Match Each Metamorphic Rock To Its Protolith (Parent Rock). 1. Slate 2. Basalt 3. Peridotite A. Marble B. Serpentinite E) Greenschist D) Shale E) Quartzite 4. Limestone 5. Sandstone Which Of The Following Energy Resources Is Not Renewable And Does Not Emit Co2? A) Coal B) Oil C) Natural Gas D) Nuclear Energy E) Geothermal Energy
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Matching Metamorphic Rocks to Their Protoliths (Parent Rocks)
- Slate → D) Shale
- Slate forms from the low-grade metamorphism of shale, undergoing pressure and heat, which leads to fine-grained foliation and enhanced durability.
- Basalt → C) Greenschist
- Basalt, an igneous rock, undergoes metamorphism to form greenschist, characterized by green minerals like chlorite and epidote due to low-grade metamorphism.
- Peridotite → B) Serpentinite
- Peridotite, a mantle rock rich in olivine, metamorphoses into serpentinite when exposed to hydrothermal fluids, leading to a mineral transformation that produces serpentine minerals.
- Limestone → A) Marble
- Limestone, composed mainly of calcite, undergoes metamorphism to form marble, which is recrystallized and often used in sculptures and architecture.
- Sandstone → E) Quartzite
- Sandstone, primarily composed of quartz grains, undergoes heat and pressure, fusing the grains into a more compact and durable rock known as quartzite.
Which Energy Resource Is Not Renewable and Does Not Emit CO₂?
Correct Answer: D) Nuclear Energy
Explanation:
Nuclear energy is considered a non-renewable energy source because it relies on uranium, which has a finite supply and requires mining and processing. However, unlike fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), nuclear power does not produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions during energy generation.
Nuclear power plants use fission, where uranium atoms split to release energy. The heat produced is used to generate steam, which drives turbines to produce electricity. This process does not involve combustion, meaning it avoids direct greenhouse gas emissions.
Compared to fossil fuels, nuclear energy is cleaner in terms of air pollution and CO₂ emissions. Coal, oil, and natural gas release CO₂ when burned, contributing to climate change. Renewable sources like geothermal, solar, and wind do not emit CO₂, but nuclear remains the most reliable large-scale alternative among non-renewable sources.
However, nuclear energy poses challenges, including the management of radioactive waste, high initial costs, and risks associated with reactor failures, such as Chernobyl and Fukushima. Despite these challenges, nuclear power is crucial in reducing global dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change while ensuring a stable energy supply.