Question

a team of scientists has invented an artificial leaf. this leaf takes in energy from sunlight. it uses this energy to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. bacteria in the leaf feed on the hydrogen and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. these bacteria then produce liquid fuels that are similar to fossil fuels.
what is a potential benefit of the artificial leaf?
o a. it can be used to produce fuels in deforested areas so that the animals in the areas will be better able to survive.
o b. it can consume the fuel present in an environment after an oil spill, which will help protect ecosystems from the effects of fossil fuels.
o c. it can convert fossil fuels into oxygen and hydrogen so that these fuels do not release harmful pollutants to the atmosphere.
o d. it can produce fuels to replace nonrenewable resources, which will help decrease dependence on fossil fuels.

Explanation:

Let's analyze each option:

• Option A: Producing fuels in deforested areas to help animals survive is not a direct and major benefit compared to replacing non - renewable resources.
• Option B: Consuming fuel after an oil spill is a very limited and not a broad - scale potential benefit.
• Option C: Converting fossil fuels (which are non - renewable) into something else is not a way to reduce dependence on them.
• Option D: Producing fuels to replace non - renewable resources (like fossil fuels) will decrease dependence on fossil fuels. This is a significant and far - reaching potential benefit as it addresses the long - term energy resource issue.

Answer:

D. It can produce fuels to replace nonrenewable resources, which will help decrease dependence on fossil fuels.