Chem321:Problem Set 4
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Please type up your answers in Microsoft Word, Word Perfect, OpenOffice Writer or RTF file format, and email to me by 11:59pm on Friday, July 24th, 2015. Do not post your answers on the wiki.
1. Define and explain briefly each of the following terms: Substitution (in context of materials), linear throughput model, technological leapfrogging , life cycle inventory, overburden (in mining), cellulose (as a renewable feedstock), energy intensity, polymer, hydraulic fracturing, geothermal energy.
2. (~100 words) Use the World Energy Statistics link at the end of Unit 7 to research data for the following questions. What was total US energy consumption in 1990 and in 2014? What was total energy consumption in China in the same years? Discuss the implications of this, in the context of projected 7% ongoing annual growth in the Chinese economy.
3. (~200 words) Explain what is meant by decarbonization (in energy production). How is it possible that the UK underwent decarbonization in the late 20th century, yet its carbon dioxide emissions rose over the same period?
4. (~200 words) What are the main applications for the lanthanide (rare earth) metals? The prices of rare earths rose substantially in the recent years – was this caused by a shortage of minerals? Explain. (You may need to research this yourself outside the readings)
5. (~2-300 words) Discuss the value of recycling, and the limitations. Why is most used aluminum recycled, but only a little glass is recycled?
6. (~200 words) Discuss the likelihood that “biorefineries” will replace oil refineries in the 21st century. What feedstocks and products would be used/produced in the new biorefineries?
7. (~200 words) What are the differences between solar thermal and solar-photovoltaic energy production? Discuss their likely impacts in the next twenty years.
