Abstract In order to make a judgement of the physics viability of nuclear power as an energy source for Australia, this paper explains how nuclear energy is produced, disposed of, sourced, and maintained in light of Australia's unique environment and population distribution. The paper discusses the efficiency of using nuclear energy as well as Australia's huge availability of uranium and its ample waste storage space. The paper concludes that nuclear energy is definitely a viable method of energy for Australia but recommends that stringent laws and regulations be made to enforce adequate training of nuclear staff to minimise the risk of disasters. The paper includes a diagram of how nuclear power is produced and a map of mining locations in Australia.
From the Paper "Nuclear energy is generated by the fission of the uranium 235 isotope. U-235 is the ideal fuel for power generation because it is able to sustain a chain reaction and release energy. Uranium for fuelling nuclear generators is mined in Australia as low-grade ore. Only 0.3% of this ore is pure uranium, and after crushing, chemical treatment and concentration, only 0.7% of this residual is the required U-235 isotope. In order to ensure an induced chain reaction is sustainable, this nuclear fuel needs to be enriched (i.e. concentrated) so that the U-235 concentration is approximately 5%. (Rapkins, Rossiter, Walding, 1999)"
Abstract Magnet therapy is a non-invasive alternative treatment used for many disorders ranging from anti-aging to pain control. This paper highlights the history of magnet therapy, provides a discussion on the proposed biological mechanisms of action and provides scientific peer-reviewed evidence on the effective nature of magnet therapy. The paper concludes with a reflective section on what was learned and the writer's overall feelings on the subject.
From the Paper "Static, rather than pulsing magnetic therapy, where magnets are placed on an area and taped in place, is believed to be effective due to the increase in blood flow in the locally affected area (Ramsey, (n.d.)). Faraday's Law dictates that magnets exert a force on moving ionic currents (Ramsey, (n.d.)). Adding Hall's Law that tells us that a magnet will deflect and separate charged ions when placed perpendicular to the direction of the electrical current, one can assess the implications for circulation (Ramsey, (n.d.)). "
Abstract The paper explores how the United Kingdom can use tidal energy to produce consistent alternative electricity. The paper looks at the two basic options for converting the kinetic energy of the tides into electrical energy. The paper examines the tidal power generation technology and the capital costs necessary and then considers the environmental impact represented by these tidal generation options.
The paper concludes that tidal power has the potential to provide a significant portion of the United Kingdom's energy needs.
Outline:
Introduction: Coastal UK and Tidal Power
Technical Considerations
Economics of Tidal Power
Environmental Impact of Tidal Power
Conclusions
From the Paper "Developing alternative energy technologies that are reliable and site-specific can be difficult. Because alternative energy systems typically rely on locally available energy resources, they are not applicable in all situations and all circumstances. It is important to consider the potential energy resources of a given region prior to selecting an energy technology for development. For instance, it would be foolish to suggest the use of solar technology in a predominantly cloudy region, or a hydroelectric facility for an area that only seasonally has running water. The most important first consideration is to consider the site, and then determine what is the most reliable, locally available energy resource."
Abstract The paper examines David Goldstein's book "Out of Gas" where he makes the dire prediction that civilization will cease to exist by the latter half of the twenty-first century, unless society learns to live without fossil fuels. The paper describes how Goldstein covers the history of Earth and the creation of the oil reserves, global warming, the scientific theories that gave rise to the industrial revolution and the energy sources available today. The paper shows how his predictions are dire and solutions not readily apparent.
From the Paper "The Hubbert curve is a mathematical representation of when the rate at which oil us consumed exceeds the rate that oil reserves are discovered. In 1956 he predicted that this point on the curve would be reached around 1970 (Goldstein 26). It in fact did occur just a few years latter than he predicted, but nonetheless we have been increasing our rate of consumption oil faster than our rate of discovery for just over thirty years. All the world's oil (and fossil fuel) reserves were created millions of years ago when plants absorbed large portions of the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sank to the bottom of the oceans, became compressed in layers of sand, and with heat from the earth's core, became the fossil fuel deposits that we tap today. The reserves of oil are estimated to be two to two point seven trillion barrels, a supply that should last about another 40 years (Goldstein 29)."
Abstract The paper looks at the three main mechanical processes of desalination commonly used today: electrodialysis reversal, thermal desalination and reverse osmosis. The paper discusses how the preexisting water supply was not enough for Perth, Australia to handle all the new people moving to the city. The paper describes how Perth began using the desalination process of reverse osmosis to treat its seawater. The paper examines the problems of costs and energy sources as well as their solutions. The paper concludes that Perth's new reverse osmosis plant has proven to other parts of the world that desalination can be a clean, efficient and cost-effective process.
From the Paper "Desalination is a mechanical process by which saltwater from oceans can be converted into drinking water for human consumption by removing the salt. There are three main mechanical processes of desalination commonly used today; electrodialysis reversal, thermal desalination, and reverse osmosis.
"Electrodialysis reversal is the most intricate and cost effective desalination system of the three commonly used processes. Electricity is used to ionicly charge the salt in the seawater molecules, and then it is passed through an ion permeable membrane filtering the charged salt molecules. On the other side of the membrane, the water is clean and safe to drink. This process is problematic because of its extensive use of electricity, which is expensive and sometimes unavailable."
Tags: electrodialysis, reversal, thermal, costs, energy, sources, water
Abstract This paper examines "The Book Nobody Read" by Owen Gingerich which elegantly outlines the author's intellectual journey into scientific history that involves parties from all walks of life. The paper looks at how the book outlines a quest for knowledge from an intellectually investigative approach and tackles some social and political issues that still plague the society today. The paper also examines how the book focuses on the works of Nicolaus Copernicus.
From the Paper "The book is organized around Gingerich's exploration of numerous copies of Copernicus classical works that made the claim that the Sun rather than the earth was the center of the universe, and all planets (including Earth) were orbiting the Sun. This is a rather profound statement that contradicts all scientific theory surrounding the existence and astronomy of the planets. The title seemed somewhat 'weird', but I later found out the origin was based on a rebuttal to a statement made by Arthuir Koestler (author of the seminal work Sleepwalkers), who called Copernicus; "the book nobody read". However Gingerich used a content analysis approach to scrutinize and examine copies of works of Copernicus and found that contrary to the statement made by Koestler, these works were read by many individuals, some were important scientists, philosophers, religious affiliates and so on."
Abstract The paper outlines the plan for a sugar cane cogeneration plant to create an alternate energy source for the citizens of Belize. The paper explains how the sugar cane residue, bagasse, can be converted to electricity through cogeneration. The paper describes the company's goal to sell low-cost energy to Belize Electricity Limited, the sole electricity provider in Belize. The paper includes a diagram, maps and financial statements.
Outline:
Objective
Executive Summary
Company Description
Belize Background
Sugar Industry
Conversion of Bagasse into Electricity
The Market
Management Team
Production Plan
Action Plan
Financials
From the Paper "One of the smallest countries in the world, Belize boasts agriculturally fertile lands. These lands are mainly used to grow sugar cane which is exported to the world. An untapped reservoir of energy is going unused from their sugar cane production. Sugar cane residue, called bagasse, can be converted to electricity through a process called cogeneration. Our team plans to build a cogeneration plant to generate electricity for the country of Belize using bagasse. This electricity will provide an environmentally safe and low cost alternative to all of the citizens of Belize while still allowing the sugar cane producers to export their product."
Tags: energy, electricity, market, competition, risks, strategy, management, production
Abstract This paper explains that the solution to Stepran's infinity puzzle
is not so difficult and has nothing to do with infinity, although the calculus of this equation may in fact be infinite. The author underscores that the puzzle is not a puzzle at all and is not indicative of infinity but rather is purely an exercise in the limitations of physics. The paper agrees with Rucker's concept of infinity as simply a natural element of the universe or of being one of the basic functional elements of mathematical device. The author concludes that the useful concept of infinity is that it does naturally occupy points in both physical and mathematical space ,which truly cements it within the context of a tangible mathematical and physics principle rather than some far-off rationale construct created and identifiable only by mathematical theorists.
Table of Contents:
The Puzzle
The Solution
Response Page to Postings
Discussion
From the Paper "Stepran's states that a person is tasked with turning a light switch off and on starting with on at 2 minutes and then in increments by half of the time remaining flipping the switch to the opposite position. On the surface the outcome appears as if it will be a simple persuasion of the ineluctable quality of time; that, time is unavoidable and all things must come to an end. Yet, as one begins the calculations it becomes apparent that the half increments are, apparently, infinite starting with two in terms of seconds: 120, 60, 30, 15, 7.5, 3.75, 1.875, .93, .46, .23, .117, .058, .029, ad infinitum, at least to the extent that a common calculator is capable of dividing."
Abstract This paper examines the events prior to the explosion of the atomic bombs over Japan at the end of World War II. The paper discusses these events in political, sociological and physical terms and then describes the actual bombing of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Lastly, the paper discusses the American public's thoughts about the bombing and briefly looks at today's world of nuclear warfare.
From the Paper "In terms of peace, the United States forced Japan into more negotiations as we saw in the Potsdam Conference and brought about the end of the war. Had we not used the atomic bomb, the cost of the war, the numbers of deaths on both sides, and destruction could have been considerably worse if we tried to invade Japan. Therefore, this was the best possible solution once the U.S. warned Japan over and over again, through different means of communication what they would bring about if they did not end the war on our respectable terms. The atomic bomb was not essential to ending the war and keeping U.S. causalities to a minimum but was justifiable in terms of world peace. Many weapons of killing were brought into action during this time and few soldiers would deny that they would have to justify it. It was the mere fact that the U.S. physicists learned how to split the atom, and store the energy into a bomb. The Nazi's in Germany would use a bomb like this on us and more than likely so would the Japanese if they discovered these scientific advancements. We did not have a major motive to enter World War II until after Pearl Harbor. This heightened production in the economy, unity as a nation, mobilization and developments in science. Dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki were justifiable if they were strictly military targets. Japan declared war on the U.S. after the attack on Pearl Harbor which was not a formal declaration. If we were at war with Japan, we would have been prepared and ready for an attack, that however, was not their intent as they surprised our nation."
Abstract This paper examines how, in his letter to the Grand Duchess Christina, Galileo argues that explanations of physical phenomena are not matters of faith. It discusses how he consistently attacks his opponents and counters their arguments on the basis of two flaws, while defending his own work and the place of science in society. By constantly emphasizing the significance of the Bible and his own devout nature, the papers attempts to show how Galileo's clear arguments succeed in proving how the domains of religion and science can be balanced without demeaning one or the other.
From the Paper "Galileo upholds and supports the significance of his scientific work and of science in general, not by humbling religion but by refuting the beliefs of those associated with it. In turn, he accuses them of wrongdoing in the name of Catholicism. By attributing this as the sole reason for any discrepancy between science and religion, he begins to attack his opponents. He does so in a very direct and precise way. First, he makes it clear that many of his opponents are ignorant of the current scientific developments, even those that are compatible with Catholic doctrine. The fact that Galileo had supporters from the Church proves that even the controversial points could be studied, as long as their legitimacy was not openly acknowledged. This justifies Galileo in accusing his adversaries of a complete lack of knowledge and understanding of science. "
Abstract This paper examines the physics of the survival techniques of the superhero Batman, by using a scene from the 1989 self titled movie : "Batman" as an example. The paper explains how the film reveals that Batman must have super human strength to be able to survive a fatal crash with such a corresponding large force unharmed. The paper discusses how the plane's mass, changing velocity, and force would kill a normal person and how Batman must have super-strength to survive such a crash. The paper then shows how the physics displayed in the movie were the concepts of force, impulse, and momentum and were accurately illustrated and correctly represented.
From the Paper "In the unfortunate event that a plane happens to crash, the crash is almost always fatal. Why is this? The answer lies in the physics of the crash, particularly impulse and momentum. Momentum can be defined as the product of an object's mass and its speed. The definition of an impulse is force multiplied by time (Kakalios 49). So the equation is Force x Time = Mass x Velocity. This equation states that a change in momentum is caused by a force applied over time. Objects with larger momentum are harder to stop than objects with a smaller momentum. This is because a momentum change over a long period of time will result in a small force to stop an object while a momentum change over a short period of time will result in a large force to stop an object."
Abstract This paper explains that, in order to battle effectively criminal scum in Hell's Kitchen, blind superhero Daredevil, from the film "Daredevil", must use the Doppler effect to dodge bullets and to envision his surroundings. The author points out that a radioactive accident left Daredevil blind as a child but intensely amplified his remaining four senses. The paper relates that, to understand how Daredevil uses the Doppler effect, the viewer must know that sound waves are the result of vibrating particles in any material. The author continues that the Doppler effect is the frequency change of a moving sound source. The paper describes two instances, in the film, where Daredevil knew where the bullet was without seeing it by using the Doppler effect.
From the Paper "Daredevil uses sonar by listening to the water droplets echo from hitting the ground around him as it reflects or bounces off an object. He can envision his surroundings by establishing that the longer it takes for the echo of the water droplet to come back, the further away the object is. Recall that when he uses the Doppler Effect he learns if the object is moving toward or away from him. With his super hearing abilities, he can tell if the object that the sound waves are bouncing off of is as small as a grain of rice or as big as a truck."
Abstract This paper examines the different views--scientific, philosophical, religious--on how to tackle and how to best answer questions regarding the meaning of life. The paper explains that science contends that the meaning of life is centered on the origin of life, both in terms of biological life and the universe itself. The paper then points out that, it is uncertain whether science can really tell us what is most significant in life in a philosophical sense. The paper also looks at how the meaning of life is said to be the question which was at the very heart of the classical moral philosophy initiated by Socrates. The writer believes that the only important thing is that you live your life in a way that you don't have regrets or you don't step on other people's feelings or rights.
From the Paper "Another philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard, argued that life is full of absurdity and the individual must make his or her own values in an indifferent world. For Kierkegaard, an individual can have a meaningful life if the individual relates the self in an unconditional commitment to something finite, and devotes his or her life to the commitment despite the inherent vulnerability of doing so.
"These are but instances of how different people give different answers to the most-asked question about life. There are a million other contentions and concepts, may they be philosophical, religious or scientific in nature. These contentions and ideas depend on how one's beliefs are patterned or how one's experiences have shaped this belief system, or, maybe, his or her set of goals."
Abstract This paper discusses the significant contributions of Galileo Galilei to the field of mathematics. It provides a brief history of his life and then focuses on some examples of the contributions that he made to mathematics. The paper also discusses his misinterpreted-battle between science and religion and how it overshadows many of the other contributions that Galileo made during his lifetime as a scientist and mathematician.
From the Paper "We often hear of a Copernican revolution in science, but Galileo was the instigator of a much more fundamental revolution that influenced both science and mathematics. The worldview that Galileo created to replace the Aristotelian worldview that dominated at the time contended that the world was made up only of matter whose properties and motions could be described in terms of mathematics (Machamer). In other words, Galileo advanced the now-obvious notion that mathematics was nothing short of the language of the universe. Using mathematics, Galileo was able to describe and understand the mechanics of the universe, effectively gaining a deeper understanding of the way that the world is put together. This is Galileo's most significant contribution to mathematics. He removed the idle, superstitious philosophy from the study of the natural world and pushed mathematics to the forefront of natural inquiries, demonstrating again and again that it could be used to understand the way the world works."
Abstract The paper relates that geothermal power is safe, efficient, a proven technology and does not pollute, add to global warming or involve great expense. The paper explains that the main shortfall is only that geothermal resources are not available everywhere. The paper also points out that promoting geothermal plants in countries like North Korea or Iran could help control the arms race by offering alternatives to nuclear power.
Outline:
Brief History of Geothermal Energy
What is Geothermal Energy?
Benefits and Shortcomings
From the Paper "Today geothermal energy is the primary source of power in Iceland, providing a majority of the needs for the capital Reykjavik, a modern city of 300,000 people located in a very cold climate. Geothermal energy is still used in Italy and its use has increased steadily in New Zealand, California and Japan. It has also grown steadily as a source of energy for Third World or developing economies as well, representing 27% of the total electricity generated in the Philippines, 12.4% in Kenya, and 11.4% in Costa Rica. (Dickson and Fanelli, 2007)."
