Assignments March 26

Sec 17.1 Section review, p 475.

1.Describe five factors that influence the value of a fuel.

Different fuel types are used to supply energy depending on the specific purpose or machine that is using the fuel. Because all fuels are not equally suited for specific uses the value of a fuel is also variable.

When considering which fuel to use one needs to consider

  1. the cost of acquiring and using the fuel for each specific situation
  2. the energy content of the fuel type being considered
  3. the availability of the type of fuel source wanted
  4. how safe it will be to use the fuel under consideration
  5. what type of byproducts will result from the fuels use, especially ones that negatively impact the environment

2.Describe how fossil fuels are used to produce electricity.

Fossil fuels (mainly coal) are burned to produce heat. The heat is used to create steam is used to generate electricity.

Describe how a electric generator works.

  1. Heat from burning fuel creates high pressure steam.
  2. The steam is used to turn a turbine.
  3. The turbine is connected to a generator.
  4. Generator set in motion creating electricity.
  5. Steam sent to condenser to cool and be reused.

3.Describe how coal, oil and natural gas form, how these fuels are used, and how using each fuel affects the environment. (Fuel Types Table/teacher assignment)

Factor / Coal / Petroleum (oil) / Natural Gas
Formation / Plant remains covered with layers of sediments.
Undergo high heat and pressure for millions of years / Marine organisms buried by layers of sediments.
Remains decay; transform over millions of years. / Marine organisms buried by layers of ediments.
Remains decay; transform over millions of years.
How used / Generating electricity
Heating / Produce fuels (Ex: gasoline)
Create chemicals for manufactoring needs
Main component of plastics / Fuel for electric power plants
Fuel for modified vechiles
Heating and cooking
Affects on environment / Removal of enough soil to level the top of mountains during excavation
Pollution of streams from mine debris, hazardous substances.
Air pollution and formation of acid rain from release of oxides, particlulary sulfur oxides / Air pollution, smog and acid rain formation of from release of oxides
CO2 release contributes to global warming
Leaks from cars, oil tanker or oil rig spills pollute water / Air pollution when burned
Contributes to global warming