unit 6

Which of the following is the approximate projected rate of change in renewable energy consumption from 2010-2040 ?

2.332.33 quadrillion BTUsBTUs per year {The change in projected renewable consumption (about 7070 quadrillion) was divided by the change in time (3030 years).130BTUs−60BTUs30years/=2.33quadrillionBTUs130BTUs−60BTUs30years=2.33quadrillionBTUs per year.}

Which of the following best describes the total consumption of all fossil fuels in 2040 compared to the consumption of nuclear energy in 2040?

Consumption of fossil fuels will be approximately 1313 times greater than consumption of nuclear energy.{Predicted consumption of fossil fuels (liquid, natural gas, and coal) is approximately 645645 quadrillion BTUsBTUs in 2040, and predicted nuclear consumption is approximately 5050 quadrillion BTUsBTUs . (248BTUs from liquid fuels+215BTUs from natural gas+180BTUs from coal)48BTUs=12.86(248BTUs from liquid fuels+215BTUs from natural gas+180BTUs from coal⁢)48BTUs=12.86 , so almost 1313 times greater.}

After the Industrial Revolution, the use of fossil fuels increased significantly. Despite the documented environmental effects of these resources and the availability of renewable resources, the use of nonrenewable sources continues. Which of the following statements best explains why there is continued widespread use of nonrenewable fossil fuels in energy production in the United States?

Established technology and transportation infrastructure for fossil fuels allows these resources to be converted into energy to meet consumer demand.{Additionally, coal, oil, and natural gas can be burned when energy is needed, versus wind and solar energy, the generation of which depends on environmental conditions.}

Which of the following best describes an environmental problem that is often linked to the process of fracking?

Wastewater from fracking operations is injected into porous rock formations, which can induce seismic activity.{The disposal of wastewater from fracking operations is linked to an increase in earthquakes. Fracking extracts large amounts of water from underground oil-rich rocks, then pumps the water back underground, which sometimes triggers earthquakes.}