Coal Car Calculations
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Activity - Terry Sacket
Summary
This activity provides an introductory perspective of the kinds of word problems in APES. Activity is intended to
prompt discussion about course content.
Curriculum
01 AP Environmental Science
Unit
I. What & Where and My Impact of Energy Use
Duration
1 Class Periods
Coal to KiloWatt Calculations
This activity appears to focus on coal and energy, but it will serve to make one aware of the
diverse information explored with in APES.
This summer activity is an introduction to the kinds of problem solving is explored in APES. On
the first day we meet, we will explore how different students approach “getting at” the solutions.
Since we have not had opportunity to discuss related information you will need to explore the
internet to pull in additional information. One has a summer to explore possible solutions.
Grade is based on identifying applicable data from internet and developing a logical approach to
solving solutions. NOTE: I am interested in problem solving more so than getting the “correct”
answer.
First think through how the background information below relates to the questions asked below. You will need to
download Google Earth to access some information.
Background
a. Of several coal cars observed, typically the capacity was 144,000. Pounds is assumed for the quantity.
b. Sulfur content is in question for coal usage and resulting pollution problems. Use the
Coal Car Location.kmz file
to determine possible source of coal. Google Earth will open up to the location (I hope) this picture was taken. Useful
data concerning coal can be located at USGS. Be sure to look for applicable data on this site.
c. Missing parameters (conditions) may be defined by student, but must be defend-able and explained on paper.
d. Show work using conversion factors (factor label method) to obtain answer. You may need an review dimensional
analysis.
e. For background you may need to get a better understanding of kilowatt - hours and how it might apply to question(s)
below. Use this website for the overview.
f. Consider reading information located at US Coal Fields.pdf. Be attentive to details provided in this document?
g. The formation of acid rain from sulfur dioxide can be represented by the following chemical reaction.
SO2 + H20 --> H2SO3
h. Reference https://www.eia.gov/coal/annual/ for coal cost per short ton. A short ton is used by the US only and is
equal 2000 lbs.
Questions
Copy questions to journal and answer each question.
1. Approximately how many Mj of energy would be produced from one coal car?
2. Approximately how many kilowatts could be obtained from the loads of coal found in these four coal cars?
3. How long would your home energy needs be provided for by these four coal cars? Show all work and explain
bases for determining solution.
4. How many pounds of sulfuric acid might form per coal car?
Journal Entry
Upload a photograph of work done.
Choose File