Physics 162 First Homework Assignment

    Important: Remember to show your work on the numerical questions. We grade on process around here, not whether you get the "right" answer or not. So document your steps!

  1. In 2009, the US produced electrical power at the scale of 1.2 terrawatts. Calculate the per capita electrical power in the US (this is equivalent to the amount of power required per individual at any given time).

  2. Energy = power x time; Power is measured in units of watts (kilowatts, megawatts, gigawatts, terrawatts) and is instananeous. Power used over time is energy. Based on your calculation in question 1, and assuming an average energy cost of 9 cents per KWH, what is the monthly baseline per capita electricity cost to a US citizen.

  3. One gallon of gasoline has an energy density storage equivalent of about 35 KWH. In Eugene the price of electricity is 7.5 cents per kwh. You have two options on what kind of car to buy - a new gasoline powered car or a plug-in electric vehicle. Your plug-in EV uses 1 KWH for every 2 miles driven. Your gasoline powered car gets 40 miles per gallon. Finally, your plug-in EV has a charging efficiency of 85% (meaning for each KWH stored in the battery you have to deliver 1/.85 ~ 1.2 KWH of electricity).

    If gas is $3 per gallon, what is the total cost of going 120 miles for your EV compared to the gasoline powered car.?

  4. In the lecture pages its stated that the world's oil supply will essentially run out in the next 50 years. Find some information that would either support or refute that argument and make your judgement on which is most correct. In addition, critically discuss whether the extant data supports the idea that we are now at "Peak Oil" in terms of our ability to distribute oil resources over the planet.

  5. Find some information on the worldwide production of Liquified Natural Gas. (LNG). How many LNG import facilities are there in the United States and where are they located? What are the United State's plans with regard to expanding these facilities and what is some of the opposition to that expansion?