Consider This 8.5 Cell Phone Batteries
Many cell phones use lithium ion batteries.
a. Why is this battery suited for use in portable devices?
b. What materials form the anode and cathode?
c. How does the lithium ion battery differ from a lithium-iodine battery?
d. What other types of batteries are used in cell phones? Name the advantages and disadvantages of each compared with lithium ion batteries.

Consider This 8.6 Oxyride Batteries
Panasonic recently introduced the Oxyride battery.
a. Where was this battery developed?
b. What advantages does the Oxyride battery have over a regular alkaline battery?
c. How does this battery differ chemically from a regular alkaline battery?
d. Is this battery rechargeable? Why or why not?

Consider This 8.9 NiMH Batteries
Toyota's successful Prius gas-electric hybrid car uses nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. According to the manufacturer, the batteries should not have to be recharged or replaced during the normal lifetime of the car.
a. Identify the oxidation half-reaction, the reduction half-reaction, and the overall chemical change that takes place in a NiMH battery.
b. What features of NiMH batteries make them superior to lead-acid storage batteries that were used in the past?

Related Links:
Battery Chemistry
Electric Cars

Consider This 8.10 Fuel-Efficient Cars
Answer these questions using Figure 8.7 and the fuel economy sites from the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.
a. How many cars on this list are built by U.S. auto manufacturers?
b. Which manufacturer accounts for the greatest number of top 10 vehicles?
c. Even though they are not in the top 10, which manufacturer makes the most fuel-efficient diesels?
d. The Hummer H2 and the Ford Excursion are not included in EPA lists for fuel-efficiency. Why is that?

Consider This 8.11 Hybrids and the Drive for Power
a. Why are some of the newer hybrid car models less fuel efficient than the first ones introduced, such as the Honda Insight or the Toyota Prius?
b. The Federal government, some states, and even some cities encourage the purchase of hybrid cars by offering benefits. List some of these.

Related Links:
Life in the Green Lane
Federal Hybrid Incentives

Consider This 8.15 Military Electrons
The Department of Defense (DoD) maintains a website describing potential military applications of fuel cells. Check out several of the demonstration sites across the country to learn the different uses of these fuel cells and any cost savings reported.

Consider This 8.16 Other Fuel Cell Technologies
The Canadian government's hydrogen fuel cell website describes several applications currently being proposed for future development. What are the prospects for the near future? Which do you think will become the most successful commercial products? Explain.

Related Links:
A Fuel Cell Plane

Consider This 8.22 Iceland's Hydrogen Economy
The small country of Iceland is taking bold steps to be the first to cut its ties to fossil fuels. Iceland's plan, first announced in February 1999, was to demonstrate that the country can produce, store, and distribute hydrogen as a means to power both public and private transportation.
a. Who are the partners in this venture?
b. What tangible outcomes have resulted to date?
c. Do you think the lessons learned in Iceland will be relevant for the United States? Explain your reasoning.

Consider This 8.27 A Million and One Solar Roofs
Use the Web to learn about home solar energy projects in your community. Make a list of things would you consider when deciding whether to install solar panels on your roof.

Consider This 8.29 Our Energetic Future
Wind and tidal power, biomass, and geothermal energy are all renewable sources of energy. Use the Web to find out more about one of these technologies. What are the particular geographic restrictions (if any) to its use? How large of a role do you think the selected technology will have on the energy production capacity of the U.S. or the world?