Abstract This paper discusses the theory of matrices, how it was developed, how it changed, some of the applications for which it has been used, and other aspects of the issue. The writer notes how the underlying ideas are ancient and began with the Babylonians and Chinese and then resurfaced in the seventeenth century with the world of Cayley and others. Further the writer points out that the theory of matrices has led to uses in physics, chemistry, and economics as well as mathematics.
From the Paper "Matrices are a means of visualizing mathematical concepts and relationships in graphic form. A matrix is a rectangular set of elements viewed as a single entity, identified by the number of rows and columns of which it is made. Matrices can be added or multiplied on the basis of an algebra of matrices, and one application of this sort of operation is seen in vector analysis and in the solving of systems of linear equations. The basis for the matrix is found in the Cartesian system of Rene Descartes, whose contribution to mathematics was in the development of analytical geometry, closely tied with the development of the Cartesian system of mapping on a grid or graph, for Descartes saw that a function or polynomial can be represented graphically by points."
Abstract The paper discusses how Albert Einstein's scientific genius rendered him the most famous scientist of the 20th century but contends that his intense humanism probably resulted in his status as a cultural icon. The paper relates that it is sometimes not realized that Einstein lamented his breakthrough in relativity and the splitting of the atom that permitted the Allies to create the atomic bomb that ended World War II and heralded our nuclear age.
From the Paper "Much rhetoric has been written on how scientific discoveries reshape a period and sometimes an entire culture. Gerald Holton notes that Einstein's scientific papers on relativity, statistical mechanics and quantum physics in the first two decades of the 20th century, "caused remarkable and sometimes quite unforeseen cultural transformations and resonances" (p. 125). Of course, Albert Einstein is credited with the theory of general relativity to revolutionize the sciences into the 21st century and the new orientation of relativity would strongly affect the social sciences, plus the world of arts and letters."
Abstract This paper discusses the various theories that were developed beginning at the end of the nineteenth century and leading over time to superstring theory as a way of explaining the fundamental nature of the universe, with necessary earlier ideas including relativity theory, quantum theory, and the idea of higher dimensions over the four usually cited.
From the Paper "The development of superstring theory required a number of theoretical shifts from the earlier Newtonian model of the universe, which itself had supplanted other ideas about the nature of reality. In this development, the nature of the human relationship to the universe changed because of scientific theories of the time that were offered, that countered the prevailing beliefs, and that seeped down into the culture to be expressed in art, literature, and the popular press in various ways. The central figure in this shift was Albert Einstein, though he was not alone in making discoveries that would alter the prevailing Newtonian, Copernican, and common-sense view of time and space and the immutability of both."
Abstract This paper compares two technologies, photovoltaic cells and solar thermal power plants, both providing energy from solar radiation, but by different means and in different degrees. It looks at how the photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances and how solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used.
From the Paper "This report summarizes two related technologies, the photovoltaic cell and the solar thermal power plant, both methods of producing energy from solar radiation. The photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances, and solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry, and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used. Introduction One of the great unknowns in American energy policy remains the extent to which solar energy in its various forms will contribute to the nation's energy supply in the future. After the oil, embargo in 1973, considerable interest was expressed in solar energy as a potential way of producing energy and of reducing dependence on foreign oil. "
Abstract The paper handles the physical issues of drag and terminal speed within the context of throwing and kicking a football. The paper approaches the topic as if the world on the surface of the earth is a uniform fluid and anything moving through this fluid is subject to the force of drag. Accordingly, the paper explains that moving footballs must deal with these forces in specific ways in order to travel the greatest distance.
From the Paper "Any time an object moves through a fluid it is subject to a retarding force acting opposite to the direction in which it is traveling. This force is called drag and since our atmosphere is essentially a fluid, every object we observe to be moving relative to the atmosphere is experiencing drag. Generally, drag tends to reduce the speed of any moving object and in some situations is just considered to be friction. However, quite unlike friction, "The drag force increases as the speed of the object increases," (Tipler 133). In fact, "At low speeds, the drag force is approximately proportional to the speed of the object; at higher speeds, it is more nearly the square of the speed," (Tipler 133)."
Abstract This paper discusses how 1905 proved to be the most significant year in Einstein's development of theory. The paper explores the reasons why the science world was reluctant to accept his ideas. It explains that the world had been accustomed to theories in science that were believed to be the complete answers to concepts.
From the Paper "1905 proved to be the most significant year in Einstein's development of theory, according to Lightman. The world had been accustomed to theories in science that were believed to be the complete answers to concepts that would remain as cornerstones of the scientific community for eternity. This is why that when the publication of Einstein's 5 seminal papers occurred the professionals within this community were reluctant to accept any of the young patent clerk's ideas. Lightman contends that it took nearly four more years following the publication of the papers before the scientific community began to realize that Einstein's theories demonstrated answers to questions that had only been explored. Lightman describes the 5 seminal papers by stating, Two provided definitive new evidence for the existence and sizes of atoms and molecules; two proposed a radical new conception of time and ..."
Abstract The paper relates that Marie Curie was a Polish-born French scientist. She was a pioneer in many ways. Her work in radiology and chemistry opened the door for a whole new scientific revolution and what we know today as the atomic age. The paper discusses how with her husband Pierre, she discovered two new elements and coined the term radioactive. The paper reveals that she was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only one to win it twice.
Abstract This paper is an interpretation of a fictional letter written from the perspective of Hans Albrecht Bethe. According to this paper, Bethe was a theoretical physicist working on the United States' Manhattan Project during the second world war. This paper presents an idea of what he might have been feeling, following the nuclear blasts over Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Abstract This paper discusses the link between science and technology, as advances in science make technology and advances in technology possible. It further discusses Marx's idea that science and technology are always closely linked with progress and development, especially over the last 200 years. Science has made many things possible. Science has been able to identify, recognize, understand and explain many things and processes in our world and the universe. Medical science and technology are now able to treat and cure many diseases that were fatal in the past. Technology has been able to revolutionize communications, transport and manufacturing.
Abstract This essay addresses the issue of nuclear energy in relation to society's emerging need for a new source for electrical energy. First it discusses the generals of how nuclear energy works, and then follows with the possible advantages of nuclear energy over its main competitors. Finally, it is concludes that nuclear energy should be expanded in the future, and that the dangerous stigma attached to it is largely unjustified.
From the Paper "The notion of harnessing the atom's power to provide energy for civilization is reasonably new. However, it was recognized early in the twentieth century that the forces holding the atom together, if released, could produce an unbelievable amount of energy. From Einstein's interpretation of the universe, matter itself possessed a direct relationship to energy; the subsequent discovery of fission laid the foundation for the notion of nuclear power. "In 1934, physicist Enrico Fermi conducted experiments in Rome that showed neutrons could split many kinds of atoms. The results surprised even Fermi himself. When he bombarded uranium with neutrons, he did not get the elements he expected. The elements were much lighter than uranium," (University of Missouri-Rolla). Clearly, this suggested that the mass was going somewhere--it was being converted into energy."
Abstract This paper explains how the philosophy of Zeno/Parmenides relates to the scenario with the concept that motion is an illusion. Zeno, in support of Parmenides' teachings, created the paradox of dichotomy. The paper then discusses this paradox and how it contends that an object may be observed as traveling from point A to point B within a given time frame. However, Zeno concluded that on a scale of travel the object was consistently tasked with traveling to other points in between point A and point B. Each of these points, according to the philosopher, could be divided in half, which led to the object continuously having to pass through points of travel. Since the distances had the possibility of being divided without end, the process of travel was infinite, or never ending.
Abstract This paper introduces the concept of Grand Unified Theory--or GUT--the major accomplishments of the theory to date, as well as the most promising directions for the future. Foremost among these is the emergence of string theory or superstring theory in physics: it may provide the tools necessary to ultimately link the major branches of physics under the overarching cosmological model of the universe.
Abstract This paper discusses the life and history of Seyyed Hossein Nasr, born in 1933 in Tehran to a relatively wealthy family that was able to provide him with a premier education. According to this paper, Nasr used that education well. He was sent to the United States to study at the age of twelve in 1945, where he would spend the next thirteen years. During his time in the United States Nasr expanded his working knowledge into many fields. He did undergraduate work in physics and graduate work in geology geophysics and the history and philosophy of science. The paper further discusses how the sciences proved too limiting for Nasr. Using his extensive knowledge of the Western scientific process and its consequent secularism, Nasr made a career out of challenging these fundamental Western ideologies.
Abstract This paper discusses how with the advent of electricity in the 19th Century, there came many changes to the field of medicine. Some of these were quack remedies or methods (such as electroshock therapy) which have fallen out of favor. Yet, today, there are still applications for electricity and electrical stimulation that are used in medicine. This paper summarizes the research and activity being done regarding the following topics: electricity in medicine, electrophysiology, electrotherapeutics, magnetic fields and neural stimulation. The paper further relates each of these areas to the human brain.
Abstract This paper discusses the issues of should the Nantucket Sound wind farm be allowed to proceed and do the apparent benefits outweigh the risks that opponents have outlined? In a word: yes. According to the paper, the Nantucket Sound wind farm proposal should move forward in its development. It represents a renewable source of clean electricity that has minimal impact upon the region--both environmentally and economically. The coming years will see ever-increasing costs for nonrenewable sources of electricity such as coal and natural gas. The Nantucket Sound region has the ability to produce much of its own electricity, cheaply and efficiently. The region should take advantage of that resource.
