Worked solutions to student book questions

Chapter 24 Alternative energy sources

E1.
Australia and China are both signatories to the Treaty for the Non Proliferation of
Nuclear Weapons. Use the Internet to find out about the purposes of this treaty.
AE1.
The treaty has three goals.
To stop the spread of nuclear weapons
Nuclear disarmament
Support the peaceful use of nuclear technology
E2.
Identify some of the issues involved in the mining of uranium and its sale to other
countries.
AE2.
Environmental issues associated with mining, e.g. water and soil contamination. Right
of traditional landowners. Health issues related to exposure to radioactive materials.
Use of uranium to make weapons. Disposal of spent fuel.
Q1.
Australia exports most of the uranium it mines rather than using it for domestic
nuclear power stations. Respond to each of the following questions, giving the reasons
for your response in point form.
a Should Australia take back the waste products from nuclear power stations
fuelled by Australian uranium?
b What possible changes might lead to a greater use of nuclear power in Australia?
A1.
a

Issues to consider include whether the user or supplier should be responsible for
the waste, and whether radioactive wastes should be stored in the most costeffective and environmentally safe place, regardless of where the uranium comes
from.
Factors that might lead to increased use of nuclear power in Australia include
improved waste-storage techniques and decreased availability or increased cost of
other energy sources.

Q2.
Bagasse, the fibrous waste from sugarcane mills, is burnt to satisfy about 2 per cent of
Australias energy needs. Firewood satisfies a similar amount. Should we use more or
less of these renewable resources? Justify your answer.
A2.
In order to conserve non-renewable resources, the use of renewable resources should
be encouraged but only so far as it can be sustained in the foreseeable future. Beyond
this limit, even renewable resources will eventually be exhausted because the rate of
supply (e.g. growth of forests) will not match the rate of use (e.g. removal of trees).
As non-renewable resources diminish and become more expensive, the use of
renewable resources, such as bagasse, will become more economically attractive.
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Worked solutions to student book questions

Chapter 24 Alternative energy sources

Q3.
a

Select a form of biochemical energy and one other form of renewable energy. For
your chosen energy sources:
i draw up a table that summarises their advantages and disadvantages
ii comment on their usefulness in supplying the future energy needs of your
local community.
Repeat part a for two non-renewable forms of energy.

A3.
a

ii
b

ii

Renewable energy sources include wind, tidal, hydro-electric, wave, biomass

(e.g. wood) and solar power. Advantages include the fact that these are
sustainable energy supplies, and have low environmental impact in some
cases (e.g. wind power).
Disadvantages include variable rate of supply (e.g. solar energy), rate of
supply generally insufficient to meet the current needs of society, current
technological limitations on the collection and storage of energy.
It is expected that renewable energy sources will become more useful in
future as supplies of non-renewable energy sources diminish.
The advantages of many non-renewable energy sources include their high
and controllable rate of supply at present, their relatively low cost, and the
fact that the technology exists to use these energy sources.
Disadvantages include finite quantity and future exhaustion, expected future
cost increases, significant environmental impact in some cases (e.g. nuclear
accident, acid rain).
It is expected that non-renewable energy sources will remain useful in future
in so far as diminishing supplies will permit. It is hoped, but by no means
guaranteed, that improved technology will allow us to better harness
renewable resources and so to reduce the communitys dependence upon
non-renewable resources.

Chapter review
Q4.
a

Write an overall equation for the formation of plutonium-239 from a neutron

hitting uranium-238 in a nuclear reactor. Hint: Use electrons (beta particles, 01 )
in your equation.
Plutonium can be used to make atomic weapons. What implications does this
have for global security when a nation decides to introduce nuclear power?
Suggest some safeguards to minimise nuclear proliferation.

A4.
a
b

1
0

n+

238
92

239
94

Pu + 2 01

The capacity for nuclear power generation increases the possibility of a nation
developing nuclear weapons. Safeguards include prohibition of nuclear power
development, monitoring nuclear programs, international agreements/treaties and
economic and/or military intervention against rogue nations and/or terrorists
(issues remain about who the global police should be).

Heinemann Chemistry 2 4th edition Enhanced

Copyright Pearson Australia 2010 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd)

Worked solutions to student book questions

Chapter 24 Alternative energy sources

Q5.
Research the characteristics of some radioactive isotopes in spent nuclear fuel that
make them particularly hazardous to human health.
A5.
Hazardous properties include the emission of radiation (particularly alpha particles
and gamma rays that can directly damage tissues and mutate DNA), long half-lives
and chemical properties that allow dispersal including movement through the food
chain.
Q6.
Australia has large reserves of uranium. At present, it has no nuclear power stations
and exports only a limited amount of this source of energy. Discuss with other
members of your class the benefits and costs associated with the following proposals:
a that Australia should build nuclear power stations
b that mining of uranium should be banned
A6.
a

Benefits of building nuclear power stations in Australia include reduced

dependence upon energy supplies from overseas; increased employment
opportunities; reduced use of other energy resources; reduction in the pollution
associated with fossil-fuelled power production.
Costs include environmental impact of uranium mining; disposal of nuclear
wastes; health and environmental hazards associated with nuclear accidents; risk
of terrorist activity motivated by the need to obtain nuclear materials; increased
risk of Australia being a target in a nuclear war.
Benefits of mining uranium include local employment, export revenue, benefits
of nuclear power stations (see part a).
Costs include environmental impact of mines; possible use of uranium for
military purposes; disadvantages of nuclear power stations (see part a).

Q7.
The coal versus nuclear power debate has undergone a recent revival in Australia.
a Given the choice, would you prefer to live near a coal-fired power station or a
nuclear power station? Why?
b Is there just a choice between coal and nuclear power as they now operate? What
other options exist?
A7.
a

Considerations include type of pollution and extent to which it occurs, health and
environmental risks of pollutants, and chances of a major catastrophe and its
likely consequences.
The immediate environment around a nuclear power station is usually cleaner and
healthier than that around a coal-fired power station, but a nuclear accident may
cause fatalities and have other long-term consequences.
Other options include alternative energy sources and improved technology to deal
with hazards and sustainability issues related to coal and nuclear fuels. Research
and development is expected to be critical in improving societys choice of
energy sources.

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Worked solutions to student book questions

Chapter 24 Alternative energy sources

Q8.
Oil, coal and natural gas are described as non-renewable sources of energy. List three
examples of renewable sources of energy.
A8.
Examples include ethanol (from crops), and solar, tidal, wave and wind power.
Q9.
The use of solar energy in Australia is increasing. About 6% of dwellings have solar
water-heaters, and around 30 000 new solar water-heaters are being produced each
year.
a What situations are most suited to the use of solar water-heaters?
b Why do you think that the use of solar water-heaters is not more widespread?
c Solar cars can be constructed and they are cheap to run. Why then do most people
prefer petrol-driven cars?
A9.
a

Compared with heaters that run on oil, gas or electricity, solar water heaters have
only been introduced relatively recently and the technology involved is still being
developed. These heaters are likely to become increasingly popular as they
become more efficient and as older heaters wear out or become too expensive to
operate. Solar water heating is feasible in all parts of Australia but is more likely
to be used in isolated places where other energy supplies are difficult to obtain. It
is particularly useful in situations where the hot water is used on-site and where
low running costs are important.
Existing technologies tend to be only slowly replaced with new developments
unless the latter offers dramatic economic benefits. At present, solar water heaters
are marketed mainly in the sunnier northern regions of Australia. However, in the
future it is likely that the use of these heaters in all regions will become more
widespread.
Current models of the solar car cannot store as much energy as petrol-driven cars
of similar mass. Despite being cheaper, cleaner and quieter, solar cars tend to be
slower and smaller and are dependent on the weather.

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Worked solutions to student book questions

Chapter 24 Alternative energy sources

Q10.
Every day each one of us uses energy supplied by our society.
a Summarise the energy that you are supplied with from outside sources in a single
day. Identify the energy source (e.g. coal, gas, etc.) and its application (e.g.
transport, hot water, etc.) in your answer.
b How could you change your days activities so that your energy use is
minimised? Can you make a difference?
A10.
a

For example:
Source
electricity
electricity
gas
oil

Application
hair dryer
toast and tea
shower
car or bus

Low-energy alternatives for the applications above are: air-dry hair, have a cold
breakfast, short shower and walk or cycle. If each of us conserves energy, we can
make a difference.

Q11.
The ever-increasing use of computer-controlled systems offers opportunities for
increasing our societys efficiency in using energy. Describe how energy can be saved
by the computer control of:
a engines in cars
b traffic systems
c household lights and heating
d industrial production systems.
A11.
a
b
c
d

Improved engine tune wastes less petrol.

Reduced travel times waste less petrol.
Energy for heat and light is required for shorter periods.
Continuous monitoring of raw materials and products can provide feedback to
maintain optimum energy consumption for industrial processes.

Q12.
Changes in energy consumption over time are shown in Figure 23.3 (p. 368).
a In which decade was nuclear energy introduced? What events led to the
introduction of this form of energy?
b Why has wood not shown the same increase in consumption as other fuels?
c Suggest why the rate of use of coal was outstripped by the rate of use of oil.
d Describe four ways in which the use of energy in the daily life of a person living
in an Australian city in 1860 would have differed from that of a person living
now.

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Worked solutions to student book questions

Chapter 24 Alternative energy sources

A12.
a

The world community was introduced to the devastating power of nuclear energy
when an atomic bomb was exploded in 1945, during World War II. Several years
later the research that led to the development of the atomic bomb was applied to
the peaceful purpose of electrical power generation.
The use of other fuels such as coal, oil and uranium has increased at a faster rate
than the use of wood because the former have been more suitable for a range of
applications due to their lower cost, high energy content per unit mass, ease of
transport and distribution, or more controllable combustion. The limited
availability of wood greatly restricts its use as a fuel.
Oil is a more versatile fuel than coal. The various fractions available from crude
oil enable a range of fuels for specialised uses to be producedfor example,
high-octane petrol for racing cars and diesel for trucks. Oil also has a higher
energy content per unit mass than coal, is more conveniently handled and
produces fewer pollutants when burnt.
We now use much more energy for transport, production of consumer goods and
for heating. Coal, wood and animals were the major sources of energy in the
1860s, with relatively little use of oil and gas. While coal is still a major fuel
today, the use of nuclear, solar, wave, tidal and wind power has become more
extensive. Our current consumption of oil and the widespread delivery of energy
in the form of electricity distinguish the 1990s from the 1860s.

Q13.
Tasmania obtains nearly all of its power supplies from hydroelectricity, whereas
Victoria obtains over three-quarters of its electricity from brown coal. Account for the
difference between the two states in methods of energy production.
A13.
Both Tasmania and Victoria have chosen to use the most readily available natural
resources for their energy supplies. Tasmanias high rainfall and small population
mean that hydro-electricity is able to supply most of its energy needs. The abundance
of brown coal in Victoria has made coal a more suitable source of energy for that
state.
Q14.
Most forms of energy available to us originated from energy supplied by the Sun.
a Justify this statement by explaining the origins of wind energy, oil and
hydroelectricity.
b List the energy transformations involved in generating electricity from biogas.

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Worked solutions to student book questions

Chapter 24 Alternative energy sources

A14.
a

Wind is the result of the uneven heating of the planet by solar radiation. The
tropics receive more solar radiation per square metre than the poles. Air in the
warmer locations expands and becomes less dense. The warm air rises and winds
are created as neighbouring air moves into the low-pressure region that is created.
The energy in oil was originally present in the plants and animals from which the
oil was made. The plants obtained energy from the sun directly via
photosynthesis and the animals obtained energy indirectly, via a food chain which
began with plants.
The gravitational potential energy of water in a dam is due to the evaporation of
water from a low altitude to a higher altitude; the evaporation is a consequence of
solar energy.
chemical energy in waste chemical energy in biogas thermal energy
from combustion of biogas thermal energy of steam mechanical energy of
turbine electrical energy of generator

Q15.
The Yallourn power station in Victoria has a maximum capacity of 1450 MW. The
average daily rate at which Melbourne receives solar energy is 1.0 kW m2.
a What area of solar cells, operating at 20% efficiency, would produce the same
amount of power as the Yallourn station?
b If a typical residential block of land in the city has an area of 750 m2, how many
of these blocks does your answer in part a represent?
A15.
a

Step 1
Step 2

Calculate the energy produced by solar cells.

Solar energy per cell = 1.0 kW m2 10%
= 0.10 kW m2
Calculate the area of solar cells required.
total energy required
Area of solar cells =
energy per square metre

1450 10 3 kW
0.10 kW m 2
= 1.450 107 m2
= 1.5 107 m2 (two significant figures)
solar cell area
Number of blocks =
city block area
=

1.45 10 7 m 2
=
750 m 2
= 1.9333 104 blocks
= 1.9 104 blocks (two significant figures)

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Worked solutions to student book questions

Chapter 24 Alternative energy sources

Q16.
Is there an energy source that may be used without any environmental impact?
Explain your answer.
A16.
The use of any energy source will have a degree of environmental impact. The
important consideration when choosing and using an energy source is the extent and
nature of the impact. It is a matter of weighing the degree to which an energy source
benefits the community against its environmental cost.
Q17.
Describe how you expect energy to be provided in the year 2050 for each of the
following purposes. Give reasons for your answers.
a domestic hot water
b domestic lighting
c private transport
d industrial heating
A17.
Include reference to the expected availability of the energy source in the year 2050
(e.g. less oil and gas); consider the environmental impact of energy uses (e.g. acid rain
from burning coal), the need to conserve energy, and the development of new
technology for using energy.
Q18.
Compare the diagrams showing the operation of a coal-fired power station
(Figure 23.10 on page 372 of the student book), nuclear power station (Figure 24.3 on
page 384 of the student book) and hydroelectric power station (Figure 24.34 on page
391 of the student book).
a In what ways are the power stations similar?
b How do they differ?
c Name an advantage and a disadvantage of each form of energy production.
A18.
a
b

The power stations all convert mechanical energy in a turbine into electrical
energy. Nuclear and coal-fired power stations both use hot steam to turn their
turbines, whereas running water is used in a hydro-electric power station.
Nuclear power stations convert nuclear energy into thermal energy, which then
becomes thermal energy of steam; coal-fired power stations convert chemical
energy to thermal energy of steam; hydro-electric power stations convert the
gravitational potential energy of water in a dam to the kinetic energy of falling
water.
The power stations also differ in the type and extent of their environmental
impact. Only the hydro-electric power station uses a renewable energy source.

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Chapter 24 Alternative energy sources

c

For coal-fired power stations:

Advantages include large Australian coal reserves, low cost.
Disadvantages include pollution to the local environment, non-renewable.
For nuclear power stations:
Advantages include large Australian uranium reserves, high energy output per
mass of fuel, low accident rate, reduced fossil fuel consumption, little pollution
near the power stations.
Disadvantages include disposal of radioactive waste, devastating impact of
accidents, non-renewable.
For hydro-electric power stations:
Advantages include renewable, little pollution, low running costs.
Disadvantages include restricted sites, fact that dam destroys local habitat.

Q19.
Coal, oil, nuclear energy and solar energy are all important sources of energy today.
Give your opinion of the likely importance of each source of energy in:
a 10 years time
b 100 years time
c 1000 years time
A19.
a
b

Trends in energy use would seem to indicate an increase in our reliance on

renewable sources such as solar energy, with a slow movement away from oil to
coal and natural gas as Australias reserves begin to decline.
In 100 years time, if current rates of consumption persist, it is likely that oil
reserves will have run out, although coal reserves may still supply a considerable
proportion of the worlds energy. Opinions are divided about the likely
importance of nuclear energy and renewable forms of energy such as solar
energy. Research into nuclear fusion may have developed sufficiently for it to
have become a major source of energy.
Naturally, what human beings will be using as sources of energy in 1000 years
time is even more uncertain. Fossil fuel reserves are likely to have become a
minor source of energy.

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