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Set 4 | Important Non Conventional Energy MCQs


Important Non Conventional Energy MCQs. Non Conventional Energy plays a crucial role within the broader field of environment and ecology. It serves as a foundational concept for achieving success in competitive exams such as Civil Services, State exams, SSC, Railways, Banking, and more. Mastering these subjects offers a unique advantage, allowing you to gain invaluable insights into the country’s environmental legacy. With a focus on Environment, Biodiversity, and Ecology, this knowledge not only sharpens your competitive edge but also equips you to excel in these challenging exams.

MCQs on Non Conventional Energy – Objective Questions and Answers

acid rain, affairsmastery.com

Q31. Assertion (A) : Coal-based thermal power stations contribute to acid rain. (I.A.S. (Pre) 2003)

Reason (R)    : Oxides of carbon are emitted when coal burns.

[A] Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

[B] Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

[C] (A) is false, but (R) is true.

[D] (A) is true, but (R) is false.

View Explanation

Correct Answer is B.

  • Sulphur in coal produces sulphur dioxide (SO₂), which is a major contributor to acid rain.
  • SO₂ reacts with water vapor and oxygen in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid, leading to acid rain.
  • Burning coal also emits carbon oxides, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO).
  • Carbon oxides contribute to global warming but are not directly responsible for acid rain.
  • Both statements (A) and (R) are true; however, (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  • Therefore, the correct answer is (b).

Q32. Microbial fuel cells are considered a source of sustainable energy. Why? (I.A.S. (Pre) 2011)

1. They use living organisms as catalysts to generate electricity from certain substrates.

2. They use a variety of inorganic materials as substrates.

3. They can be installed in wastewater treatment plants to cleanse water and produce electricity.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only                           

[B] 2 and 3

[C] 1 and 3                          

[D] 1, 2 and 3

View Explanation

Correct Answer is C.

  • A Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is a bio-electrochemical device that converts chemical energy stored in organic substrates into electrical energy using the metabolic activity of microorganisms.
  • The device consists of two chambers: an anode (anaerobic) and a cathode (aerobic), separated by a proton exchange membrane.
  • In the anode chamber, microbes break down organic matter, releasing electrons and protons. The electrons flow through an external circuit to the cathode, generating electricity, while the protons pass through the membrane to combine with oxygen at the cathode to form water.
  • Statement 1 is correct because MFCs harness microbial respiration for energy production, making them a sustainable and innovative technology.
  • The most immediately foreseeable application of MFCs is in wastewater treatment.
  • Sewage is rich in organic matter, providing an abundant and cost-effective substrate for microbes in MFCs to generate electricity.
  • Additionally, MFCs can reduce the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of wastewater, improving water quality.
  • Microbes used in MFCs include species like Geobacter and Shewanella, known for their ability to transfer electrons to electrodes.
  • Statement 3 is correct because wastewater treatment plants offer ideal conditions for microbial growth, such as high organic content and stable environments.
  • Statement 2 is incorrect, as it does not align with the scientific principles or real-world applications of MFCs.
  • MFCs are not only promising for wastewater treatment but also hold potential for powering small electronic devices in remote or off-grid areas.

Q33. It is possible to produce algae-based biofuels, but what is/are the likely limitations of developing countries in promoting this industry? (I.A.S. (Pre) 2017)

1. Production of algae-based biofuels is possible in seas only and not on continents.

2. Setting up and engineering the algae-based biofuel production requires a high level of expertise/ technology until the construction is completed.

3. Economically viable production necessitates the setting up of large scale facilities which may raise ecological and social concerns.

Select the correct answer using codes given below:

[A] 1 and 2 only                  

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 3 only                           

[D] 1, 2 and 3

View Explanation

Correct Answer is B.

  • Feasibility: Algae-based biofuel production is viable in both marine and terrestrial environments, utilizing systems like open ponds and photobioreactors.
  • Expertise Required: The process demands advanced knowledge in microbiology, chemical engineering, and environmental science to optimize algal growth and biofuel extraction.
  • Capital Investment: Significant financial resources are necessary for infrastructure development, including cultivation systems and processing facilities, posing challenges for developing countries.
  • Environmental Impact: Large-scale algae cultivation can lead to high water usage and potential ecological disruptions, such as eutrophication and biodiversity loss.
  • Societal Considerations: Allocating land and water resources for algae production may compete with agricultural needs, potentially affecting food security and local communities.

Q34. Consider the following statements: (I.A.S. (Pre) 1996)

At the present level of technology available in India, solar energy can be conveniently used to

  1. Supply hot water to residential buildings.
  2. Supply water for minor irrigation projects.
  3. Provide street lighting.
  4. Electrify a cluster of villages and small towns. Of these statements:

[A] 1, 2, 3 and 4 are correct

[B] 2 and 4 are correct

[C] 1 and 3 are correct

[D] 1, 2 and 3 are correct

View Explanation

Correct Answer is D.

  • The Sun is the greatest and an inexhaustible source of energy.
  • Solar energy, a natural resource, is harnessed from solar radiation.
  • Applications of solar energy include:
    • Street lighting
    • Minor irrigation projects
    • Supplying hot water to residential buildings
    • Powering railway signals
    • Operating solar cookers
  • Despite its potential, electrifying small villages and towns using solar energy is not cost-effective due to technological limitations.
  • To address this, the government has initiated a few pilot projects.

Q35. Other than Jatropha curcas, why is Pongamia pinnata also considered a good option for the production of bio-diesel in India? (I.A.S. (Pre) 2010)

1. Pongamia pinnata grows naturally in most of the arid regions of India.

2. The seeds of Pongamia pinnata are rich in lipid content of which nearly half is oleic acid.

Which of the statements given above are/is correct?

[A] 1 only                           

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2                 

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

View Explanation

Correct Answer is C.

  • Pongamia is emerging as a powerhouse for biodiesel production in India, alongside Jatropha, thanks to its high productivity and shorter maturity cycle—making it a perfect solution to meet the growing demand for renewable energy.
  • Naturally thriving in arid regions across India, Pongamia pinnata is a resilient plant that can be cultivated in challenging environments, including waterlogged, saline, and alkaline soils, while withstanding harsh agro-climates.
  • The seeds of Pongamia pinnata are packed with valuable liquid content, with nearly 50% consisting of oleic acid, making it a rich source for biofuels.
  • With its ability to adapt to diverse conditions and its oil-rich seeds, Pongamia is positioning itself as a sustainable and efficient resource for India’s biodiesel revolution.

Q36. In which of the following areas of India geothermal energy sources have not been found? (U.P.P.C.S. (Mains) 2016)

[A] Godavari Delta             

[B] Ganga Delta

[C] Himalayas                    

[D] West Coast

View Explanation

Correct Answer is B.

  • Geothermal energy refers to the heat that comes from the Earth’s interior, which can be harnessed for power generation and heating purposes.
  • In India, geothermal energy sources are mainly found in areas with significant tectonic activity or volcanic regions.
  • Godavari Delta: Known for some geothermal potential due to the presence of hot springs, making it a key region for geothermal exploration.
  • Himalayas: This mountain range is rich in geothermal resources because of its tectonic activity. Hot springs like those found in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand indicate geothermal potential.
  • West Coast: Areas such as Maharashtra and Gujarat along the West Coast have geothermal sources, particularly in the form of hot springs.
  • Ganga Delta: This region, formed by the Ganga river system, has not shown significant geothermal activity. It lacks the tectonic activity or volcanic formations that contribute to geothermal resources. Hence, geothermal sources have not been found here.

Q37. With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements : (I.A.S. (Pre) 2018)

1.  India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of Silicon Wafers used in photovoltaic units.

2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

View Explanation

Correct Answer is D.

  • Silicon chips are not manufactured in India, meaning the country lacks domestic production for this crucial component of solar panels.
  • Solar panels in India are mainly assembled locally, but the raw materials for production, such as silicon, come from China, Europe, and other countries.
  • India is still in the process of developing semiconductor clusters, which are essential for boosting the local manufacturing of chips and components for solar and other technologies.
  • The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) plays a key role in regulating solar power tariffs in India. It determines the tariffs for solar power generation and also oversees the tariffs of generating companies that are owned or controlled by the central government.


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