- 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) Computer networking and the internet
B) The development of the electrical power grid
C) Urban transportation systems
D) Satellite communication networks
- 2. Who is credited with developing alternating current (AC) systems?
A) Alexander Graham Bell
B) Nikola Tesla
C) Michael Faraday
D) Thomas Edison
- 3. What was Thomas Edison's preferred electrical system?
A) Direct current (DC)
B) Solar power
C) Alternating current (AC)
D) Nuclear power
- 4. What famous event demonstrated the danger of AC power in the late 19th century?
A) The War of the Currents
B) The Industrial Revolution
C) The Great Depression
D) The Chicago Fire
- 5. Which company did George Westinghouse found?
A) General Electric
B) Westinghouse Electric Company
C) Edison Electric
D) Tesla Motors
- 6. What was the first major hydroelectric power plant in the US?
A) Niagara Falls Power Plant
B) Three Gorges Dam
C) Grand Coulee Dam
D) Hoover Dam
- 7. What innovation allowed electricity to be transmitted over long distances?
A) Batteries
B) Steam engines
C) Solar panels
D) Transformers
- 8. When did the first large-scale blackout in the US occur?
A) 1965
B) 1945
C) 1929
D) 1979
- 9. What organization regulates the US electrical grid today?
A) Department of Energy (DOE)
B) Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
C) Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
D) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- 10. What major challenge does the book discuss regarding modern grids?
A) Excess capacity
B) Too many power plants
C) Aging infrastructure
D) Lack of electricity demand
- 11. What event highlighted the vulnerability of interconnected grids?
A) The 1989 San Francisco earthquake
B) The 2003 Northeast blackout
C) The Y2K scare
D) Hurricane Katrina
- 12. What natural resource was primarily used for early power generation?
A) Uranium
B) Coal
C) Natural gas
D) Oil
- 13. What does SCADA stand for in grid management?
A) Standard Computer and Digital Access
B) System Control and Data Analysis
C) Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
D) Secure Communication and Data Access
- 14. What is the purpose of a smart grid?
A) Replace all power lines
B) Lower electricity costs
C) Improved efficiency and reliability
D) Eliminate all blackouts
- 15. When was the first long-distance transmission of alternating current demonstrated according to Schewe?
A) 1879
B) 1891
C) 1920
D) 1905
- 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 battery
B) The transformer
C) The light bulb
D) The generator
- 18. What was the Rural Electrification Act?
A) 1920 law regulating power companies
B) 1945 act for nuclear power
C) 1950 act for urban development
D) 1936 law bringing electricity to farms
- 19. What percentage of American farms had electricity in 1930?
A) 75%
B) 50%
C) 25%
D) 10%
- 20. When was the North American Electric Reliability Corporation formed?
A) 1955
B) 1982
C) 1968
D) 1975
- 21. What was the first major city to have widespread electric lighting?
A) Chicago
B) Boston
C) Philadelphia
D) New York
- 22. Which technology allowed different regional grids to connect?
A) High-voltage transmission lines
B) Underground cables
C) Wireless transmission
D) Battery storage
- 23. When was the Public Utility Holding Company Act passed?
A) 1940
B) 1920
C) 1935
D) 1955
- 24. What New Deal program expanded rural electricity access?
A) Works Progress Administration
B) Tennessee Valley Authority
C) Civilian Conservation Corps
D) Rural Electrification Administration
- 25. What state had a major electricity crisis in the early 2000s?
A) California
B) Florida
C) New York
D) Texas
- 26. What company was involved in market manipulation during California's crisis?
A) Southern Company
B) Duke Energy
C) Enron
D) Exelon
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