Abstract This paper explains the reasons behind the halt in nuclear power plant construction in the United States. Factors in the decline of nuclear power plants include raising costs, disposal of nuclear waste, concern for safety, declining public opinion and governmental programs and decisions not favorable to the nuclear power industry. Footnotes.
From the Paper "After a period of rapid growth in the nuclear power industry, resulting in over a hundred nuclear power plants being constructed in the United States alone, in the early 1970's the industry began to slow and even began to decline in the 1980"s, while the rest of the world continued to increase their nuclear industry capacity. In the mid-1970's the Atomic Energy Commission predicated that by the year 2000 there would be more than 1,000 nuclear power plants in the United States.[1] No new nuclear power plants have been ordered in the United States since 1973 and several plants have gone off-line since.[2] Between 1990 and 1995, 20 additional nuclear power plants came online outside of the United States, with an additional 36 under construction. Furthermore, Robert Newman, the President of ABB Combustion Engineering Nuclear Systems, in a October 6, 1996 New York Times article suggested that his company had been approached by the government of China with a plan to build as many as 150 nuclear power plants over the next 40 years.[3] Currently, there are over 437 nuclear power plants operating around the world.[4] Hence, while the rest of the world is increasing their dependence on nuclear power, the question becomes, why is the Untied States making a rapid reversal in its dependence on nuclear power" Several tangible factors have been suggested: the rising costs of construction of a nuclear power plant, the increase in time that it takes to construct a nuclear power plant, the disposal of low grade and high grade nuclear waste, public safety of living near a nuclear power plant, declining public support for nuclear power, and the fear of nuclear power plants contributing to the proliferation of nuclear weapons around the world."
Abstract A explanation of what antimatter is, where it originated, what its uses are and how much energy it can produce. It looks at the benefits of this matter.
From the Paper "Antimatter is a rare substance that at one time was abundant in our universe. Antimatter is relatively simple, consisting of the same parts that make up the elements in our planet. The only difference is: an atom of antimatter is a "mirror image" of a regular atom. Antimatter and normal matter both have neutrons, which make up a good portion of the mass of the nucleus. Normal atoms have negatively charged electrons which encircle the nucleus, and they also help to determine the charge of the atom. In Antimatter, those "electrons" do not exist, they are called "antielectrons", sometimes known as "positrons", and they have a positive charge. The Protons of in a normal nucleus are also different in an atom of antimatter. They are called "Antiprotons", and have a negative charge."
Tags: antimatter, chemistry, matter, physics, science, theory
Abstract The author of this paper describes how 16 of those who attended the fifth Solvay Conference in Brussels in 1927 were laureates or went on to win the Nobel Prize. He examines in detail the contributions these attendees made to the field of physics.
From the Paper "Compton is responsible for the study of the scattering of high-energy photons by electrons-the Compton effect. Besides Langmuir, Compton was the only American at the Fifth Solvay Conference. Compton was also responsible for pioneering work on gamma rays and their interaction with matter. Towards the end of his career, Compton worked on cosmic rays."
Tags: Einstein, Bohr, chemistry, Quantum, Theory, thermodynamics, EPR, paper
An examination and discussion of different theories proposed to explain clairvoyance, precognition, psychokinesis and other psi phenomena including electromagnetic radiation and quantum theory.
Abstract The strengths and weakness of various theories including extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic radiation waves and quantum theory as it applies to psi are discussed. Also examined are the problems of scientific paradigm shifts and the possibility that the statistical evidence for psi activity is an "anomaly" in our current paradigm and a precursor to a paradigm shift.
From the Paper "Parapsychology occupies a unique position within the scientific realm. The results of the field are often considered invalid, fraudulent, or insignificant. Psi is often thought to be inconsistent with the current knowledge of physics. Despite the large body of statistical evidence for anomalous cognition, psi will not be widely accepted until a solid, testable physical theory is developed. Although the uncertainties and seemingly illogical consequences of quantum theory seem promising for the development of this sort of theory, as yet none exists."
Tags: elf, occult, paradigm, parapsychology, psychic, quantum, statistics, testing, theory
Abstract The folowing paper aims to find the force required to move blocks of different weights across different surfaces, thus finding a value for friction and comparing the results with that of a textbook and recording any differences. The conclusion found in this paper is that friction is directly proportional to the weight force applied and is measured in terms of the coefficient of friction, represented by the Greek letter mu (m).
From the Paper "The coefficient of friction is the ratio of the frictional force present and the normal reaction to the mating surfaces and is represented as,
m = Ff ? Rn
Rn = Normal reaction, weight force
Fn = Frictional force
But may also be worked out by dividing the force required in Kg by the weight of the object. Eg the force required to move a 25Kg object is 5Kg so to work out the coefficient of the object we would divide 5 by 25 to give a coefficient of 0.2.
Because of this the surface area of the block is independent to that of the coefficient and is not needed when determining a value for friction.
The coefficient of wood against wood is 0.35 giving a relatively low value for friction whereas rubber against concrete is 0.8 meaning it would be hard to slide rubber on concrete. The coefficient can be greatly reduced if a lubricant of some sort is applied in between the surfaces as it forms a layer preventing the bumps on the surfaces rubbing together making it easier to slide the objects past each other."
Abstract The following paper examines the history of solid propulsion and black powder and discusses how it was used. It also looks at the advantages and disadvantages of solid propulsion in relation to its liquid counterparts.
From the Paper "The first solid propulsion engines were invented by the Chinese early in the 13th century in use of fireworks. These homemade rockets were propelled by black powder. The first recorded military use was in 1232 in a military siege where the powder propelled rockets were used to set fire to tents. It wasn?t until years later around the early 15th century when they started becoming used in Europe and equipped with a payload. Gunpowder started being used as it burned slower than black powder. The two have same the same ingredients but in different proportions. A large step forward was when the solid propulsion rockets were used to carry rope from distressed ships to shore in stormy conditions. The sailors would use the rope as a lifeline in their rowboats. However this relied on the fact that the shore could only be as far away as the longest rope."
Abstract A paper which considers how the work of Kepler, Newton, Copernicus, Brahe, Ptolemy and Galileo overlapped, how one discovery influenced another and how the work of these scientists helped form the foundation of modern scientific knowledge of the physical sciences. The paper studies the life histories of each of these scientists.
From the Paper "Galileo was appointed professor of mathematics at Padua, his duties included to teach the geometry of Elucid, and geocentric, astronomy to the medical students. However it is noted that he discussed more natural philosophy and forms of non standard astronomy, this was also carried out in a public lecture in reference to a New Star that had appeared, now known as Kepler's supernova. Galileo also wrote personally to Kepler stating that he was a follower of the Copernican theory, however there was no outward evidence of this until many years later (Field, 1995)."
Abstract The author states that, in the early days, the basic principle of Einstein's relativity was confusing to the public and to scientists. The paper continues that the theory should not be different from the idea it conveys: Every motion must only be considered as a relative motion. Examples are presented. The paper concludes by reviewing the book, "Einstein, History, and Other Passions" by Gerald Holton.
From the Paper "This principle not only maintains that it may equally be well to choose the carriage or the embankment as our reference-body for the description of any event. The principle rather asserts what follows: If we formulate the general laws of nature as they are obtained from experience, by making use of the embankment as reference-body, the railway carriage as reference-body, then these general laws of nature (e.g. the laws of mechanics or the law of the propagation of light in vacuum) have exactly the same form in both cases."
Abstract This paper introduces the general study of sound, and, specifically, ultrasonic phenomena. Human versus animal perception of sound is discussed. The use of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in humans is outlined.
From the Paper "One of the greatest tools that man has ever had in the drive to preserve his own body is that of understanding. Particularly, through greater comprehension of the processes and logistics that facilitate our body functions, we can make further gains in aiding them where need exists. Sonic study is indicative of that very fact and, specifically, with the inception of sound exploration into the canon of physics came evidence that sound is more than just what human beings can hear. Rather, we now understand sound as acoustic energy existing in amplitudes of widely varying sizes and intensities. Further, the human ear perceives these amplitudes by translating their frequency. This frequency, a measure of the quantity of sound waves an object (i.e. vocal chords, drum skin, etc.) produces per second, may occur across an infinite range of measurements, expressed in hertz. The human ear, however, has a decidedly finite capacity for sound comprehension that falls somewhere between 20 and 20,000 Hz. Any sound occurring above that frequency is defined as ultrasonic. That is, ultrasonic phenomena are those sounds that exceed "normal" human hearing capabilities, normal being defined as that hearing which falls within the aforementioned frequency comprehension range."
Abstract This paper explores methods used by astronomers to measure the universe, the dual nature of light, origins of the universe and the solar system and types of stars. It also discusses planets and other celestial bodies.
From the Paper "Another way to measure the universe is using shadows. Some astronomers observe ?dark silhouettes cast by distant clusters of galaxies (Glanz,1999)? against the ?cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) (Glanz, 1999)? The glow from this radiation provides a back light that helps measure the size of the shadows. The CMBR was formed back when the cosmos were only 100,000 to 300,000 years old. Because of the CMBRs? age, ?everything in the visible universe lies in front (Glanz, 1999)? of it. When the radiation started out, it had hot temperatures due to the universe just being formed. However, as the universe expanded, the temperatures cooled. This gives astronomers additional information to aid them in their measurements."
Abstract The paper gives a brief insight into atoms from the beginning of recognition of their existence by the ancient Greeks, to the ability today to create man-made ones. It discusses the chemical composition of atoms and how scientists can now predict their behavior with great accuracy.
From the Paper "According to existing theories and experimental results, the Big Bang took place about 12,000-15,000 million years ago. Within the first three minutes of the existence of the Universe, the light elements originated. Atoms came along after about 300,000 years and the stars and galaxies originated during the first million years. However, it took a while for humans to recognize atoms, although they were right before their eyes."
Tags: protons, electrons, neutrons, quantum, physics, nucleus, atomic, number
From the Paper "This paper will discuss what makes Albert Einstein a hero. Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary gives several definitions of a hero, most of which apply to Einstein. According to Webster's a hero is a mythological or legendary figure endowed with great ability; a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities; the central figure in an event, period or movement; and an object of extreme admiration and devotion. These definitions can be readily applied to Einstein who was indeed a hero of the world community. Unlike heroes of legend, however, Einstein was a modern hero.
In naming Albert Einstein A Person of the Century@ TIME Magazine wrote for Einstein to become a modern icon, especially in America, required a total revision of the definition of a hero."
Reviews current information regarding the production of electromagnetic radiation (EMFs), links to human health problems and engineering solutions designed to control these problems.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 5 sources, 1997, $ 55.95
From the Paper "The Production and Control of Electromagnetic Fields
Abstract
This article will review current information regarding the production of electromagnetic radiation (EMFs), links to human health problems, and engineering solutions designed to control these problems.
Introduction
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs), also known as electromagnetic radiation, consist of two distinct types: ionizing and non ionizing. On the EMF Spectrum, above visible light and starting in the ultra violet frequencies, ionizing radiation has sufficient capacity to break a chemical bond and thereby ..."
An examination of the history of discoveries and inventions related to electricity and its practical applications, from the 16th century to nuclear energy, fiber optics and superconductors.
2,700 words (approx. 10.8 pages), 15 sources, 2000, $ 95.95
From the Paper "Electricity is such an integral part of daily living that it is difficult to imagine a time when it did not "exist" a time when there were no lights, no computers, no phones, and no appliances. A time when everyday tasks like laundry, cooking, and vacuuming were not made easy with mechanics run by electricity. However, such a time did exist. But with the observations and experiments of curious and intelligent scientific figures, electricity was discovered and harnessed.
Awareness of electricity dates back to the Greeks who discovered that amber, when rubbed, attracted lightweight particles such as straw (Dunsheath, p. 1). However, the value of this force was not determined until much later when scientists began to study it in more depth and invent equipment that could measure and capture it."
From the Paper " Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) was one of the greatest scientists in history and, after an initial period of resistance, his discoveries, theories, and methods proved to be a major force in the emergence of modern science. Newton became the best-known scientist in the world and, even though most of the eighteenth-century public understood little of his work, his fame eventually provided the impetus to elevate scientific research to a new level of respectability. Other seventeenth- and eighteenth-century scientists participated in the general move away from the Aristotelian paradigm of science that had dominated the Western world for two millennia. But Newton's inspired work resulted in what has justly been called the Newtonian Revolution in science. Ironically, however, Newton's progress in mathematizing science and opening it up to the full play of scientific method meant..."
