Energy

Abstract:: Through nine lessons, students are introduced to a range of energy types electrical, light, sound and thermal as well as the renewable energy sources of wind, hydro (water) and solar power. Subjects range from understanding that the movement of energy at the electron level creates electricity that powers our world, to recognizing the Sun as our ultimate energy source. Through numerous hands-on activities, students explore a wide range of scientific topics related to the fundamentals of energy: kinetic and potential energy, light waves, reflection, refraction, convection, sound waves, volume, pitch, frequency, radiation, heat capacity, heat transfer, specific heat. These concepts are presented in the context of engineering applications pertinent to our everyday lives. Other aspects of energy are explored, including energy consumption and conservation, batteries, simple circuits, conduction and insulation, polarization, power grid and blackouts. As they delve into details about wind, water and solar power, students learn about thermometers, anemometers, wind and water turbines (windmills and waterwheels), and even direct solar heating and cooking. See the Unit Overview section for topics by lesson.

Introduction to Plasma Physics I, Fall 2003

Abstract:: This is the course to learn about the fourth state of matter. The plasma state dominates the visible universe, and is of increasing economic importance. Plasmas behave in lots of interesting and sometimes unexpected ways. Introduces plasma phenomena relevant to energy generation by controlled thermonuclear fusion and to astrophysics. Coulomb collisions and transport processes. Motion of charged particles in magnetic fields; plasma confinement schemes. MHD models; simple equilibrium and stability analysis. Two-fluid hydrodynamic plasma models; wave propagation in a magnetic field. Introduces kinetic theory; Vlasov plasma model; electron plasma waves and Landau damping; ion-acoustic waves; streaming instabilities. A subject description tailored to fit the background and interests of the attending students distributed shortly before and at the beginning of the subject. From the course home page: The course is intended only as a first plasma physics course, but includes critical concepts needed for a foundation for further study. A solid undergraduate background in classical physics, electromagnetic theory including Maxwell's equations, and mathematical familiarity with partial differential equations and complex analysis are prerequisites.

Abstract:: The plasma state dominates the visible universe, and is important in fields as diverse as Astrophysics and Controlled Fusion. Plasma is often referred to as "the fourth state of matter." This course introduces the study of the nature and behavior of plasma. A variety of models to describe plasma behavior are presented.