Energy and Utilities Electricity Generation and Distribution 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard frequency of alternating current (AC) used in the US electrical grid?
- 50 Hz
- 60 Hz (Correct answer)
- 120 Hz
- 25 Hz
Correct answer: 60 Hz
The US uses 60 Hz AC power, unlike Europe which uses 50 Hz.
Question 2: Which type of power plant produces electricity by splitting uranium atoms?
- Hydroelectric
- Geothermal
- Nuclear fission (Correct answer)
- Combined cycle
Correct answer: Nuclear fission
Nuclear fission plants split heavy atoms like uranium to release heat that drives steam turbines.
Question 3: What does a transformer do in an electrical distribution system?
- Generates electricity
- Stores electricity
- Changes voltage levels (Correct answer)
- Measures power consumption
Correct answer: Changes voltage levels
Transformers step voltage up for long-distance transmission and step it down for safe consumer use.
Question 4: Which US federal agency regulates interstate electricity transmission?
- EPA
- FERC (Correct answer)
- DOE
- NERC
Correct answer: FERC
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversees interstate electricity transmission and wholesale markets.
Question 5: What is the typical voltage of electricity delivered to US residential customers?
- 12 volts
- 120/240 volts (Correct answer)
- 480 volts
- 4,160 volts
Correct answer: 120/240 volts
US homes receive split-phase 120/240-volt service, providing 120V for outlets and 240V for large appliances.
Question 6: What is 'baseload' power in the context of electricity generation?
- Power used only during peak demand
- The minimum constant power supply needed at all times (Correct answer)
- Backup emergency power
- Power stored in batteries
Correct answer: The minimum constant power supply needed at all times
Baseload power plants run continuously to meet the minimum electricity demand that exists around the clock.
Energy and Utilities Electricity Generation and Distribution 1
What is the standard frequency of alternating current (AC) used in the US electrical grid?