Energy Use: DO-NOWS

What evidence supports the notion that, although present energy problems are not the first in human history, they are unique in other ways?

How do the terms energy, work, and power differ in meaning?

A recent scenario for the United States suggests that in the coming decades energy sources might be natural gas (10%), solar power (30%), hydropower (20%), wind power (20%), biomass (10%), and geothermal energy (10%). Do you think this is a likely scenario? What would be the major difficulties and points of resistance or controversy?

You have just purchased a 100-hectare wooded island in Puget Sound. Your house is built of raw timber and is uninsulated. Although the island receives some wind, trees over 40m tall block most of it. You have a diesel generator for electric power, and hot water is produced by an electric heater run by the generator. Oil and gas can be brought in by shop. What steps would you take in the next five years to reduce the cost of energy you use with the least damage to the island’s natural environment?

Explain how oil, natural gas, and coal forms.

Describe the different ways coal is mined and some of the environmental drawbacks of each strategy.

Describe the drawbacks regarding oil shale and tar sands.

What are some technical solutions to reducing air-pollutant emissions from burning coal? Which are best? Why?

Your town is near a large river that has nearly constant water temperature of about 15°C (60°F). Could the water be used to cool buildings in the hot summers? How? What would be the environmental effects?

Describe the difference between passive, active, and photovoltaic solar energy systems.

What has greater future potential for energy production, wind or water power? Which causes more environmental problems? Why? (this would make a great AP question)

Given the technologies today, what would be the most sensible fuel for airplanes? How would this fuel be produced to minimize adverse environmental effects?

What is a radioisotope, and why is knowing its half-life important?

What processes in our environment may result in radioactive substances reach people?

What is the normal background radiation that people receive? Why is it variable?

Are there good environmental reasons to develop and build new nuclear power plants? Discuss both sides of the issues (pros and cons)

Suppose it is recommended that high-level nuclear waste be disposed of in the geologic environment of the region in which you live. How would you go about evaluating potential sites?