar panels have a long lifespan and require minimal maintenance, resulting in minimal environmental impact.
D: Geothermal energy
- Geothermal energy is harnessed by tapping into the Earth's internal heat.
- The process of harnessing and utilizing geothermal energy has some environmental advantages:
- Renewable: Geothermal energy is derived from the Earth's heat, which is continuously replenished.
- No greenhouse gas emissions: Geothermal energy does not release any greenhouse gases during operation.
- Low land use: Geothermal power plants require relatively small land areas compared to other forms of energy generation.
Conclusion:
Among the options provided, solar energy (option C) leads to the least environmental pollution in the process of its harnessing and utilization. Solar energy is renewable, does not produce greenhouse gas emissions, and has minimal environmental impact.