Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 6: Problem 11

What is the only form of significant electricity production in the U.S. that does not involve a spinning shaft?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Question: Identify a method of electricity production in the United States that does not involve a spinning shaft. Answer: Photovoltaic solar energy.

Step by step solution

01

Identify types of electricity production with spinning shafts

First, let us list some common modes of electricity generation in the U.S. that involves a spinning shaft. These are: - Fossil fuel-burning plants (coal, oil, and natural gas) - Hydroelectric dams - Wind turbines - Nuclear power plants In all of these methods, a spinning shaft is involved to generate electricity through the rotation of turbines.
02

Identify a method that does not involve a spinning shaft

Now, let us identify the form of significant electricity production in the U.S. that does not require a spinning shaft. This method is: - Photovoltaic solar energy
03

Explain the principle of photovoltaic solar energy

Photovoltaic solar panels capture sunlight and convert it directly into electricity, without requiring any moving parts or spinning shafts. In contrast to traditional methods of electricity generation that rely on rotating turbines, photovoltaic cells generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect, which is a process that creates an electric current when solar cells absorb photons from sunlight.
04

Conclusion

In conclusion, the only form of significant electricity production in the U.S. that does not involve a spinning shaft is photovoltaic solar energy. This method directly converts sunlight into electricity without requiring any moving parts, such as spinning shafts or turbines, which are present in most other methods of electricity generation.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What would the maximum thermodynamic efficiency be of some heat engine operating between your skin temperature and the ambient environment \(20^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) cooler than your skin?

Provide at least one example not listed in the text in which heat flows into some other form of energy. \(^{66}\) In the text, we mentioned hot air over a car, wind, internal combustion, and a steam turbine plant.

We can think of wind in the atmosphere as a giant heat engine \(^{67}\) operating between the \(288 \mathrm{~K}\) surface and the top of the troposphere \(^{68}\) at \(230 \mathrm{~K}\). What is the maximum efficiency this heat engine could achieve in converting solar heating into airflow?

How much will it cost per day to keep a house at \(20^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) inside when the external temperature is steady at \(-5^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) using direct electric heating \(^{65}\) if the house is rated at \(150 \mathrm{~W} /{ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and electricity costs \(\$ 0.15 / \mathrm{kWh} ?\)

Let's say you come home from a winter vacation to find your house at \(5^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and you want to heat it to \(20^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). Let's say the house contains: \(500 \mathrm{~kg}\) of air; \(^{62} 1,000 \mathrm{~kg}\) of furniture, books, and other possessions; plus walls and ceiling and floor that amount to \(6,000 \mathrm{~kg}\) of effective \(^{63}\) mass. Using the catch-all specific heat capacity for all of this stuff, how much energy will it take, and how long to heat it up at a rate of \(10 \mathrm{~kW}\) ? Express in useful, intuitive units, and feel free to round, since it's an estimate, anyway.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Environmental Science Textbooks

Environmental Policy

Read Explanation

Physical Environment

Read Explanation

Environmental Research

Read Explanation

Sustainability

Read Explanation

Ecology Research

Read Explanation

Ecological Conservation

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free