Physics 162 First Homework Assignment

  1. 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.

  2. A renewable portfolio standard (RPS) is a state policy that requires electricity providers to obtain a minimum percentage of their power from renewable energy resources by a certain date. Usually the RPS appears on the ballot as an initiative that requires approval from the voters. Recently an RPS narrowly passed in Washington state. Similarly, one is in the works for the State of Oregon. Do some research and report on the various components of that RPS and how the state plans to meet them.

  3. 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? Also describe the current plan for a pipeline in Coos Bay and the opposition to that.

  4. Do some research and determine approximately how many gasoline powered vehicles there are in the United States as well as the average number of vehicle miles travelled (per vehicle) annually. If the average fuel efficiency of these vehicles is 20 mpg what is the annual total number of gallons of gas consumed in the United States? If fuel economy remains constant, but the average number of vehicle miles increases by 5% per year, how many gallons of gas will be required annually in the year 2035?