In 2012, the United States generated about 4054 billion kW h of electricity. Abo

Question

In 2012, the United States generated about 4054 billion kW h of electricity. About 68% of the electricity generated was from fossil fuel (coal, natural gas, and petroleum), with 37% from coal^18. The amount of coal consumption was estimated as 742 billion kg. Assuming that each kg of coal produces 22, 500 kJ of heat at a temperature of 1600 K and the power plant rejects heat to the atmosphere at 20 degree C, calculate the maximum amount of electricity that could have been generated from the coal.

Explanation / Answer

742 billion kg of Coal = 742×10^9 Kg of coal

22500 KJ of energy produced from 1Kg of coal

Therefore ,742 billion Kg of Coal produces 742 ×10^9 × 2.25 ×10^4 = 1.669×10^19 Jules of heat

1 kWh = 3600000jules

Therefore 1.669×10^19 Jules of heat = 1.669×10^19 /3600000 = 4636 billion kWh

After heat loss the electricity produced is 3789 billionkWh

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