Why are tar sands not used more widely for fuel?
They are energy expensive to extract and process = lower EROI!
This is one way to curb our need for more energy resources.
Increase energy efficiency.
Give 1 benefit and 1 disadvantage of using biomass for energy.
Options:
+ = carbon nuetral (recent carbon), renewable, very accessible
- = expensive (costly to grow, process), quick growth and harvest = lower soil quality
Which of the following is not a derivative of fossil fuels? -Vaseline -Cellulose -Polystyrene
Cellulose- It is derived from plants :)
Rank these energy sources by their air pollution released (greatest to least) when used in electricity production. Natural gas (Methane), Coal, Nuclear
Coal, Natural Gas (Methane), Nuclear
Explain cogeneration
Using waste heat produced by power plants to heat nearby buildings
Explain how electricity is created using geothermal energy.
Water heated -> steam -> turn turbine -> power generator -> create electricity
Water ways near nulcear power plants are at risk of this type of pollution (even more than other power plants).
Thermal pollution.
Which type of fossil fuel supplies the most commercial energy to the world today?
Oil
What are the top 3 nations that have the highest proven coal reserves?
The United States, Russia, China
What source of energy is widely attributed to deforestation.
Biomass
A light bulb has an efficiency rating of 7%. If 10J of energy is used, how much waste heat energy is produced? SHOW WORK!
9.3 joules of heat energy
What type of coal has the highest energy content? -Peat -Lignite -Bituminous -Anthracite
Anthracite
Oil is refined based on what quality of petroleum?
Boiling Point
Explain CAFE standards and their intended benefits for energy use.
Create standards for efficienccy in vehicle manufacuring. Increase fuel efficeincy = less fuel use.
Joules
British Thermal Units (BTU)
Kilocalorie
Which energy source has the highest EROI?
Hydroelectric power
One critique of hydroelectric dams is the potential production of methane, what causes this?
Anaerobic decomposition in the deep water behind the dam.
When energy is transferred, some is lost in the form of heat... This explains __________. No energy conversion is 100% efficient.
The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics