Alternative Energy

The Law of Conservation of Energy

In physics and chemistry, the law of conservation of energy states that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant; it is said to be conserved over time. This law means that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; rather, it can only be transformed or transferred from one form to another

In physics, work is defined as a force causing the movement — or displacement — of an object. In the case of a constant force, work is the scalar product of the force acting on an object and the displacement caused by that force.

Energy is the capacity or power to do work, such as the capacity to move an object (of a given mass) by the application of force. Energy can exist in a variety of forms, such as electrical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, or nuclear, and can be transformed from one form to another.

Two Forms of Energy

Kinetic energy

Is the energy which a body possesses by virtue of being in motion.

Potential energy 

The energy possessed by a body by virtue of its position relative to others.

Energy can exist in a variety of forms, such as electrical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, or nuclear. Energy is released anytime atoms increase in speed or bonds are broken.

Sugar has high potential energy stored by the chemical bond. Kinetic energy is released as the sugar's chemical bonds are broken. 

Prompts

Explain how potential and kinetic energy are related 

Discuss the forms of energy

Explain the 1st law of thermodynamics

Explain the 2nd law of thermodynamics

Please develop and submit a presentation demonstrating your understanding of Energy. Please include the above "prompts" in your presentation 

The best way of conserving energy is by reducing demand. There are many ways to reduce the amount of electricity that we consume.

The electrical costs of running a home is a significant portion of the household budget. Below are some suggestions on ways to reduce electrical costs.

Prompts

Perform an energy audit of your home

Identify 3 ways that you can help reduce your energy costs

Explain why reduction and conservation makes sense for the nation as a whole

Please develop and submit a presentation demonstrating your understanding of various methods of reducing electrical requirements. Please include the above "prompts" in your presentation 

Electricity generated from nuclear power has always been controversial. Many people relate nuclear energy to the nuclear bomb. The purpose of this segment is to shed light on nuclear energy so that you have an understanding of the benefits and concerns of electricity generated from nuclear fission. 

Nuclear power stirs controversy. Both sides pro and con have strong advocates.

Please review the following in order to begin to form an opinion. 

Please develop and support your opinion about nuclear power.

Please include a video that supports your view of nuclear power.

Please develop and submit a presentation demonstrating your understanding of nuclear energy. Please include the above "prompts" in your presentation

In the generation of hydroelectric power, water is collected or stored at a higher elevation and led downward through large pipes or tunnels (penstocks) to a lower elevation; the difference in these two elevations is known as the head. At the end of its passage down the pipes, the falling water causes turbines to rotate. The turbines, in turn, drive generators, which convert the turbines’ mechanical energy into electricity. Transformers are then used to convert the alternating voltage suitable for the generators to a higher voltage suitable for long-distance transmission. The structure that houses the turbines and generators, and into which the pipes or penstocks feed, is called the powerhouse.

Hydroelectricity is electricity produced from hydropower. In 2015, hydropower generated 16.6% of the world's total electricity and 70% of all renewable electricity. The forecast for electricity produced by hydropower dams is expected to increase by about 3.1% each year for the next 25 years.

Hydropower is produced in 150 countries, with the Asia-Pacific region generating 33 percent of global hydropower in 2013. China is the largest hydroelectricity producer, with 920 TWh of production in 2013, representing 16.9% of domestic electricity use.

The cost of hydroelectricity is relatively low, making it a competitive source of renewable electricity. The hydro station consumes no water, unlike coal or gas plants. The typical cost of electricity from a hydro station larger than 10 megawatts is 3 to 5 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour.

With a dam and reservoir, it is also a flexible source of electricity since the amount produced by the station can be varied up or down very rapidly (as little as a few seconds) to adapt to changing energy demands. Once a hydroelectric complex is constructed, the project produces no direct waste, and in many cases, it has a considerably lower output level of greenhouse gases than fossil fuel-powered energy plants

Most of the negativities associated with hydroelectric dams come along with the construction and disruption of the natural environment.   

Prompts

Identify the positive effects of hydroelectric power

Identify the negative effects of hydroelectric power

Explain how you see the future of hydroelectric power

Please develop and submit a presentation demonstrating your understanding of hydroelectric power. Please include the above "prompts" in your presentation 

Wind power or wind energy is the use of air flow through wind turbines to provide the mechanical power to turn electric generators and traditionally to do other work, like milling or pumping. Wind power is a sustainable and renewable

Prompt

Explain how a wind turbine produces electricity

Explain why are wind  turbines so tall

With provided supplies design and construct a working windmill

Please develop and submit a presentation demonstrating your understanding of wind-generated power. Please include the above "prompts" in your presentation

In our investigation of solar panels we'll be discussing two separate types of solar panels:

Solar Panels (PV) used for the generation of electricity 

Solar Panels (SWH) used for the generation of hot water

A solar panel (PV) works by allowing photons, or particles of light, to knock electrons free from atoms, generating a flow of electricity. Solar panels actually comprise many, smaller units called photovoltaic cells. (Photovoltaic simply means they convert sunlight into electricity.)

Solar water heating (SWH) is the conversion of sunlight into heat for water heating using a thermal collector. A variety of configurations are available at varying cost to provide solutions in different climates and latitudes. SWHs are widely used for residential and some industrial applications.

Prompts

Compare and contrast solar panel types

Explain how the solar panel (PV) can be used to produce hot water

Explain how the solar panel (SHW) can be used to produce electricity 

Please develop and submit a presentation demonstrating your understanding of solar panels and their uses. Please include the above "prompts" in your presentation

The definition of biomass is a renewable energy source from living or recently living plant and animal materials which can be used as fuel. An example of biomass is plant material that produces electricity with steam.

An example of biomass is the use of switchgrass for the production of energy. Panicum virgatum, commonly known as switchgrass, is a perennial warm-season bunchgrass ... Switchgrass is both a perennial and self-seeding crop, which means farmers do not have to plant and reseed after annual harvesting. .... Switchgrass can be used as a feedstock, in the production of alcohol, or directly pelletized and burnt.

Prompts 

Explain the benefits of biomass production

Discuss the disadvantages of energy produced using biomass technology 

Using the Peterson Press develop a biomass product and determine the heat the product generates

Please develop and submit a presentation demonstrating your understanding of using biomass as an alternative fuel source. Please include the above "prompts" in your presentation