Question

2. Genetically-modified sugar beets are being investigated as a possible source crop for the production of ethanol biofuel. Some studies suggest that sugar beets could yield more ethanol per kilogram and for a lower cost compared to corn. a) In your own words, explain the basic reason for which biofuels such as ethanol (and biodiesel) are renewable. [1 Mark] b) Under what conditions would ethanol produced from sugar beets be carbon- neutral? [1 Mark]

3. The technology now exists to produce reliable and efficient electric cars that do not require fossil fuels and that produce no carbon dioxide emissions.

   1. a) Explain one reason why the use of an electric car might not eliminate your trans- portation carbon footprint. [1 Mark]

   2. b) Find out which Canadian provinces are most likely to see real reductions in carbon emissions as a result of the introduction of electric cars. (Cite your sources, as usual.) Remember from the course notes that coal emits at least twice as much carbon dioxide for the same amount of released thermal energy as does gasoline or natural gas. (Hint: How does each province produce its electricity?) [3 Marks]

Answer 1

2. a

Ethanol are considered as biofuel because they are produced from. biomass to produce sources of energy. Since, the ethanol are obatianed from plant sources that are renewable, biodiesel are considered as renewable source of energy.  

2b

When we ignore the carbon dioxide production during production of ethanol from beetroot, we can assume ethanol production as carbon-fixation.

3a.

Electric car do not produce half of the emission that are produced by gasoline, they might not eliminate transportation carbon footprint.

3.b

The gasoline used transportation produces high amount of carbon dioxide that are dangerous to the environmental. Therefore, use of electric car might be another alternate.