|
Day |
Topics
Subtopics
|
Reading
Please read the material
before
class on the given day.
|
|
1
M 4/01 |
Intro, strategy, hints
|
Nothing yet
|
|
2
W 4/03
|
Energy from the perspective of physics:
SI energy units. The Energy Conservation Law
Various forms of energy
Conversion of one energy form to another
To understand the need for alternative
energies, we should talk first of conventional
energy sources and their drawbacks
|
Power points 1 & 2
|
|
3
F 4/05
|
Conventional energy sources. Mined fuels.
Global resources. How are they converted to
electric power? Physics: the conversion
efficiency. Maximum efficiency (the Carnot
Engine). The efficiency of real engines.
|
Power Point 2 & 3
|
|
4
M 4/08
|
Why aren't we happy with conventional energy
production? Some reasons: limited resources of
fossil fuels; CO2 emission; and last,
but not least, political factors
|
Power Points 3 & 3b
|
|
5
W 4/10
|
Atomic (Nuclear) Power: basic physics
of radioactive decay. Nuclear fission. Elements
of reactor physics: why they are water-filled?
Controversial aspects of nuclear energy.
|
Power Point 4
|
|
6
F 4/12
|
Conventional energy production -- summary
(classroom discussion)
Start thinking of paper topic
|
Same as before
|
|
7-9
4/15-19
|
Hydroelectric power. Wind Power I
|
TBA
|
|
10-12
4/22-26
|
Wind Power II
Solar Power I, II
Paper topic has to be chosen and accepted
by Dr. Tom by the end of this week
|
TBA
|
|
13-15
4/29-5/03
|
Solar Power III
Geothermal power I, II
|
TBA
|
|
Week 6
|
Ocean waves I, II
Midterm test, Wed., May 8
(during normal class hours, but venue TBA)
|
TBA
|
|
Week 7
|
Transportation - mainly, electric cars
Batteries for electric cars
Biofuels
|
TBA
|
|
Week 8
|
Biofuels, cont.; Transmission of
electric power over large distances
About a plan of making the US almost totally
independent on fossil fuels by the year 2100
|
TBA
|
|
Week 9
|
Guest Lectures
Terms papers due by the end
of this week (in order not to
spoil your long weekend!)
|
No reading
|
|
Weeks 10
|
Presentations of selected term papers
Review before the final exam
|
All material
|
|
Final Week
|
Final exam -- 9:30 am, Friday, June 14, 2013; venue TBA
|
All material
|