- 1. In his groundbreaking work 'Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air', David J. C. Mackay presents a comprehensive analysis of the global energy landscape, interweaving scientific rigor with accessible storytelling. Mackay, a physicist, challenges readers to confront the stark realities of energy consumption and sustainability, urging them to consider the feasibility of various renewable energy sources. Through meticulously presented data, he elucidates the potential roles of solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy in creating a sustainable future while also addressing the limitations and challenges associated with each. By employing clear graphs and straightforward calculations, Mackay enables audiences to visualize the scale of energy demands and the stark contrast between those demands and the capabilities of current renewable technologies. His pragmatic approach encourages a critical examination of energy policies and individual behaviors, fostering a deeper understanding of how choices made today can impact future generations. Ultimately, Mackay advocates for an ambitious yet achievable transition to sustainable energy, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making grounded in scientific facts and realistic assessments of energy potentials.
What is the approximate power consumption of a typical human in watts, according to Mackay's baseline?
A) 250 W
B) 50 W
C) 125 W
D) 500 W
- 2. What unit does Mackay frequently use to measure energy consumption per day?
A) BTU per hour
B) kWh per day
C) Watts per month
D) Joules per second
- 3. How much energy does a typical UK citizen consume per day, according to Mackay's figures?
A) About 50 kWh per day
B) About 500 kWh per day
C) About 125 kWh per day
D) About 250 kWh per day
- 4. How does Mackay suggest we should think about energy numbers?
A) Focus on cost per unit
B) Use only scientific notation
C) Ignore small contributions
D) Compare everything to personal energy consumption
- 5. What is the power density of biofuels in W/m²?
A) About 0.05 W/m²
B) About 5 W/m²
C) About 0.5 W/m²
D) About 2 W/m²
- 6. What country does Mackay use as his primary case study?
A) Germany
B) United States
C) United Kingdom
D) China
- 7. What is the main advantage of pumped storage hydroelectricity?
A) Highest power density
B) Lowest cost per kWh
C) Zero environmental impact
D) Energy storage for grid balancing
- 8. How much land would be needed to power the UK with biofuels alone?
A) About 10% of UK land
B) Less than 5% of UK land
C) About 50% of UK land
D) More than all UK land area
- 9. What is Mackay's professional background?
A) Physics professor
B) Environmental engineer
C) Political scientist
D) Economics professor
- 10. What does Mackay emphasize about energy planning?
A) Importance of public opinion
B) Focus on political feasibility
C) Cost as the only factor
D) Need for arithmetic and realistic numbers
- 11. What is the main renewable energy source MacKay suggests could power Britain?
A) Solar PV
B) Hydroelectric
C) Geothermal
D) Offshore wind
- 12. What is the typical power density of solar photovoltaic panels in W/m²?
A) 50-100
B) 1-5
C) 5-20
D) 100-200
- 13. What country gets most of its electricity from hydroelectric power?
A) United Kingdom
B) Norway
C) France
D) Australia
- 14. What is the typical capacity factor of offshore wind farms?
A) 30-40%
B) 70-80%
C) 10-20%
D) 50-60%
- 15. What is the main energy source for photosynthesis?
A) Sunlight
B) Soil nutrients
C) Atmospheric gases
D) Water
- 16. What percentage of incoming solar radiation reaches Earth's surface?
A) 10%
B) 75%
C) 25%
D) 50%
- 17. What is the typical efficiency of a coal power plant?
A) 25%
B) 37%
C) 65%
D) 50%
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