AP Enviro MPC

The use of renewable fuel sources in the US is currently closest to

15% of electricity- higher or lower depending on state

The CAFE standard in the US is currently closest to

34.1 miles/gallon

Approximately what percentage of energy could be saved through improved efficiency?

40% was unavoidable waste

More commonly used in least developed countries than in highly developed countries.

BIOMASS

What are the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing macro-solar electric generation?

Clean energy, distress ecosystems,expensive, last a long time

Explain what a mitigation approach to climate change is.

Climate Change Mitigation refers to efforts to reduce or prevent emission of greenhouse gases. Climate change mitigation are actions to limit the magnitude and/or rate of long-term climate change

What is the name of the system that produces two useful forms of energy from one fuel source?

Cogeneration- waste heat is used and not wasted

The rating system used to measure the efficiency of appliances is called the

Energy Star efficiency rating system

The rating system used to measure the efficiency of automobiles is called the

Fuel Economy (CAFE)

Has the potential to displace a large number of people.

HYDROELECTRIC

By including the energy consumption associated with the exploration, extraction, transportation and refinement of fuel sources, most renewable fuels (compared with traditional fuels) tend to have net energies that are...

Higher than those of fossil fuels

A transition to a more sustainable fuel future will most likely require what?

Mix of renewable resources, diverse energy mix

The majority of the wind power that could be utilized in the US is in

Off the coasts & Or in south- oklahoma, texas, etc

Converts solar energy directly into electrical energy.

PHOTOVOLTAICS

The largest tidal power plant in the world is located in

South Korea

Converts horizontal water movement into electricity.

TIDAL ELECTRIC

Why will the percentage of electricity generated by hydroelectric dams in the United States not increase?

There is a limit of available suitable sites that limit the use. The United States has already put hydroelectric dams on the available sites throughout the country. The U.S has already placed all the hydroelectric dams possible.

disadvantages of using biomass?

can be dirtier, side effects of rate of use- used more than replaced, regional and different everywhere, limiting

Drawbacks include noise and the release of corrosive chemicals

geothermal

Advantages of using straw as a building material?

great heat retention, reuses a waste product, prevents heat gain

advantages of using biomass?

lots of types and uses, low CO2 (depending on what type of fuel)

disadvantages of using straw as a building material

not common so not accepted as a building method

What would represent the best source of hydrogen for a fuel cell?

water+CH4= methane is best source- has 4 hydrogens