Abstract Nuclear fusion is the process by which nuclear reactions between light elements form heavier ones, up to iron. Significant amounts of energy are released in cases where the interacting nuclei belong to elements with low atomic numbers. Fusion reactions comprise the fundamental energy source of stars, including the Sun, and represent an alternative energy source in a energy-starved world. This paper provides an overview of nuclear fusion reactor construction, typical costs associated with nuclear fusion research and development, the types of energy that would be replaced by nuclear fusion, and a comparison of nuclear fusion energy and hydrogen energy. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
From the Paper "Practical efforts to achieve fusion energy involve either of two basic approaches to contain and sometimes sustain a hot plasma of elements that undergo nuclear fusion reactions: magnetic confinement and inertial confinement. Late in the 1960s, major advances were made in efforts to harness fusion reactions for practical energy production: when the Soviets announced the achievement of high plasma temperature (about 3,000,000 K), along with other physical parameters, in a tokamak, described as a toroidal magnetic confinement system in which the plasma is kept generally stable both by an externally generated, doughnut-shaped magnetic field and by electric currents flowing within the plasma itself."
Abstract This paper is a technical report on a laboratory experiment on surface tension measurements using the capillary rise method. Samples are deionized water and varying concentrations of NaCl and of HOAc. Calculations are included in the appendix.
From the Paper "Increasing concentrations of HOAc solutions tend to lower surface tension of water, while NaCl solutions increase surface tension of water. The former results to a condition called positive surface concentration, where the solute tend to concentrate slightly in the neighborhood of the surface; the latter is due to negative surface concentration, where the solute molecules become less concentrated in the neighborhood of the surface."
Abstract Scientists, environmentalists, and advocates of cheap, clean energy often tout solar energy as the answer to the world's energy problems and the energy source of the future. This paper examines whether solar energy is, indeed, the answer and whether its use on a large-scale is practical for use in the United States. It also looks at the history and types of solar energy.
From the Paper "In addition, creating solar power generators it is a much smaller endeavor than building power generators for neighborhoods and businesses. Solar energy is quiet, reliable, and safe, and it makes sense in a variety of situations. Because of this, many states, including New Jersey, are adopting stricter standards for utility companies concerning utilizing more solar power. A recent amendment by the New Jersey Legislature requires the state's electrical utilities to utilize solar power as a portion of their power generation."
Abstract This paper explains that, since 9/11, countries with a high level of terrorism, such as Israel, use metal detectors, which were formerly used mainly in prisons, but are now used in airports and other public buildings. The author reports that there are three types of metal detectors in general use today, including walk-through, hand-held, and extended arm types. The paper relates that several newer technologies, such as back-scatter X-ray, millimeter wave analysis, and terahertz wave technology, are in various phases of development and deployment to supplement the basic equipment that has traditionally relied on magnetic induction fields and their interaction with electrically conductive and magnetically permeable materials.
From the Paper "Most metal detectors utilize an electromagnetic field generated by passing an electric current through a wire coil. In the case of walk-through metal detectors, the electromagnetic field is projected in the form of a wall between the borders formed by the equipment; hand-held devices project a circular field surrounding the length of the device. In the case of walk through detectors, subjects (and any potential targets) pass completely through the electromagnetic field, whereas hand-held devices are employed by passing them close enough to potential targets to come within the known dimensions of the magnetic field surrounding the device. Extended arm detectors function exactly the same as hand-held devices, except that their design allows them to be more easily deployed to bring their electromagnetic field closer to the ground for their specific use in detecting buried weapons or contraband."
Abstract This paper provides an overview and background of aramids, in general, and Kevlar, in particular, including its physical properties, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as anticipated future developments and trends in its production. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Advantages and Disadvantages
Future Developments and Trends
Conclusion
From the Paper "Background and Overview. Kevlar is an industrial textile that is most commonly known in the manufacture of bulletproof vests; however, it is also used in the manufacture of composites, and fiber optic and electromechanical cables (Seewald, 1991). Industrial textiles refer to the manufacture of such fabrics as asbestos, glass fibers, carbon fibers and Kevlar, which are produced for the automotive, aerospace sectors of industry (Martin, Penn & Scattergood, 1991). Following the success of nylons in such applications, aromatic nylons known as aramids were created through the condensation of a diamine and terephthalic acid (this is a carboxylic acid that contains a hexagonal benzene ring in its molecules). The close packing of the aromatic polymer chains resulted in a strong, tough, stiff, high-melting fiber that was suitable for use in radial tires, heat- or flame-resistant fabrics, bulletproof clothing, and fiber-reinforced composite materials. DuPont first began to produce Nomex (its trademark for poly-meta-phenylene isophthalamide) in 1961 and Kevlar (the trademarked name of poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide) in 1971 (Stevens & Kauffman, 2004)."
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of entropy, describing how it governs every physical, chemical, and biological aspect of life. The paper explores two different perspectives to view entropy: that it is essentially dispersive in nature and that it is constructive in nature. The paper provides examples to illustrate entropy.
From the Paper "Entropy effects are seen in almost every instance of life. At an atomic and molecular level, the energy of substances is associated with their motion. A more energetic compound has greater motion. This atomic and molecular motion can be translational, vibrational and/or rotational, in decreasing order of energy. Each of these motions is associated with energy levels that are discrete. Atoms and, in turn, molecules cannot have randomly assigned energies. This means that substances can possess only discrete quanta or packets of energy."
Abstract This paper examines the history and specifics of Taylor's theory of scientific management. The scope of telecommunication installation is discussed, and the application of Taylor's theory of scientific management to telecommunications installation is reviewed. A summary of key points and recommendations is given.
Outline
Introduction
Telecommunications Installation
Frederick Taylor's Theory of Scientific Management
Scientific Management and Telecommunications Installation
Key Points
Conclusion
Recommendation
From the Paper "In order to understand how Frederick Taylor's theories apply to telecommunications, it is first important to understand the scope of telecommunication installation. Telecommunication itself is simply communication that is achieved through electronic transmission, such as cable, radio, television, telephone, or even the telegraph (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language). Installation in telecommunications can include installation of underground and aerial telephone and other telecommunication lines, and cable television lines and cables. Further, telecommunication installation can include fitting of telephone equipment and hardware, as well as wiring (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada)."
Abstract This paper explains that the Johnstown Flood of 1889 was due to poor construction of the dam. The writer states that there will never be another flood like this again due to laws passed in the state of Pennsylvania.
From the Paper "The Johnstown Flood was caused due to the poor construction of the South Fork Dam. In 1839, the Pennsylvania commonwealth began building a dam. The dam was to be used in times of drought for the canal basin in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Fourteen years later the South Fork dam was completed. Diann Olsen stated that the dam took so long to build that the canal system became obsolete by the Pennsylvania Railroad. The Pennsylvania Railroad bought the dam and the canal in 1857. The dam broke in the summer of 1862 while under the ownership of the Pennsylvania Railroad (Olsen, 3). The lake was only halfway full and it was a dry summer, so the dam did not cause much damage."
Abstract This paper explains string theory, which has been put forth by physicists in an effort to develop a theory of gravity that can be incorporated into the quantum understanding of nature. The paper explains that string theory hypothesizes that classical point particles are actually infinitesimally small lines or, perhaps, loops and that the theory supports the concept that all quantum particles, including the messenger particle of gravity, or graviton, are components of a single, master superfield.
From the Paper "Generally speaking, considering the enormous amount of matter that was concentrated in a tiny space after the Big Bang, the setting for unification is contained by almost unbelievable energy levels. Efforts to achieve this "mathematically" have been reasonably successful and are termed Grand Unified Theories, or GUT. So far, physicists have managed to unify the electromagnetic, weak, and strong interactions into one formalism."
This paper discusses the life and works of one of the most instrumental contributors to mathematical and scientific theory in the last few centuries, Sir Isaac Newton.
Abstract This paper explains that Sir Isaac Newton advanced a whole new system of mathematics, including systems of physics and calculus, which were revolutionary during his time and continued to be
observed long after his death. The author points out that one of Newton's most significant contributions is his basic laws of motion often call Newton's Laws. The paper relates Isaac Newton would never have described himself as a 'scientist' because the word was not coined until more than a century after his death; he was a reclusive Hebrew scholar and Classicist who wrote more about alchemy and theology than the natural world, and his posthumous reputation is riddled with contradictions.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Life of Mathematician
Significant Contributions
Comparison to Present System
Conclusion
From the Paper "Newton's laws of motion can generally be described through example and demonstration and represent a continuation of thought and inquiry into questions of physics. For example, many scientists before Newton could think of explanations for the continuation of movement of a given object due to force and velocity, but could not demonstrate it in a scientific way in the same way that Newton could with his laws of
motion. Using force and velocity, Newton made important mathematical relations that showed up in real world examples. For example, if someone was riding on a horse, they were going the same speed as the horse, then their velocity remained constant, but if something changed their velocity, it would differ from the velocity of the horse, and they
may change velocity in direction of proportionate force. Newton also contributed the commonly repeated maxim that each and every force (action) has an equal and opposite force (reaction). This is a very significant contribution because it represents a basic precept of modern physics."
Abstract This paper examines the myriad of changes brought about by the invention of the light bulb. The paper presents issues of safety of light bulbs as opposed to candles. The paper also claims that the light bulb has changed the face of travel, enabling safe passage whether by car, boat, airplane or walking. It has also greatly increased productivity worldwide by allowing longer hours of work.
From the Paper "The light bulb was perhaps the most significant invention since fire; although fire was never truly invented. Nevertheless, the light bulb has impacted our lives on a scale similar to that of when our ancestors first harnessed the flame: it has altered the way people live their lives so drastically that it is difficult to even imagine life in its absence. Thanks to its invention, the night is open to far more activities than the candle or even the lantern could ever have provided. Its likelihood as a fire starter is much less than its predecessors, thus increasing the safety of people and their property. The light bulb has changed the face of travel. It has also greatly increased productivity worldwide."
Abstract This paper provides a full explanation about the way in which solar energy is created. The paper looks at the process in details and then discusses what benefits solar energy may have in the future.
From the Paper "Solar Energy comes from Solar cells which today are mostly made of silicon, one of the most common elements on Earth. The crystalline silicon solar cell was one of the first types to be developed and it is still the most common type in use today. They do not pollute the atmosphere and they leave behind no harmful waste products. Photovoltaic cells work effectively even in cloudy weather and unlike solar heaters, are more efficient at low temperatures. They do their job silently and there are no moving parts to wear out. It is no wonder that one marvels on how such a device would function. To understand how a solar cell works, it is necessary to go back to some basic atomic concepts. In the simplest model of the atom, electrons orbit a central nucleus, composed of protons and neutrons."
Tags: alternative, cells, electricity, energy, fuels, photovoltaic, power, solar
Abstract This paper thoroughly describes the advantages and disadvantages between using nuclear energy and fossil fuels. Overall, the paper provides a positive view of nuclear energy and concludes that its advantages outweigh its disadvantages.
From the Paper "The green, glowing substance illustrated on "The Simpsons", capable of destroying 155,200 people and giving frogs three legs, actually proves to be beneficial. A decrease in the conventional coal burning ways is more than important for conserving and consuming energy. The efficient, clean and safe solution for conservation appears to be nuclear energy. As the safest out of any major technological industry, nuclear technology's powers are nearly limitless. Of course, with no known method for storing radioactive waste, it is in constant, high debate because of the danger spent reactors pose. Leakage and moving tectonic plates in the main storage mountain, the Yucca, continue to be arguments for the opposing of nuclear energy. Still, in everyday use, the benefits of nuclear power outweigh the negative aspects and are a prime alternative to the rapid reduction of fossil fuels."
Abstract This presents an overview of Galileo's birth, family life, upbringing education and cause of death. The author points out the countries in which he lived and worked. The paper examples of Galileo's contributions and most important works.
From the Paper "According to Al Van Helden online, Galileo was born in Pisa, Italy, on February ..., the first of six children. While his family belonged to the nobility, it was not rich as his father was a musician. Once he was old enough to be educated in a monastery, his parents sent him to the Camaldolese Monastery at Vallombrosa. The Camaldolese Order combined the solitary life of the hermit with the strict life of the monk. Galileo enjoyed his time at the monastery and he became a ..."
Tags: Galileop, Copernius, the Inqusition, heresy, astronomy, telescope, life and times, Catholic church, biography of Galileo
Abstract This paper takes a look at nanotechnology and reviews the possibilities of nanotechnology possessing the properties to become the next revolution. This paper also discusses the speech "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom" given by Nobel Prize winning physicist, Richard Feynman, disagreeing that the laws of physics do not control man's capacity to control single atoms and molecules.
From the Paper "It has been said that with creation comes destruction. Technology has yet to perfect rational within nanotechnology. However, if a nanomachine with the capability of logical reasoning is developed, one must speculate whether or not nanotechnology can possess the properties to become the next revolution. Forming a new revolution can alter the way the society lives economically, scientifically, and in many other ways. In essence, nanotechnology with the capacity of logical reasoning can have the capability to become harmful instead of good, striving to bring out the destruction of its creator."
