Eng

1-In developing countries, approximately 2.5 billion people rely on biomass to meet their energy needs.

In your opinion, is it ethical to use cropland for biofuel production in a world where some of the population still does not have adequate food? In 2-3 paragraphs, argue your view on this question.

(Hints: ethical = having to do with right and wrong; 2-3 paragraphs is 8-15 sentences

2- In the context of Wind Energy:

What is "DRAG" ?

Why is it an important factor in producing energy from the wind?

Describe 2 ways an engineer designing a turbine blade might be able to decrease drag.

(HINT: The lecture slides or an internet search may be helpful in answering this question)

3- During class, we listened to the NPR news report called Drought imperils hydropower on Colorado River's reservoirs. This podcast (available on Moodle) focused on falling water levels at Lake Powell’s Glen Canyon Dam. Reflect back on what you heard OR Listen to the podcast again.

With the Cohen Framework in mind:

1) Describe how the hydropower AND low water levels in the Colorado River might be considered an ECONOMIC issue.

2) Describe how hydropower AND low water levels in the Colorado River might be considered an issue of VALUES.

See Cohen Framework worksheet on the Moodle class page for more information on how to think about environmental issues in terms of the Cohen Framework.

Each response should be approximately 1-2 paragraphs for full credit.

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5- Hydroelectric dams can, surprisingly, result in significant greenhouse gas emissions. Which greenhouse gases are emitted AND what's the source of these emissions?

6- Your state needs new sources of electricity, and the local utility is considering a coal-burning power plant or a nuclear plant. You live downwind of the proposed project site. Decide which type of plant you would rather have and formulate an argument explaining why.

2-3 paragraph response required for full credit

7- Why can't a wind turbine extract all of the wind's kinetic energy? (2-3 sentences)

8- In one paragraph (5-6 sentences), discuss how you could increase the output of a PV cell during the day, when the angle of the sun’s rays is constantly changing?

9- Garbage can be used to produce energy at waste-to-energy plants and at landfills in the United States. The garbage is also known as MSW.

What does the acronym MSW stand for?

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11- Germany generates approximately five (5) times as much solar power in comparison to the United States. This happens despite, just about every single region in the continental U.S. having greater solar potential, on average, than Germany. 

LIST three (3) reasons for this difference.

1 point for each correct reason/response

12- Reflect on our discussion about Wind Energy.  LIST 3 pros and 3 cons of Wind Energy.  EXPLAIN what makes your pros "good" things about wind energy.  EXPLAIN what makes you cons "negative" things about wind energy.

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