Set 1 | Important Non Conventional Energy MCQs

Correct Answer is D.

• Solar energy refers to the radiant light and heat emitted by the sun, which is harnessed through a variety of continuously advancing technologies, including solar heating, photovoltaics, and solar thermal energy.
• As a vital source of renewable energy, solar technologies are typically classified as either passive or active, based on their methods of capturing, distributing, or converting solar energy into usable power.

Correct Answer is *.

Conventional and Non-Conventional Sources of Energy

• Conventional Energy Sources:
  These include traditional and widely used energy resources such as Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Nuclear Energy. They are typically non-renewable and have been the backbone of global energy production for decades.
• Non-Conventional Energy Sources:
  These are renewable and sustainable energy alternatives, such as Solar Energy, Wind Power, Hydroelectric Energy, and more. They represent the future of clean and eco-friendly energy solutions.

Correct Answer is B.

• Solar energy is the most widely used organic energy source as it is directly harnessed from the sun and utilized through natural processes like photosynthesis or through technologies such as solar panels.
• Other options like nuclear, geothermal, and tidal energy involve inorganic processes or are less commonly utilized in organic forms.

Correct Answer is D.

Solar cells, which harness solar energy to generate electricity, are the most eco-friendly option as they produce clean, renewable energy without emitting greenhouse gases or causing environmental harm.

• [A] Petroleum Product: Emits significant pollutants and contributes to global warming.
• [B] Forest Product: Though natural, large-scale usage can lead to deforestation and ecological imbalance.
• [C] Nuclear Fission: Produces hazardous radioactive waste and poses safety risks.

Solar cells represent a sustainable and environmentally conscious energy source.

Correct Answer is C.

Sikkim, a state in northeastern India, became the world’s first 100% organic state in 2016. It achieved this remarkable milestone by adopting organic farming practices, banning chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

• [A] Queensland (Australia): Known for agriculture, but not fully organic.
• [B] California (USA): Focuses on organic farming but not 100% organic.
• [D] Quebec (Canada): Supports organic farming but is not fully organic.

Sikkim’s achievement stands as a global example of commitment to ecological sustainability and health.

Correct Answer is D.

• Fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, and natural gas) are formed from the decomposition of organic matter over millions of years and are non-renewable energy sources.
• Uranium, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring radioactive element used as fuel in nuclear reactors, but it is not derived from organic matter and is therefore not classified as a fossil fuel.

Correct Answer is B.

• The ultimate source of energy stored in fossil fuels is the Sun. Fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas are formed from the remains of plants and animals that existed millions of years ago.
• These organisms depended on sunlight for photosynthesis, directly or indirectly storing solar energy in their biomass. Over time, this energy was preserved in the form of fossil fuels.

Correct Answer is D.

Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source that does not produce greenhouse gases, air pollution, or other harmful environmental impacts during its operation.

• [A] Coal: Emits significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants, contributing to global warming and air pollution.
• [B] Nuclear: Produces hazardous radioactive waste and poses potential risks of accidents.
• [C] Petrol: Emits greenhouse gases and air pollutants, leading to environmental degradation.

In contrast, solar energy is eco-friendly and supports sustainable development.

Correct Answer is C.

Hydrogen is the cleanest fuel as it produces water (H₂O) as a byproduct when burned or used in fuel cells. It does not emit greenhouse gases, particulate matter, or other harmful pollutants.

• [A] Diesel: Produces carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, contributing to air pollution.
• [B] Coal: Emits high levels of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and other harmful pollutants, making it one of the dirtiest fuels.
• [D] Kerosene: Releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants, though less than coal or diesel.

Hydrogen stands out as the least polluting and environmentally friendly fuel.

Correct Answer is A.

In India, after fossil fuels, hydropower energy is the second most significant source of energy. India has a vast potential for hydroelectric power due to its extensive river systems and favorable topography.

• [B] Wind energy: While wind power is growing, it still contributes less than hydropower to India’s total energy needs.
• [C] Nuclear energy: Nuclear energy has limited installed capacity and contributes a smaller share compared to hydropower.
• [D] Solar energy: Although solar power is expanding rapidly, it currently trails behind hydropower in overall contribution.

Hydropower has long been a key component of India’s renewable energy mix, meeting a substantial portion of the country’s electricity demand.