Review – Alternative Energy OptionsName
1. Briefly describe how energy is produced using each of the following:
Fossil fuels
Nuclear fission
Nuclear fusion
Hydroelectric
Geothermal
Solar, photovoltaic cells
Solar, concentrated solar energy
Wind
Biofuels
Fuel cells
Tidal
2. Briefly describe the main disadvantage(s) of each energy technology, in your view:
Fossil fuels
Nuclear fission
Nuclear fusion
Hydroelectric
Geothermal
Solar, photovoltaic cells
Solar, concentrated solar energy
Wind
Biofuels
Fuel cells
Tidal/Wave
3. Briefly describe the main advantage(s) of each energy technology, in your view:
Fossil fuels
Nuclear fission
Nuclear fusion
Hydroelectric
Geothermal
Solar, photovoltaic cells
Solar, concentrated solar energy
Wind
Biofuels
Fuel cells
Tidal/Wave
4. List the two energy sources that are currentlymost easily available:
5. List the two energy sources that are currentlyleast easily available:
6. List the two energy sources that have the greatest potential capacity:
7. List the two energy sources that have the lowest potential capacity:
8. List all of the renewable energy sources:
9. List the two energy sources with the most negative environmental impact:
10. List the two energy sources with the least negative environmental impact:
11. Approximately 20% of the U.S.’s energy is consumed for transportation purposes (cars, trucks, buses,trains,…). Which of the 10 energy sources can be currently used for transportation purposes? What will have to change in order to use other energy sources for transportation?
12. Some scientists believe that ethanol as a negative net energy balance. What does that mean? Explain how that can be true?
13. List as many “Billion Dollar” energy technologies as you can, as discussed in class.
14. What would be some advantages of a solar power station in space? What is the main reason we don’t have a solar space station today?
15. Briefly explain which energy source is least desirable, in your opinion. Justify your choice by citing pros and cons.
16. Briefly explain which energy source is most desirable, in your opinion. Justify your choice by citing pros and cons.
17. List 3 reasons why fossil fuels (gasoline) are so well suited for use in vehicles?
18. What are 2 improvements that need to be made in car batteries in order to make electric cars more attractive?
19. List the 6 factors that were used in class for comparing the different energy sources:
20. Why is electricity such a convenient energy source?
21. List the 3 energy sources that currently supply virtually 100% of America’s electricity. Write them in order from most used to least used.
22. List all of the energy sources that produce no greenhouse gases during operation.
23. Why is it unfair to compare the cost of fossil fuel electricity production to the cost of wind, solar, tidal, and geothermal electricity production?
24. Which currently underused alternative energy source(s) do you think America should focus its efforts and resources on? Explain your choice.