3 ms·

How much energy is one soda can’s worth of aluminum?

• philipkglass 6y ago
  It's about 14.9 grams of aluminum: https://recycleusainc.com/how-many-aluminum-cans-equal-1-pound/ https://recycleusainc.com/how-many-aluminum-cans-equal-1-pou... Modern aluminum smelters consume 12,500 to 15,000 kilowatt hours per metric ton of metal produced: https://agmetalminer.com/2015/11/24/power-costs-the-production-primary-aluminum/ https://agmetalminer.com/2015/11/24/power-costs-the-producti... If we take the higher value of 15,000 kWh, that's (14.9 / 1000000) * 15000 = 0.22 kWh for one can's worth of aluminum.
  • mrfusion 6y ago
    Thanks! Wow that’s a lot of energy.
    • e_y_ 6y ago
      But when you're done with it, you can just dump it in your Mr. Fusion and get it right back.
    • caf 6y ago
      Enough to drive a Model 3 about 1.5km.
    • perilunar 6y ago
      Fortunately it's 100% recyclable.