Abstract This paper examines how the energy crisis that plagues many American cities has been at the center of much debate. It looks at information about current energy sources, such as hydroelectricity, wind energy, nuclear energy, and fossil fuel. The discussion also covers alternative energy sources, such as solar energy, hydrogen energy, and biomass energy. It seeks to explain the expense, transportation, production, and storage of these energy sources and focuses on issues of practicality, such as current availability and renewal. It also discusses efficiency and environmental ramifications.
Outline
Introduction
Current Forms of Energy
Hydroelectricity
Wind Energy
Nuclear Energy
Fossil Fuel
Alternative forms of Energy
Solar Energy
Hydrogen Energy
Biomass energy
Efficiency, Practicality and Environmental Ramifications
Conclusion
From the Paper "Wind Energy is also a current source of electricity for millions of people. (Blackburn, 1987) Utilities can use the energy from the wind to propel vessels or to pump water. (Blackburn, 1987) wind energy is rather inexpensive especially in remote areas. (Blackburn, 1987) According to an article in the Geographical Review, wind energy is extremely efficient and is now the fastest growing source of renewable energy. (Pasqualetti 2000) Blackburn (1987) asserts that wind energy can produce energy for a cost of 12-15? per kilowatt hour before tax benefits come into consideration. (Blackburn, 1987)"
This essay discusses the theory of time travel, using references ranging from the science-fiction to the reality of particle acceleration and modern research.
Abstract This paper explains that going back in time to visit historical times in real life may sound like the work of an H.G. Wells novel, but physicists are getting surprisingly closer to actually being able to travel in time, as demonstrated by the theory of relativity, light speed, paradox theories, and the work of modern scientists as they search for the secrets to the 4th dimension. The author points out that Dr. Stephen Hawking's theory and the recent discovery of black holes show the potential for an area where the laws of relativity may not exist. The paper relates that Dr. Ronald Mallett at the University of Connecticut has developed an idea that present-day people can communicate with the past by sending electrical particles through a spiral series of laser beams to accelerate them to the speed of light.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What Is Time Travel?
The Fourth Dimension?
Time and Space
Theories Past and Present
What Is Matter?
Applicable Relativity Theory
We Cannot Get There from Here
Modern Research of Time Travel
Newton
Einstein
Stephen Hawking
Paradox Theories
Time Travel Mutual Fund
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Theory of Relativity states that fundamentally our ideas of space and time. We must accept that time if not completely separate from and independent of space, but is combined with it to form an object called space-time. Newton developed laws of motion that until Einstein were not contested. Einstein expanded this law in his special theory of relativity, which states that mass increases as speed approaches the speed of light. We must remember that the more mass we have the larger that mass will become as light speed is reached. The speed of light and time space is closely related. It has been said that light speed is the key to time travel. At this time the theory of relativity limits our ability to move mass at the speed of light, but as I will explain, there are current theories that will allow moving electrical energy in the form of data back in time."
Abstract In order to better understand the issue of solar energy, this paper presents a definition of the terms and concepts relating to solar energy. The paper examines the technologies that are currently used to put solar energy to work. A short historical background on the development of solar technology in the past sixty years is presented. The paper explores the reasons why it is important to develop solar energy and discusses its future costs and benefits.
From the Paper "Solar energy is radiation from the Sun that can produce heat, generate electricity, or cause chemical reactions. Solar energy is inexhaustible and nonpolluting, but it is not an efficient energy source, since the Earth's atmosphere absorbs or scatters over 50% of incoming solar radiation. Solar collectors collect the radiation and transfer it as heat to a carrier fluid. It can then be used for heating. Solar cells convert solar radiation directly into electricity, by means of the photoelectric effect.
Very often, there is confusion about the various methods used to harness the sun's abundant and clean energy. Energy from the sun can be categorized in two ways: in the form of heat (or thermal energy), and in the form of light energy. Solar thermal technologies use the sun's heat energy to heat substances (such as water or air) for applications such as space heating, pool heating and water heating for homes and businesses. There is a variety of products on the market that utilize thermal energy. Often the products used for this application are called solar thermal collectors and can be mounted on the roof of a building or in some other sunny location. The sun's heat can also be used to produce electricity on a large utility-scale by converting the sun's heat energy into mechanical energy. "
Abstract This essay discusses the life of Sir Issac Newton and the points of his life that brought forth his great advances in the realm of physics and mathematics.
From the Paper "As a child Sir Isaac Newton took little interest in what was being taught to his classmates (Bixby 90). Instead, he found ways to fulfill his desire to learn. He marked where the shadows fell in his yard in order to keep time, thus producing his sundial (Rattansi 12). His interest in rushing water inspired Newton to build a windmill. He created the first horseless carriage. In addition to the pursuit of his numerous boyhood interests, Newton spent time with his landlord as the apothecary and concocted remedies for the illnesses of the locals (Christianson 16)."
Abstract This essay explains the basis of Quantum Mechanic Theory of the atom, which describes the behavior of electrons in atoms & molecules. The author examines this theory and provides a detailed analysis of it.
From the Paper "The Quantum Mechanics Theory describes the behavior of electrons in atoms & molecules. Quantum Mechanics is also referred to as Wave Mechanics. The theory of quantum mechanics tells us that in the atom, electron waves are standing waves. This theory was devised by Max Planck in 1901. He stated that light is emitted by the atoms of a luminous body in separate packets or bundles of energy called quanta or photons. One or more of the electrons revolving about the nucleus of an atom can be made to jump from one orbit to another. As they do so one or more photons are emitted. This energy radiates from the luminous body as electromagnetic waves. The energy content of a photon determines the length and frequency of the wave. Wave mechanics views the probability of finding an electron at a given point in space."
Abstract This paper presents in chronological order the study of lightning and how as new ideas would come about and be proven, other inventors would use that idea and take it into a new direction.
From the Paper "Lightning is a form of static electricity. When it is raining, raindrops can acquire extra electrons. These negatively charged raindrops seek out the positively charged ground. When these two charges connect, current flows through randomly placed areas of charged particles. This is what lightning is, and what gives it the jagged pattern (see diagram). Lightning has been on Earth longer than people have. Still we don?t know everything about it. We do know that lightning can take a variety of forms. The most common are forked, streak, ribbon, or bead lightning. All of these types are essentially the same with variations on atmospheric conditions. There is one type called ball lightning, but very little is known about this type. It is also known that lightning will travel from cloud to cloud, cloud to ground, and ground to cloud. Early studies done to find that lightning is electricity paved the way for several other important findings about electricity and how it behaves."
Abstract This paper examines in brief the life of this great thinker- his childhood, upbringing and education. It also looks at his scientific contributions and the significant and continuing ways that he has influenced European thought along with American.
From the paper:
"Einstein's efforts in behalf of social causes have sometimes been viewed as unrealistic. In fact, his proposals were always carefully thought out. Like his scientific theories, they were motivated by sound intuition based on a shrewd and careful assessment of evidence and observation. Although Einstein gave much of himself to political and social causes, science always came first, because, he often said, only the discovery of the nature of the universe would have lasting meaning"
Abstract This paper examines the life and the work of the 19th century German mathematician Friedrich Bernhard Riemann, whose ideas concerning geometry of space had a profound effect on the development of modern theoretical physics, including providing the foundation for the concepts and methods used later in relativity theory.
From the paper:
"An examination of the facts of Riemann's family background would not have led one to suspect that he would have become the great mathematician that he would develoo into. He was the second of six children of a Lutheran pastor and it was this pastor/father who gave him his first formal education. Indeed, much of his early education was centered in his family, which was by all accounts both happy and deeply devout. He later attended the local high school, where he made quick and substantial progress in mathematics, soon moving beyond the ability of his teachers to educate him further (Laugwitz 38-41). He quickly mastered calculus and theory of numbers of Adrien-Marie Legendre. After graduating from the high school (or gymnasium), he studied at the universities of G?ttingen and Berlin from 1846-51. It was at this point in his education that he became interested in problems concerning the theory of prime numbers, elliptic functions, and geometry, theoretical interests that would guide much of his later work."
Abstract This paper takes a critical look at the book "Rare Earth: Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe", by Peter Ward and Donald Brownlee. It discusses their theories of the beginning of life on Earth and additional theories to life on other planets. It challenges their research and data and offers other explanations and theories.
From the Paper "Was the occurrence of complex life on the planet Earth an isolated event or simply the next logical step in evolution? Ward and Brownlee seem to believe complex life is unique to our home world or at least extremely scarce in the Universe.1 In addition to the factors in their Rare Earth equation, mentioned in their book are some specific factors peculiar to Earth that may have affected the development of complex life. Beginning with the planet Mars, W&B argue that the fossil record shows that the cooling Earth developed bacterial life as soon as conditions permitted. They suggest that this may be because the bacteria first developed on Mars, which cooled earlier, and that perhaps Earth was then seeded with these bacteria carried by meteorites reaching our planet after having been ejected from Mars by asteroid impacts. The low gravity of Mars makes this more likely, and it is estimated that ten percent of meteors ejected from Mars may impact Earth. A system lacking a Mars-like planetary companion might have been slower to develop bacterial life."
Abstract This paper studies the great Italian scientist and inventor of the electric motor, Alessandro Giuseppe Antonio Anastasio Volta, who is considered among the pioneers of the modern science. It includes an historical overview of his life and his greatest inventions including: Electrophorus, isolating the compound methane and many gadgets. It discusses his many contributions to the scientific world as well as the recognition and rewards he received for them.
From the Paper "Though the invention of Electrophorus was a huge success for Volta but his continuous research work brought several other successes to him. He became the first person to isolate the compound methane in the year 1778. His journey of success continued as he accepted a proposal to work as a professor at the University of Pavia in 1779. In the meantime he continued his research in the field and made several other inventions such as gadgets which were invented on the basis of the principles of static electricity. Because of his great inventions and high contribution in the field of electricity he was awarded the Copley Medal of the Royal Society in 1791. His works were not restricted to static electricity but he also worked in the area of dynamic electricity. His works in the area of dynamic were primarily an idea derived from the results of the experiments conducted by Galvani, who was a friend of Volta."
This paper discusses the relative risk of buying a Suburban Utility Vehicle (or SUV) as opposed to a standard car automobile from the point of view of a consumer.
2,225 words (approx. 8.9 pages), 12 sources, 2002, $ 69.95
Abstract This paper discusses in detail the safety of the Suburban Utility Vehicle (or SUV). The author uses the science of physics and engineering and the relationship between a car's relative mass and center of gravity to understand to understand the problems. The author states that increasing the track width is the only way to make the vehicles more stable but that may modify the appearance of the car.
From the Paper "What can be done to remedy these concerns over the Wrangler's design? To answer this question, one must do more than simply understand more about the safety features of this particular vehicle or of SUVs in general. One must turn to the science of physics and engineering and the relationship between a car's relative mass and center of gravity to understand what the risks are for each vehicle and how best to potentially remedy those risk. Or, to put the question in another way, if Einstein were an auto mechanic, what type of Jeep Wrangler would he like to be riding in? How might he modify the vehicle's design?"
Abstract This paper discusses how black holes are created. It studies the ideas of physicist John Mitchell, his discoveries and how Isaac Newton's physics ideas helped lead to his discoveries on black holes. It also covers white dwarfs (stellar corpses), the most famous being Sirius.
From the Paper "The black hole was first named by the English physicist John Mitchell in 1783, more than two hundred years ago. But what are these black holes? Do they really exist? Based on planet movement studies made by Tycho Brahe and Johannes Kepler, John Mitchell deduced the existence of a force that made the Sun, the Earth, the Moon and everything contained in the cosmos."
Abstract Lightning is a natural phenomenon that is dramatic, often beautiful, and yet deadly and dangerous at the same time. A bolt of lightning involves the rapid discharge of a massive amount of electrical energy producing both the bright flash of light and the sound of thunder
From the Paper "Lightning is a natural phenomenon that is dramatic, often beautiful, and yet deadly and dangerous at the same time. A bolt of lightning involves the rapid discharge of a massive amount of electrical energy producing both the bright flash of light and the sound of thunder. There are a number of different kinds of lightning produced by different conditions, and new information on lightning is discovered all the time. By its nature, lightning is an ephemeral phenomenon, making it difficult to study under all conditions and explaining why new types of lightning have been found as man makes his way higher and more often into different regions of the upper atmosphere. Lightning is an extremely common natural phenomenon. Since Benjamin Franklin demonstrated the electrical nature of the lightning bolt, lightning has been subjected to many scientific studies."
From the Paper "Black Holes
Background
Many areas of astronomical research are inter related so that knowledge gained in one area causes a rethinking of other issues and provides evidence to solve old and new problems. One area of research that offers information useful to astronomers and physicists on many different issues is the search for black holes, an ongoing process that has been enhanced by the creation of the Hubble Space Telescope, and a central location for studying black holes is the Space Telescope Science Institute, the nerve center of the Hubble.
Black holes are theorized celestial bodies with a surface gravity so strong that nothing can escape from them, including light. If a star more massive than the Sun should undergo gravitational collapse at..."
An examination of the nature and function of visual perception and its role and significance in night flight, focusing on autokinesis (visual illusions).
8,550 words (approx. 34.2 pages), 13 sources, 2000, $ 135.95
From the Paper "This study examined visual perception issues associated with night flying. While several visual perception issues were examined, an important focus was placed on the issue of autokinesis.
Autokinesis and other visual perception issues associated with night flying are elements of the broader concept of spatial perception. Spatial perception involves the ability to estimate depth or distance between points in one's field of vision. The human eye is optimized for daylight vision. At night, human vision is much less acute than in the daylight. Depth perception, which is of critical importance during the landing of a..."
