- 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) Satellite communication networks
B) Urban transportation systems
C) Computer networking and the internet
D) The development of the electrical power grid
- 2. Who is credited with developing alternating current (AC) systems?
A) Michael Faraday
B) Thomas Edison
C) Nikola Tesla
D) Alexander Graham Bell
- 3. What was Thomas Edison's preferred electrical system?
A) Nuclear power
B) Alternating current (AC)
C) Direct current (DC)
D) Solar power
- 4. What famous event demonstrated the danger of AC power in the late 19th century?
A) The Industrial Revolution
B) The Great Depression
C) The War of the Currents
D) The Chicago Fire
- 5. Which company did George Westinghouse found?
A) Edison Electric
B) Tesla Motors
C) General Electric
D) Westinghouse Electric Company
- 6. What was the first major hydroelectric power plant in the US?
A) Niagara Falls Power Plant
B) Grand Coulee Dam
C) Three Gorges Dam
D) Hoover Dam
- 7. What innovation allowed electricity to be transmitted over long distances?
A) Transformers
B) Steam engines
C) Batteries
D) Solar panels
- 8. When did the first large-scale blackout in the US occur?
A) 1965
B) 1979
C) 1929
D) 1945
- 9. What organization regulates the US electrical grid today?
A) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
B) Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
C) Department of Energy (DOE)
D) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
- 10. What major challenge does the book discuss regarding modern grids?
A) Excess capacity
B) Lack of electricity demand
C) Aging infrastructure
D) Too many power plants
- 11. What event highlighted the vulnerability of interconnected grids?
A) Hurricane Katrina
B) The 2003 Northeast blackout
C) The Y2K scare
D) The 1989 San Francisco earthquake
- 12. What natural resource was primarily used for early power generation?
A) Oil
B) Natural gas
C) Coal
D) Uranium
- 13. What does SCADA stand for in grid management?
A) System Control and Data Analysis
B) Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
C) Standard Computer and Digital Access
D) Secure Communication and Data Access
- 14. What is the purpose of a smart grid?
A) Improved efficiency and reliability
B) Eliminate all blackouts
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) George Westinghouse
B) Nikola Tesla
C) Michael Faraday
D) Thomas Edison
- 17. What technological development made long-distance AC transmission practical?
A) The light bulb
B) The generator
C) The battery
D) The transformer
- 18. What was the Rural Electrification Act?
A) 1950 act for urban development
B) 1920 law regulating power companies
C) 1945 act for nuclear power
D) 1936 law bringing electricity to farms
- 19. What percentage of American farms had electricity in 1930?
A) 10%
B) 25%
C) 50%
D) 75%
- 20. When was the North American Electric Reliability Corporation formed?
A) 1968
B) 1975
C) 1955
D) 1982
- 21. What was the first major city to have widespread electric lighting?
A) Boston
B) New York
C) Philadelphia
D) Chicago
- 22. Which technology allowed different regional grids to connect?
A) Wireless transmission
B) Battery storage
C) Underground cables
D) High-voltage transmission lines
- 23. When was the Public Utility Holding Company Act passed?
A) 1920
B) 1940
C) 1935
D) 1955
- 24. What New Deal program expanded rural electricity access?
A) Works Progress Administration
B) Civilian Conservation Corps
C) Rural Electrification Administration
D) Tennessee Valley Authority
- 25. What state had a major electricity crisis in the early 2000s?
A) New York
B) Texas
C) Florida
D) California
- 26. What company was involved in market manipulation during California's crisis?
A) Southern Company
B) Duke Energy
C) Exelon
D) Enron
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