#AP Environmental Science: Energy Use - The Night Before

Hey there! Let's get you prepped for the exam with a focused review of energy use. We'll break down the key concepts, connect the dots, and get you feeling confident. Let's do this!

#Global Energy Consumption Patterns

#Unequal Distribution of Energy

• Energy use varies greatly between countries and individuals.

• As countries develop, their total energy consumption increases. 📈

• Developed nations have a much higher per capita energy consumption and carbon footprint compared to developing nations.

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• Economic Development: Industrialization leads to higher energy demand.
• Population Growth: More people = more energy use.
• Technological Advancements: Can increase or decrease energy use depending on the technology.

#Global Trends

• Increased Demand: Global energy consumption is rising, particularly in countries like China.

• Fossil Fuels: Still the dominant energy source worldwide. ⛽

• Natural Gas: Increasing in popularity due to supply and affordability.

Caption: Global energy consumption trends, highlighting the increase in demand.

#Energy Sources

#Developing Nations

• Biomass: Commonly used due to accessibility and low cost. 🔥
  • Includes wood and dung.
  • Used in countries like Brazil, India, and parts of Africa.
• Commercial Energy: Less accessible; includes natural gas, coal, and petroleum.

#Global Energy Sources

• Fossil Fuels: The leading source of electricity due to affordability and accessibility.
• Hydropower: Second largest source, often from large dams. 🌊 *

* **Nuclear Power**: Accounts for 10.7% of global energy generation. ☢️ * Concentrated in industrialized countries like the US, France, and China. *

Caption: Global electricity production by source.

#Energy Use by Sector

#Industrial Sector

• Largest consumer of energy. 🏭
• Uses natural gas, petroleum, renewable sources, and coal.

#Transportation Sector

• Mainly relies on petroleum (gasoline). 🚗 ✈️
• Increasing use of biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel.

#Residential Sector

• Significant energy use for water, heating, and cooling. 🏠
• Contributes to individual carbon footprints.

Caption: US energy consumption by sector in 2018.

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• Energy and Development: Higher energy use often correlates with higher development, but also higher environmental impact.
• Fossil Fuels and Climate Change: The dominant use of fossil fuels is a major driver of climate change. 🌡️
• Renewable Energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources is crucial for sustainability.

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• Fossil Fuels First: Remember that fossil fuels are currently the top energy source globally, but this needs to change for a sustainable future.
• Developing vs. Developed: Developing nations often rely on biomass, while developed nations use more commercial sources.

#Final Exam Focus

• Highest Priority Topics: Global energy consumption patterns, fossil fuels, renewable energy, and the impact of energy use on the environment.
• Common Question Types: MCQs on energy sources and their impacts, FRQs on comparing energy usage in different sectors or countries, and analyzing data on energy consumption trends.
• Time Management: Quickly identify the main points in questions, focus on key terms, and don't spend too much time on any single question.
• Common Pitfalls: Failing to connect energy use to environmental impacts, not understanding the difference between renewable and non-renewable sources, and not analyzing data carefully.

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Practice Question

Practice Questions

#Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which of the following is the primary energy source for developing nations? (a) Nuclear (b) Hydropower (c) Biomass (d) Natural Gas

2. Which sector accounts for the largest percentage of energy consumption in the United States? (a) Residential (b) Transportation (c) Industrial (d) Commercial

3. What is a major environmental concern associated with the use of fossil fuels? (a) Depletion of water resources (b) Increased biodiversity (c) Greenhouse gas emissions (d) Soil erosion

#Free Response Question

Scenario: The world is facing increasing energy demands. Discuss the differences in energy consumption between developed and developing nations, and propose a sustainable energy plan for a developing nation.

Scoring Breakdown:

• (a) Differences in Energy Consumption (3 points)
  • (1 point): Describe the primary energy source used in developing nations (biomass).
  • (1 point): Describe the primary energy source used in developed nations (fossil fuels).
  • (1 point): Explain why these differences exist (accessibility, cost, infrastructure).
• (b) Sustainable Energy Plan (4 points)
  • (1 point): Identify a specific renewable energy source suitable for a developing nation (e.g., solar, wind).
  • (1 point): Explain how this source can be implemented (e.g., community solar panels, small wind turbines).
  • (1 point): Discuss one environmental benefit of this plan (e.g., reduced emissions, less pollution).
  • (1 point): Discuss one economic benefit of this plan (e.g., job creation, energy independence).

Alright, you've got this! Remember to stay calm, read each question carefully, and trust your knowledge. You're going to do great! 🚀