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