Chapter 32, Problem 42PE

Integrated Concepts

(a) Estimate the years 1hat1he deuterium fuel in the oceans could supply the energy' needs of the world. Assume world energy consumption to be ten times that of the United States which is $8\times {10}^{19}\text{J}/\text{y}$ and the deuterium in the oceans could be converted to energy with an efficiency of 32%. You must estimate or look up the amount of water in the oceans and take the deuterium content to be 0.015% of natural hydrogen to find the mass of deuterium available. Note that approximate energy yield at deuterium is $3.37\times {10}^{14}\text{J/kg}$.

(b) Comment on how much time this is by any human measure. (It is not an unreasonable result, only an impressive one.)