Part I. Short answer

A. (10 pts.) What were the scientists looking for on their "Suicide Mission to Chernobyl"?

B. (10 pts.) Name two causes of the 1970s energy crisis.

C. (20 pts.) Why did the use of water power in America lead to "expansion" but the use of steam power lead to "concentration"?

Part II. Essay (60 points)

Nye argues that Americans developed a "culture of consumption" starting in the late 19th century and continuing up to today. Explain the origins of this "culture of consumption," considering at least three of the following factors: economics of energy use, attitudes toward the natural environment, business practices, government actions, lifestyle choices (home and leisure), personal and national identity. Which factor seems most "American"--that is, most different from the choices made in other developed countries?