Question

global carbon emissions from fossil fuel burning
year millions of tons of carbon
1900 500
1925 1000
1950 1500
1975 5000
2000 7000
what is the average rate of change in global carbon emissions per year from fossil fuel burning from
a. 1900 - 1950
b. 1950 - 2000
the greater average rate of change for fossil fuel burning occurred during which of the two given time periods? type in either 1900 - 1950 or 1950 - 2000.

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate time - span and emission change for 1900 - 1950

The time - span from 1900 to 1950 is $1950 - 1900=50$ years. The carbon emissions changed from 500 million tons to 1500 million tons. The change in emissions $\Delta E_1=1500 - 500 = 1000$ million tons.

Step2: Calculate average rate of change for 1900 - 1950

The average rate of change $r_1=\frac{\Delta E_1}{t_1}=\frac{1000}{50}=20$ million tons per year.

Step3: Calculate time - span and emission change for 1950 - 2000

The time - span from 1950 to 2000 is $2000 - 1950 = 50$ years. The carbon emissions changed from 1500 million tons to 7000 million tons. The change in emissions $\Delta E_2=7000 - 1500=5500$ million tons.

Step4: Calculate average rate of change for 1950 - 2000

The average rate of change $r_2=\frac{\Delta E_2}{t_2}=\frac{5500}{50}=110$ million tons per year.

Step5: Compare the two rates of change

Since $110>20$, the greater average rate of change occurred during 1950 - 2000.

Answer:

a. 20
b. 110
1950 - 2000