Problem 2
While in the car with a friend, a radio news story mentions a coal mine accident in which some miners have been injured. After hearing this, your friend says, "I thought coal was sort of an old-fashioned fuel that wasn't used much anymore." How would you convince your friend that he's mistaken?
Problem 4
In the years to come, coal will likely represent a smaller percentage of U.S. energy consumption than it does at present. However, it is also predicted that coal production will increase. Explain this apparent paradox.
Problem 5
As you and a companion are taking a walk, you mention that you have been reading about renewable and nonrenewable resources. Shortly after mentioning this fact, the two of you pass a refuse container that has a sign that says "Aluminum cans only." Upon seeing this, your companion says, "They sure recycle lots of aluminum these days. That makes it a renewable resource, right?" How would you reply?
Problem 6
This chapter includes a discussion of industrial minerals. Are these substances actually minerals? That is, do they meet the definition of mineral outlined in Chapter 3? Explain.
Problem 7
Assume that you just read a magazine article about a copper mine that is closing. In the article, a mining geologist states that there was plenty of copper-bearing rock remaining and that the concentration of copper was uniform and of equal quality to what had been mined in the past. Later in the article, a spokesperson for the mine owner states, "No ore remains." Assume that both the geologist and the spokesperson are correct and suggest an explanation for the apparently contradicting statements.
