The Future of Clean Energy: Crash Course Engineering #31

The video discusses the urgent need to transition to cleaner energy sources due to climate change and the eventual depletion of fossil fuels. It explores various alternative energy sources, including biomass, hydrogen fuel cells, nuclear fission, and nuclear fusion. Biomass energy is derived from burning biological matter, while hydrogen fuel cells use a chemical reaction to generate power. Nuclear fission is a non-renewable source with challenges like nuclear waste, whereas nuclear fusion holds promise for a sustainable future. Engineers play a crucial role in developing these technologies.

Why is there a need to switch to cleaner energy sources?

• To reduce the cost of energy

• To make energy production more complex

• To combat climate change and fossil fuel depletion

• To increase the use of fossil fuels

What is a key characteristic of biomass energy?

• It is derived from fossil fuels

• It does not release any carbon dioxide

• It is a non-renewable energy source

• It involves burning biological matter

How is ethanol produced in the context of biomass energy?

• By splitting uranium atoms

• By breaking down crops with enzymes

• Through the electrolysis of water

• By burning fossil fuels

What makes hydrogen a promising fuel source despite its production challenges?

• It is heavier than other fuels

• It requires no energy to produce

• It produces only water as a byproduct

• It is abundant and easy to find on Earth

What is a major drawback of using hydrogen fuel cells?

• They produce a lot of carbon dioxide

• Hydrogen is naturally abundant on Earth

• Electrolysis requires more energy than it produces

• They are heavier than batteries

What is the main fuel used in nuclear fission?

• Ethanol

• Carbon dioxide

• Uranium-235

• Hydrogen

What is a significant issue associated with nuclear fission?

• It is a renewable energy source

• It requires no mining

• It produces no waste

• It generates nuclear waste

What is the main challenge in achieving nuclear fusion on Earth?

• Excessive carbon emissions

• Abundance of uranium

• Lack of interest from engineers

• Insufficient heat and pressure

What is the potential benefit of nuclear fusion over fission?

• It requires less energy input

• It is easier to achieve

• It produces more nuclear waste

• It generates no radioactive waste

What is ITER, and what is its goal?

• A fusion plant aiming for self-sustaining fusion

• A wind farm designed to increase energy output

• A biomass facility to produce ethanol

• A solar power plant aiming to reduce costs