Passive Solar Heating & Cooling Quiz: Test Your AP Environmental Science Knowledge

📚 Quick Study Guide

• ☀️ Passive Solar Heating: Utilizes sunlight directly to heat a building. Key components include south-facing windows, thermal mass (e.g., concrete, brick), and insulation.
• 💨 Passive Solar Cooling: Employs natural ventilation, shading, and reflective surfaces to reduce heat gain.
• 🌡️ Thermal Mass: Materials that absorb, store, and release heat slowly. High thermal mass helps stabilize indoor temperatures.
• 🌳 Orientation: Building orientation is crucial. South-facing exposure maximizes winter sun, while shading minimizes summer sun.
• 🍃 Convection: The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). Essential for distributing heat in passive solar designs.
• 遮阳 Shading: Overhangs, awnings, and vegetation can effectively block direct sunlight during hot months.
• 💡 Albedo: Reflectivity. High albedo surfaces (e.g., white roofs) reflect more sunlight and reduce heat absorption.

🧪 Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following is a key component of passive solar heating?
   1. A. Solar panels
   2. B. South-facing windows
   3. C. Air conditioning
   4. D. Electric heaters
2. What is the primary function of thermal mass in passive solar design?
   1. A. To generate electricity
   2. B. To block sunlight
   3. C. To absorb, store, and release heat
   4. D. To provide insulation
3. Which building orientation is best for maximizing passive solar heating in the Northern Hemisphere?
   1. A. North-facing
   2. B. South-facing
   3. C. East-facing
   4. D. West-facing
4. What is a common method for passive solar cooling?
   1. A. Using dark-colored roofs
   2. B. Using electric fans
   3. C. Natural ventilation
   4. D. Installing more windows on the west side of the building
5. What does 'albedo' refer to?
   1. A. The angle of the sun
   2. B. The reflectivity of a surface
   3. C. The amount of insulation in a wall
   4. D. The color of the building
6. How does convection contribute to passive solar heating?
   1. A. It generates electricity.
   2. B. It distributes heat throughout the building.
   3. C. It blocks sunlight.
   4. D. It provides insulation.
7. Which of the following is an example of using shading for passive solar cooling?
   1. A. Installing a black roof
   2. B. Using south-facing windows in the summer
   3. C. Planting trees to block sunlight
   4. D. Using electric heaters