Question

ethanol is an alternative fuel made from corn. what is one of the unintended effects of using ethanol as a fuel?
a. decreased cost of fuel production
b. decrease in farm land available for food production
c. increase in the consumption of fossil fuels
d. increased carbon footprint from driving automobiles

Explanation:

To determine the correct answer, we analyze each option:

• Option A: Using ethanol (made from corn) as fuel would likely increase, not decrease, the cost of fuel production due to the need to grow and process corn, so A is incorrect.
• Option B: Since ethanol is made from corn, more corn is used for fuel production. This reduces the amount of farmland available for growing food crops (food production), so B is a valid unintended effect.
• Option C: Ethanol is an alternative to fossil fuels, so using it should decrease, not increase, fossil fuel consumption, making C incorrect.
• Option D: Ethanol generally has a lower carbon footprint than many fossil fuels when used in automobiles, so D is incorrect.

Answer:

B. decrease in farm land available for food production