Abstract This paper discusses how the Big Bang theory is considered by many to be the most plausible model concerning creation and how modern educational institutions, especially from elementary school to undergraduate university level, continue to teach the Big Bang without question or qualification. It provides an overview of the physics of the theory and also looks at other theories, such as the Steady State theory, which have departed form the original model.
From the Paper "From the beginning of the recording of human consciousness, man has looked up to the skies of heaven and pondered the creation of the universe. The earliest recorded writings on the subject addressed the universe, and its nature, from the most basic origins. These writings included the questions of whether a "higher power/omniscient being" was responsible for its creation, if the universe was based on a singular "event" that resulted in its evolution, to the most basic, and seemingly logical idea (to many ancient sources, anyway) that the universe was simply infinite, uncreated, and forever unchanging."
Abstract This paper provides an explanation of the technology used in fiber optics, looks at its limitations and how some of these limitations are being addressed and solved, describes how fiber optic technology is evolving, and details the benefits of fiber optic technology.
From the Paper "The transmission system for fiber optics consists of a fiber optic transmitter and receiver, and both are connected through fiber optic cables. These systems provide a lot of advantages over the systems which use copper or coaxial cables. The first of these is their ability to carry a lot more information than copper cables or coaxial cables and deliver the data with much greater accuracy. They can transmit data at much higher speeds and this can be done at even longer distances than coaxial cables. This property makes it an ideal medium for use for serial digital data. The fiber itself does not get affected by interference from practically all sources, including lightning. The cable does not conduct electricity. This helps it even if the cable comes into direct touch with high voltage electrical equipment and power lines. The cables cannot create ground loops. The fiber itself is made of glass and is thus chemical proof and does not corrode. (Introduction to Fiber Optics)"
Tags: light, communication, electricity, external, interferences, removes, computer, systems
Abstract This paper provides a scholarly biography of Marie Curie and an assessment of her unique contributions to humanity, followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
From the Paper "Albert Einstein said she was "the only person to be uncorrupted by fame" (Davis 1986:1). Marie Curie (n?e Maria Sklodowska) was born September 12, 1897, in Paris and died there on March 17, 1956 (Marie Curie 2004). While many people suggest that it takes 35 years to become an overnight success, Marie Curie was successful from the outset and while her personal life was marred by tragedy, her professional career has been widely recognized as being an early example of the contributions women in the scientific community could make given the opportunity. According to Lydia Davis, Curie "was a proud, passionate, and hard-working woman who played an important role in her time because she had the ambition and the means to do so, and who has played an important role in our own time too, since there is a direct relationship between Marie Curie-Sklodowska and atomic energy. It was also atomic energy that caused her death" (1986:2)."
Abstract Geothermal energy is described as the natural, internal heat of the earth that is trapped in rock formations deep within the crust, but only a fraction of this vast storehouse of energy can be extracted. The paper looks at the way this energy source is used and the limitations of its widespread use.
From the Paper "In recent years, the use of geothermal or natural steam power has greatly advanced. Deep wells have been driven at the Geysers region in northern California where the capacity has been estimated to be over 400,000 kilowatts. In addition, the use of geothermal steam power has been used to some extent in New Zealand, Japan, Mexico and Italy where recent efforts have been made to develop geothermal power as an alternative to burning fossil fuels, due to the fact that geothermal power is extremely clean and moderately cheap to harness."
Abstract This paper introduces some of fundamental concepts of electrostatics including: electric surface charge density, electric flux density, Coulomb's Law and the Gauss's Theorem.
Paper Outline:
Electric Charge
Electric Surface Charge Density
Electric Flux and Electric Flux Density
Fields and Potential
Electric Potential
Electric Field Strength
Coulomb's Law
The E Field for a Point of Change
Electric Potential in a Field Due to a Single Point Charge
Surface Charge Density and Curvature
Electric Field as the (Negative) Gradient of Potential
Gauss's Theorem
References
From the Paper "In some substances, particularly metals, negatively charged particles (electrons) can move easily. Such substances are called electrical conductors. Other substances, in which electrons do not move freely, are called electrical insulators. There is another group of substances which are neither good conductors nor good insulators but which have become increasingly important in the last 50 years; these are called semiconductors."
Abstract This paper traces the roots of fiber optic technology back to the 19th century when a British physicist first discovered the phenomenon of total internal reflection of light. The writer of this paper clearly details the makeup of fiber optics, which are thin strands of purified glass that transfer information in the form of light. This paper examines the various uses for fiber optics, as well as the advancements made to this particular technology which are constantly evolving. This paper also analyzes the manner in which fiber optic technology has revolutionized the field of telecommunications.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
History of Fiber Optics
Design
Fiber Optics (Advantages and Disadvantages)
Advancement of Fiber Optic Technology
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "Optical fibers are nothing but thin strands of highly purified glass that transmit data in the form of light. These individual glass strands have a diameter of around 120 micrometers and are bundled together as optical cables that can transmit data upto 50 Km without the need for repeaters. Each optic fiber can be divided into three distinct layers namely the innermost layer or the core, the cladding layer that immediately covers the core and the outermost buffer coating made of plastic that is designed to protect the fiber from weather and other external damages. While the core is the glass medium on which light travels the cladding layer is used to reflect the escaping light back into the core and thus minimize the optical signal loss. The lower refractive index of the cladding material facilitates reflection of light back into the core region. Thus by using total internal reflection, optical fibers can carry data in the form of light pulses over large distances with little loss."
Abstract This paper studies the feasibility of hydrogen cars and explains the technology behind them. The paper discusses the benefits and drawbacks they present and how some of the problems could be overcome in the near future.
From the Paper "Cars powered by hydrogen promise hope for our polluted planet in that hydrogen is the cleanest burning fuel possible, its only exhaust being water vapor. Hydrogen cells are not new; one was invented in by Welsh physicist Sir William Grove, but their potential use in cars has only recently been recognized. Fuel cells can convert hydrogen directly into electricity to power a car."
Abstract In this article, the writer explores the scientific method. The writer describes and defines the phrase scientific method. The writer then studies how the scientific method is used. In this paper, the writer outlines an example of use of the method in order to determine why the grass on one lawn is dead, while that on the neighbor's lawn is healthy.
From the Paper "The scientific method is the process by which scientists collectively over time construct an accurate representation of the world. The first step is to observe and describe some phenomenon which is of interest. Next a hypothesis is developed to explain the phenomenon. In the third step, the hypothesis is used to make predictions about new phenomena or the results of these new phenomena. Fourthly, these predictions are tested by experimentation or further observation. Steps three and four are then repeated until consistent results are obtained. This often ... "
Abstract This paper examines the history of science in terms of changes in astronomy from the time of Ptolemy to Galileo, based on the book "Science without Limits" by James Perlman. The writer notes how the ancients saw science as a form of philosophy, while by the time of Galileo, observation was being joined with experimentation to examine concepts and find the truth.
From the Paper "The history of astronomy shows the development of science as a discipline from the ancient world to the Renaissance, from the time of Ptolemy to the time of Galileo. Over that period, astronomy began to shift from a philosophy to a science. Science in the ancient world was not created out of whole cloth and was based on observations and the application of reason. Mathematics were also used to develop ideas about the universe. Mathematics is itself an application of reason, though aspects of mathematics have also been developed through observation and testing. By the time of Galileo, however, science was gaining a more experimental structure, and Galileo himself tested many ideas directly. His astronomy was also based on observations, but he was able to observe more directly and closely with the telescope. Perlman notes that "science in large part . . . is a matter of testing assumptions"."
Abstract This paper deals with the two competing theories of light. The first part of the paper details the evidence supporting the theory of light as a particle, including both the most prominent scientists and the most conclusive mathematical data (Photoelectric effect, Compton Effect, etc.); the second part lists the evidence in favor of the wave theory of light, including prominent supporters and the most concrete scientific evidence (Young's double-slit experiment, Clark Maxwell's mathematical equations). The paper concludes by detailing the newest theory to encompass both the particle and wave theories.
Particle Theory
Einstein
Isaac Newton
Scientific Evidence
Photoelectric Effect
Compton Effect
Wave Theory
Huygens
Scientific Evidence
Young's Double-slit Experiment
Maxwell Clark's Mathematical Equations
The Dual Nature of Light
From the Paper "If it is part of the material world, it is certainly, by dint of its surpassing subtlety, the part that is closest to the spirit, said Johannes Kepler in his description of light (Holt, 1). As elusive and mystical as the Almighty, light has been a companion, rivaled only by oxygen, to mankind since men first trod upon the earth, an eternal, comforting friend. It terrified and was deified by the men and women of religion; it fascinated and frustrated the theorists, the scientists, and countless cracks; and yet for both it offered an enigma to be solved, a question worthy of an answer. Thus, from the foothills of Classical Greece to the stone castles of Italy and Germany, humanity found itself hounded by a question seemingly so basic: What is light? This question remains only marginally answered at the end of this century, three millennia after the Greeks first hypothesized about the subject. Although centuries upon centuries of labor and experiments have led to millions of dusty binders and folders, only two camps ever gained the blessings of science in a quest for a solution: those who believed light to be a particle and those who believed it to be a wave. "
Abstract An in depth look at electromagnetic fields and their effects on health aspects such as breast cancer, leukemia, tumors and increase in hormone levels. The author argues that no clear evidence shows that EMF's do cause human health defects, yet many studies have proved to be inconclusive making EMF's potential harmful products that need further investigation.
From the Paper "Electromagnetic fields, or EMF's, are invisible lines of force that surround all electronic devices and wiring. Researchers have explored the question of whether low- frequency electromagnetic fields can cause breast cancer, among other types of cancer, for roughly two decades now. Numerous studies have been conducted attempting to discover a link between EMF's and breast cancer, but most have been inconclusive(Rembert, 1997). They have neither come up with solid support for the hypothesis that EMF's cause breast cancer, nor managed to put it to rest(Taubes, 1997). There is no conclusive scientific evidence at this time showing a direct link between EMF's and breast cancer."
Tags: electric, magnetic, fields, exposure, cell, cancer, health
Abstract This paper examines two distinct inventions: light bulbs and solar energy. First it discusses the incandescent light bulb and its inventor, Thomas Alva Edison, and explore the differences between incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs. Then the long history and increasing importance of solar power and its modern applications are discussed.
From the Paper "On December 31st, 1879, after years of work and many experiments, Thomas Alva Edison gave the first demonstration of the incandescent light bulb at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey. He was assisted in his invention by Francis Upton, a Princeton Graduate who supplied the mathematical and theoretical expertise that Edison lacked. This invention established Edison's reputation as the world's greatest inventor. Before his invention, electric arc lighting was used to produce light. In this lighting system, lights were connected in a series circuit, so if one failed, the rest of the bulbs on the circuit also failed. (First Public Demonstration?)
Edison was able to spend so much time and money on the invention of the light bulb because of his reputation as an inventor. He had the support of financiers such as J.P. Morgan and the Vanderbilts. They established the Edison Light Company and loaned Edison $30,000 for research and development. (First Public Demonstration?)"
Abstract This report investigates the effects of the nuclear reaction accident at Three Mile Island. It includes a chronology, a detailed description of the after affects, and highlights ways to prevent future disasters such as Three Mile Island. The author also examines the process that nuclear reactors use to harness nuclear energy, and describes the many types of reactors out there.
From the Paper "Three Mile Island? To many, those three words are associated with other words like "nuclear meltdown", "radioactive release", and ?damaged environment.? Many people know very little about how a nuclear reactor works, what kinds of nuclear reactors there are, exactly what happened at Three Mile Island, and how many dangers could have been prevented. The truths behind these ideas, and facts to back them up are all apparent in this paper."
Abstract This is a paper that summarizes the observations of journalist, Glenn Zorpette, who accompanied engineering majors from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) who studied heat convection in artificial gravity by building a spinning assembly that produces centrifugal force in a test cell.
From the Paper "The scientific research was conducted in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's world-renowned Vomit Comet, a KC-135A aircraft that is flown so as to provide weightlessness in 25-second snippets. The plane is usually used for research conducted on a professional basis but undergraduate students are allowed to make use of the plane and conduct studies related to weightlessness. "
Abstract This is a paper on the Atomists of the Greek era and their concept of Atoms and matter.
From the Paper The notion that atoms make up matter was popular amongst the Greek civilization and through this notion comes the theory of the atomists. Democritus of Abdera (ca. 410 BCE) put forward the atomic hypothesis according to which matter can be divided until a point after which only the atoms remain.
