- 1. The Grid by Phillip F. Schewe is an engaging exploration of the intricate and often overlooked network that powers our modern world. This book delves into the complex systems of electricity, telecommunications, and the profound impact of the grid on society and technology. Schewe masterfully details how the grid has evolved from a simplistic setup to a sophisticated array of interconnected systems that not only support our daily lives but also influence global economies and environmental policies. Through a blend of historical anecdotes, technical insights, and compelling narratives, he illustrates the challenges and innovations that shape our energy infrastructure, emphasizing the critical role of smart technology and sustainability in the grid's future. With an accessible writing style, Schewe captivates both lay readers and experts alike, providing a thorough understanding of how the grid functions and the vital importance of maintaining and modernizing this essential framework.
What is the main subject of 'The Grid' by Phillip F. Schewe?
A) The development of the electrical power grid
B) Computer networking and the internet
C) Satellite communication networks
D) Urban transportation systems
- 2. Who is credited with developing alternating current (AC) systems?
A) Alexander Graham Bell
B) Thomas Edison
C) Michael Faraday
D) Nikola Tesla
- 3. What was Thomas Edison's preferred electrical system?
A) Direct current (DC)
B) Nuclear power
C) Alternating current (AC)
D) Solar power
- 4. What famous event demonstrated the danger of AC power in the late 19th century?
A) The Chicago Fire
B) The Industrial Revolution
C) The War of the Currents
D) The Great Depression
- 5. Which company did George Westinghouse found?
A) Westinghouse Electric Company
B) Edison Electric
C) General Electric
D) Tesla Motors
- 6. What was the first major hydroelectric power plant in the US?
A) Hoover Dam
B) Grand Coulee Dam
C) Niagara Falls Power Plant
D) Three Gorges Dam
- 7. What innovation allowed electricity to be transmitted over long distances?
A) Steam engines
B) Solar panels
C) Transformers
D) Batteries
- 8. When did the first large-scale blackout in the US occur?
A) 1979
B) 1929
C) 1945
D) 1965
- 9. What organization regulates the US electrical grid today?
A) Department of Energy (DOE)
B) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
C) Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
D) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
- 10. What major challenge does the book discuss regarding modern grids?
A) Lack of electricity demand
B) Aging infrastructure
C) Excess capacity
D) Too many power plants
- 11. What event highlighted the vulnerability of interconnected grids?
A) The 2003 Northeast blackout
B) Hurricane Katrina
C) The 1989 San Francisco earthquake
D) The Y2K scare
- 12. What natural resource was primarily used for early power generation?
A) Oil
B) Coal
C) Natural gas
D) Uranium
- 13. What does SCADA stand for in grid management?
A) Standard Computer and Digital Access
B) Secure Communication and Data Access
C) Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
D) System Control and Data Analysis
- 14. What is the purpose of a smart grid?
A) Eliminate all blackouts
B) Improved efficiency and reliability
C) Replace all power lines
D) Lower electricity costs
- 15. When was the first long-distance transmission of alternating current demonstrated according to Schewe?
A) 1920
B) 1905
C) 1891
D) 1879
- 16. Which famous inventor championed direct current (DC) power distribution?
A) Michael Faraday
B) Nikola Tesla
C) Thomas Edison
D) George Westinghouse
- 17. What technological development made long-distance AC transmission practical?
A) The light bulb
B) The generator
C) The transformer
D) The battery
- 18. What was the Rural Electrification Act?
A) 1920 law regulating power companies
B) 1936 law bringing electricity to farms
C) 1950 act for urban development
D) 1945 act for nuclear power
- 19. What percentage of American farms had electricity in 1930?
A) 50%
B) 75%
C) 25%
D) 10%
- 20. When was the North American Electric Reliability Corporation formed?
A) 1982
B) 1968
C) 1955
D) 1975
- 21. What was the first major city to have widespread electric lighting?
A) New York
B) Boston
C) Philadelphia
D) Chicago
- 22. Which technology allowed different regional grids to connect?
A) Wireless transmission
B) Underground cables
C) High-voltage transmission lines
D) Battery storage
- 23. When was the Public Utility Holding Company Act passed?
A) 1935
B) 1955
C) 1940
D) 1920
- 24. What New Deal program expanded rural electricity access?
A) Civilian Conservation Corps
B) Rural Electrification Administration
C) Works Progress Administration
D) Tennessee Valley Authority
- 25. What state had a major electricity crisis in the early 2000s?
A) Texas
B) California
C) New York
D) Florida
- 26. What company was involved in market manipulation during California's crisis?
A) Southern Company
B) Exelon
C) Enron
D) Duke Energy
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