Question

How many years could the world run on the Earth's stored hydrogen (H2) fuel resource (The hydrogen fuel in the ground and oceans) assuming that we got all of our power from H2 fuel? (Note this does not include fusion of Hydrogen)

A) 0 years
B) ~1 year
C) ~24,000 years
D) 100,000 years
E) Effectively forever

Answer 1

The world could run on Earth's stored hydrogen fuel resources for approximately 24,000 years, considering the current energy needs and the potential energy yield of deuterium from the oceans. Option C is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking how many years could the world run on the Earth's stored hydrogen (H2) fuel resources, assuming all our power came from hydrogen fuel. Given that the world's energy consumption is about 8 x 1019 J/y (for the US, multiplied by ten for the global consumption), and the energy yield of deuterium (a type of hydrogen) is approximately 3.37 x 1014 J/kg, we can estimate this duration.

Further, considering that the deuterium content in the oceans is about 0.015% of natural hydrogen, we can use these figures to calculate how much deuterium is available and how long it would last based on the current energy consumption levels.Using an example, the energy released from fusion of one kilogram of hydrogen could power a U.S. household for roughly 17,000 years, indicating the vast energy potential of fusion.

Hence, if we successfully harness controlled fusion, it would greatly impact the world economy and international politics, much like how oil and natural gas reserves influence the global scene today. Considering the substantial energy available from hydrogen in the world's oceans, the correct answer to the student's question is C) ~24,000 years.