Question

a company is considering investing in several resources for energy production. which correctly lists a cost or benefit that should be considered for an energy resource? select all that apply. coal has an advantage because it produces the smallest amount of greenhouse gases of all fossil fuels. wind energy has a disadvantage in that it needs rare earth metals that are very environmentally damaging to obtain. hydroelectric energy has the benefit that it does not rely on non - renewable resources to operate. solar power has an advantage because a large solar farm does not damage the environment.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze statement about coal

Coal is a fossil fuel. Among fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), natural gas produces less greenhouse gases than coal. So the statement “Coal has an advantage because it produces the smallest amount of greenhouse gases of all fossil fuels” is incorrect.

Step2: Analyze statement about wind energy

Wind turbines do not require rare - earth metals in large amounts for their basic operation. So the statement “Wind energy has a disadvantage in that it needs rare earth metals that are very environmentally damaging to obtain” is incorrect.

Step3: Analyze statement about hydroelectric energy

Hydroelectric energy uses water (a renewable resource, as water cycles in nature) to generate electricity. It does not rely on non - renewable resources like fossil fuels for its operation. So the statement “Hydroelectric energy has the benefit that it does not rely on non - renewable resources to operate” is correct.

Step4: Analyze statement about solar power

Large solar farms can have environmental impacts such as land use change, habitat destruction (if built on natural habitats), and water use in some solar technologies. So the statement “Solar power has an advantage because a large solar farm does not damage the environment” is incorrect.

Answer:

Hydroelectric energy has the benefit that it does not rely on non - renewable resources to operate.