Homework Solution

TQ 1-4

a.    Exponential growth occurs when the growth rate per unit time interval is constant.

b.   

Given:

        The United States has the equivalent of 400 standard-sized 1000 MW power plants.

        The growth rate for electrical power consumption is 2% per year.

Find:

        The number of additional power plants that will be required in 35 years.

Science:

        DT = 70 years
                    i(%)

Solve:

        DT = 70 years = 35 years
                    2

        The United States will need 400 new standard-sized 1000 MW power plants in the next 35 years (double the current number).