Ch En 310

Reading Questions for Class 2

From Boyle et al., Chapter 1

1. What was the main point (or points) of this chapter?

2. Define renewable energy.

3. Explain the difference between direct and indirect solar energy.

4. Explain what non-solar renewable energy is, and give some examples.

5. Make a list of all non-fossil forms of energy described in Chapter 1.

6. Why are fossil fuels used so heavily despite the obvious disadvantages when compared to renewable energy sources?

7. Talk about Figure 1.41. What does it mean, and what implications do these data have on the future?

8. From the DOE EIA pages (http://www.eia.doe.gov/iea/wecbtu.html), Table E.1, make a chart showing the total energy consumed by region (North America, Central & South America, Western Europe , etc.) as a function of year since 1980. Please compare with data from Chapter 2 in the book. Comment on total energy consumption and per capita energy consumption growth rates (see Table E.1c).

9. Discuss what can be done to improve energy sustainability, both from what the author says and what your group thinks.

Write a question that will help the next class better study an important point in this chapter, or that will serve as a good discussion topic.

Other links: World population: http://www.eia.doe.gov/iea/popgdp.html