Chapter 11

How does ethanol compare to gasoline for energy content, and what consequences does this have for fuel needs?

Compare the production of electricity by a wind turbine and the production of electricity by heating water to produce steam (thermoelectric production).

Why would one be more concerned about the venting of steam from a boiling water reactor than a pressure water reactor?

Describe some of the drawbacks associated with corn as a biofuel.

Distinguish between passive and active solar technologies and give an example of each.

Why is it harder to make ethanol from cellulose than from the starch in corn or sugarcane?

What is ionizing radiation, and why is it dangerous?

Which aspect of solar power do you feel is its greatest strength, and which its greatest weakness?

What are the pros and cons of using switchgrass as a biofuel crop?

Distinguish among alpha, beta, and gamma radiation in terms of their makeup, penetrating power, and hazard posed to living things.