Question 1

Biodiesel and ethanol are liquid fuels derived from plants. Producing ethanol and biodiesel requires energy inputs that make them less efficient sources of energy. Why are they considered attractive, alternative sources of energy?

Accepted Answer

Biofuels are attractive because they can be used in existing vehicles (A), are considered carbon neutral as they absorb CO2 during growth (B), are renewable since they are derived from plants (C), and can be processed using current infrastructure (D).

Question 2

The positive aspects of establishing wind power include

Accepted Answer

Wind power exploits a renewable source of energy, which is a positive aspect as it reduces reliance on fossil fuels and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 3

Which of the following is a shortcoming of wind energy?

Accepted Answer

Wind energy requires a high initial capital investment for the installation of turbines and infrastructure.

Question 4

Biomass is more efficient in providing energy than biofuels. Biomass uses a greater fraction of the crop than biofuels, and biomass produces more energy per acre of crop than biofuels. Yet, biofuels continue to be studied more extensively than biomass. Why does research continue to focus on biofuel optimization?

Accepted Answer

Biofuels are targeted for the transportation industry, which is a significant area of energy consumption that biomass does not address directly.

Question 5

What would be a likely impact if harsh restrictions were imposed on global greenhouse gas emissions? (A typical proposal is that all countries agree to roll back their CO₂ emissions to 1990 levels.)

Accepted Answer

Harsh restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions could slow down the industrialization of developing nations, as they may rely heavily on fossil fuels for economic growth and development.

Question 6

A nuclear power plant and a hydroelectric dam are two means of generating electricity. How are they different in the way they produce electricity? In what important way are they similar in electricity production?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nuclear power plant and a hydroelectric...

Question 7

Explain why coal is considered non-renewable even though it is ultimately derived from the sun and comes from natural organic matter.

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

Is it likely that coal will be formed in the future from present day deposits of plants and animals? Explain why or why not.

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

Why is it so difficult for developed countries to abandon fossil fuels as their primary source of energy?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is it so difficult for developed...

Question 10

List three types of solar energy and give an example of each.

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

What are some of the advantages that hydroelectric dams offer beyond the generation of electricity?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are some of the advantages that...

Question 12

What is the difference between biomass and biofuels in the context of renewable energy? How are they alike?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

The production of biofuels is sometimes viewed negatively because of the perception that it decreases the production of food crops and increases food prices. Give two reasons to support this attitude and two reasons why it might be incorrect.

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Refer to the graph below showing world energy consumption. Why is the energy consumption of industrialized countries projected to remain relatively constant while that of developing countries is projected to increase dramatically during the next 20 years?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Refer to the graph below showing world...

Question 15

Refer to the graph below showing world energy consumption by fuel type. Some analysts have projected that we will reach "peak oil" in 2015; that is, oil production will reach a global maximum in 2015 and further increases annual petroleum supplies will be impossible. If this is true, how will it impact world energy consumption?

Accepted Answer