Can Alternative Energy Sources Meet Future U.S. Power Demand?

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The United States is the largest consumer of energy globally, primarily relying on fossil fuels, especially coal, which contributes significantly to CO2 emissions and pollution. While alternative energy sources like wind, solar, and hydro are available, they are viewed as insufficient to meet future energy demands. The discussion highlights the lack of motivation to transition from coal, as immediate threats are not perceived. Technological advancements in energy production, such as nuclear fission and potential future solutions like fusion, are debated. Nuclear energy is considered a viable alternative due to its low waste output compared to fossil fuels, despite public apprehension stemming from historical accidents. The conversation also touches on the need for a shift in public perception regarding nuclear power and the potential for renewable energy sources to supplement traditional energy needs. However, the consensus is that a combination of energy sources, including nuclear, is necessary to address the growing demand for electricity while minimizing environmental impact.
  • #91
I have an idea for an alternative power source, but it is way out there and was wondering what you think of it. I remember reading about Nicola Tesla's earthquake machine, here's a link I looked up http://members.tripod.com/~Glove_r/Tesla.html I am unsure of its accuracy but leads to the point I would like to make. Basicly the Earth is resonating at a specific frequency like a bell here is another link http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/jbstoneking/jbspage7.htm
and with his oscillator running at the resonant freq of the Earth would it be possible to load the machine down without causeing it to stop? I believe the power source that drives it, is from the Earth's natural vibration caused via cosmic energy bombarding the Earth all the time. Like I said the idea is out there.
 
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  • #92
Here's my idea for energy. Apples...

It's a common physical statement that the US could run all it's power for about an hour with the energy is just one apple.

So let's make a machine that turns apples into energy!
 
  • #93
Are you making fun of me?
 
  • #94
Originally posted by LogicalAtheist
Here's my idea for energy. Apples...

It's a common physical statement that the US could run all it's power for about an hour with the energy is just one apple.

So let's make a machine that turns apples into energy!


I suppose you could use the hydrogen within the apples to do fusion with..
 
  • #95
Think about it. If one apple can run the country for an entire hour - why is the energy from an apple doesn't keep a human very energized at all?

We're such poor extractors of energy. Off of maybe 5 dollars of apples we could live our entire lives.
 
  • #96
who stated that you can run the country for one hour on one apple?
 
  • #97
Originally posted by sheldon
who stated that you can run the country for one hour on one apple?

Science.
 
  • #98
Science.
You come back with a bleak an vague statement that does nothing to inform the public.

Here is a better expalination. SOme one took the mass of an average apple and put it into this equation.
E=mc(squared)
They then did the math on how long it would take for the energy of the apple to be used up.

Now, it is entirely impossible to use all the energy of an apple. There will always be leftovers and wasted energy.
So there you have it. THe explanation for the ignarant and the special people.
 
  • #99
Originally posted by avemt1

So there you have it. THe explanation for the ignarant and the special people.

That was necessary to say
 
  • #100
That was necessary to say

Hey man, don't sweat it. In a way, everyone is ignorant until they learn. The kid touching the stove is ignorant until he does it. I was ignorant about thermal generators until you turned me on to them.

Ahh, but if none of that comforts, at least you can gain a lil bit of pleasure from know that you can spell ignorant.


And for the record, I've read a good bit about Tesla since our last encounter, and it does seem like he's figured out exactly what your talking about. A trip to his museum where ever he's from would be cool.

Seems something similar to an rc-car radio control should do the trick, but I'm not real sure right now.

LA, an apple? Come on.
 
  • #101
I won't sweat my own ignorance Ignorance is bliss
 
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