01 Redox Equilibrium
02 Carbon Compounds
03 Thermochemistry
04 Polymers
05 Consumer and Industrial Chemistry

13.6 Green Technology

Short Answer Questions

  1. What is green technology?
    Green technology, also known as environmental or clean technology, aims to minimise human impact on the environment by focusing on sustainability, resource efficiency, and pollution reduction.
  2. What are the key principles of green technology?
    The key principles include sustainability, resource efficiency, pollution reduction, use of renewable resources, circular economy, and environmental protection.
  3. Give two examples of renewable energy sources.
    Solar power and wind power.
  4. What is the main purpose of sustainable transportation?
    Sustainable transportation aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve efficiency by promoting electric vehicles, biofuels, public transport, and active transportation like cycling and walking.
  5. How do electric vehicles contribute to green technology?
    Electric vehicles reduce carbon emissions by using electricity instead of fossil fuels, making them more environmentally friendly.
  6. What are two features of green buildings?
    Energy-efficient designs and the use of sustainable materials.
  7. How does green technology improve waste management?
    Green technology enhances waste management through recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, and the use of sanitary landfills to minimise environmental contamination.
  8. What is the 4R principle in waste management?
    The 4R principle stands for Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, which promotes sustainable waste management by minimising waste and maximising resource use.
  9. What is anaerobic digestion?
    Anaerobic digestion is a biological process where microorganisms break down organic waste without oxygen, producing biogas that can be used as a renewable energy source.
  10. What is electrocoagulation used for?
    Electrocoagulation is used to remove pollutants from wastewater by using electric currents to destabilise suspended particles, making them easier to remove.
  11. How does nanotechnology contribute to green technology?
    Nanotechnology enhances solar cells, improves energy storage, enables better water purification, and helps in pollution control by capturing harmful substances more efficiently.
  12. Give an example of how green technology helps in pollution control.
    Air pollution control technologies like scrubbers and catalytic converters help remove harmful emissions from industries and vehicles.
  13. What is the main goal of the circular economy?
    The circular economy aims to reduce waste by reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling materials to extend their life cycle.
  14. How does water conservation relate to green technology?
    Green technology promotes water conservation through water-saving fixtures, wastewater treatment, and efficient irrigation systems.
  15. What is the role of biofuels in green technology?
    Biofuels, made from plant or animal matter, provide a renewable energy source that reduces dependence on fossil fuels and lowers carbon emissions.
  16. What are the benefits of green technology?
    Green technology reduces pollution, conserves resources, combats climate change, improves public health, enhances energy security, and promotes economic development.
  17. What are some challenges of implementing green technology?
    Challenges include high initial investment costs, technological limitations, regulatory issues, and the need for greater public awareness and global cooperation.
  18. How does artificial intelligence contribute to green technology?
    AI optimises energy usage, improves efficiency in renewable energy systems, and enhances predictive maintenance in industries to reduce environmental impact.
  19. What is the importance of global cooperation in green technology?
    Global cooperation is necessary to address environmental issues like climate change, share technological advancements, and create effective international policies.
  20. Why is continued research important for green technology?
    Research helps develop more efficient, affordable, and sustainable green technologies while addressing environmental and health concerns.

Explanation Questions

  1. Why is green technology important for addressing climate change?
    Green technology reduces greenhouse gas emissions by promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices that help slow global warming.
  2. Why are renewable energy sources preferred over fossil fuels?
    Renewable energy sources are sustainable, reduce carbon emissions, and do not deplete over time, unlike fossil fuels which contribute to pollution and climate change.
  3. Why is waste management crucial for environmental sustainability?
    Effective waste management prevents pollution, conserves natural resources, and reduces landfill waste, promoting a cleaner and healthier environment.
  4. Why is water conservation a key focus in green technology?
    Water conservation ensures the sustainable use of freshwater resources, reduces water wastage, and helps protect aquatic ecosystems from depletion and pollution.
  5. Why do green buildings play a vital role in sustainability?
    Green buildings use energy-efficient designs, sustainable materials, and water-saving systems to reduce their environmental impact while providing healthier indoor spaces.
  6. Why does green technology require government policies and regulations?
    Government policies and regulations encourage the adoption of green technologies, provide incentives, and set environmental standards to ensure sustainability.
  7. Why is the circular economy model more sustainable than the traditional linear economy?
    The circular economy minimises waste by reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials, reducing the need for resource extraction and lowering environmental impact compared to the linear economy, which follows a “take, make, dispose” approach.
  8. Why is public awareness important for the success of green technology?
    Public awareness encourages individuals and businesses to adopt sustainable practices, support eco-friendly policies, and make informed choices that contribute to environmental conservation.
  9. Why is it challenging for developing countries to implement green technology?
    Developing countries often face financial constraints, lack of infrastructure, and limited technological expertise, making it difficult to invest in and transition to green technology.
  10. Why is energy storage important for renewable energy systems?
    Energy storage is crucial because renewable sources like solar and wind are intermittent; advanced batteries and storage systems ensure a steady energy supply even when generation is low.