lcharette

 

This experiment was to test the temperature change using different forms of insulation to determine the most efficient in maintaining heat. This experiment can be used to improve efficiency and heat loss which is a major problem on the American Energy Network. This was useful in determining which materials on a small scale are the most useful. This experiment consisted of 4 water bottles all insulated with different materials, wool, paper, cotton, and air. Each material contained the heat differently. Wool was the best at keeping the water temperature the hottest. This experiment determined that cotton followed by paper are better than no insulator at all. This is useful if applied to the insulation in real world applications. Lowering energy bills, keeping heat in during the winter and heat out during summer are helpful in the overall energy consumption of the country.

 

Pandora’s Promise is a perfect example of how a largely accepted public opinion can be believed without any supportive evidence. The movie starts out with a group of activists all protesting the use of Nuclear energy. The thought behind this protest was largely motivated by health concerns. The radiation was believed to cause cancer and other health problems. People were also concerned with the idea that Nuclear energy would be used in weapons. Along with their legitimate concerns, people often listen to the opinion of the general population. Nuclear energy gained a bad reputation among many people, only causing more concern and chaos. As the movie goes on the generalized opinion that nuclear energy was dangerous began to change. As scientists did more research on the topic, no bad results provided the theories correct. Although the movie does reveal some of the downsides to nuclear energy, it talks about some of the positive aspects. The movie did a great job of emphasizing the importance of doing your own research. I would recommend this movie to someone if they were interested in the environment and different forms of energy.

Mars has been an object of human exploration for a long while. There have been many research missions to mars that have fallen short of success. The efforts made have proven to be more difficult than ever imagined. There has been a few successful exploration vehicles to land. These vehicles has been gathering information necessary to not only allow human exploration, but eventually a prolonged stay on the red planet.

The first unmanned spacecraft to Mars was able to gather some data, however it returned data for only about 20 seconds before it went dark. Data revealed much information about atmosphere, weather, geology, and the planet’s topography. There has been many myths that martian canals showed evidence of an ancient civilization.

Many missions to Mars are currently in development. Many of which will be key to the opportunity to allow a human to go to the planet. Scientists are trying to create a robotic craft that can go beneath the surface. Hopefully they will find signs of water and life.

Many robotic spacecraft and rovers are gathering information about the planet that will eventually gives the answers needed to allow human explorers. Radiation is currently being tested to develop a plan to protect astronauts in the future. All the data collected is being utilized to hopefully create technology that will allow living on Mars one day. NASA is a leader in a Global Exploration Roadmap. They have international partner and U.S commercial space industry on a coordinated expansion of human presence into the solar system.

http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/space-exploration/mars-exploration-article/

http://www.planetary.org/explore/space-topics/space-missions/missions-to-mars.html

https://www.nasa.gov/topics/journeytomars/index.html

During a lab in class we used the Mindstorm to examine the relationship between force, mass and acceleration. This was done was using a pulley attached to a motor that moved the object up. The weight was on a string and the mass was switched up to examine the changes made to the time it took for the acceleration. By keeping a constant power level we tried a few different masses to compare. After a few trials my partner and I switched the power level.

We used the masses 0.21kg, 0.25kg, and 0.17kg. After several trials we began to switch the power levels We tested power of, 60,70, and 75. We then compared all the data and create graphs to distinguish the relationships.The first graph we made compared acceleration vs mass. We found there to be a downward trend line, this was because the larger the mass, the smaller the acceleration.

The next graph we created by acceleration vs force. This graph had an upward trend. If the power level increased then the rate of acceleration also increased.

The third graph was battery discharge vs mass. This graph did not have enough data points to distinguish a good relationship. Had there been more trials the graph would most likely show a relationship of the acceleration increasing as well as the battery discharge increasing. The last graph we did was power vs power level. This graph had an upward trend line. As the power level increased the power also increased.

During class last week our Sustainability and Energy class was given a tour of the largest library Suffolk University has to offer. The Mildred Frank Sawyer Library consists of three separates all offering different tools to succeed. The entrance of the library is located on the 2nd floor of 73 Tremont Street. At the front of the library there is the circulation desk that allows you to check out books, kindles, even phone chargers. The first floor also has a reference desk. This is helpful for those research projects that require a certain text. There is also computers, study rooms, printers and scanners. The noise level is relatively normal compared to the higher two floors. The tour guide brought us up to the next level on the 3rd floor.This level was slightly quieter than the first level. This space was used for students to study and work on projects. There are designated quiet areas where many students choose to do their homework. We were shown the instruction room toward the back. We all sat down at computers while the tour guide gave us a lesson on how to use the online resources available to suffolk students. This was very helpful information and will be used very often. The screens changed with the instructor’s so it was very easy to follow along with the lesson. We were not shown the third level of the library. The tour guide did say that was the quietest floor where most chose to do their homework when complete focus is crucial.This tour was very informative.

Fuel efficiency importance is at an all time high in the automotive industry. With increasingly more sophisticated technology and an environment crisis, the race is on for rapid change. Despite the advances already made, it is still not enough to make a difference in the environmental impact the CO2 emissions are causing. The environmental protection agency is working closely with the Obama administration to create a set of guideline that will be enforced in the next few years to require cars to be more efficient.

Cars manufactured between 2017 and 2025 are going to have to follow a strict set of regulations for fuel efficiency and carbon-pollution limits. Many of theses changes are not only good for the environment but they will create jobs, save people money, and reduce oil consumption. Many U.S companies are trying to produce vehicles that are comparable to foreign models. While the oil and gas prices are expected to increase due to supply concerns, a reduction of dependance on such is mandatory.

The Obama administration has taken a few important steps to help move along the process. The new standards being put in place are suppose to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 1 billion metric tons. Fuel costs are also suppose to be but by $170 billion and reduce oil consumption by up to 1.8 billion barrels. While making serious changes, the United States is also working with other countries encouraging the same progress and standards.

With the new reforms and standards electric/hybrid cars are becoming the focus. Hybrid cars sales have gone up 84% and electrics car sales up 241%. This increase in demand of alternative fuel cars is helpful in the supply and demand of a better vehicle. The consumption will help encourage the further development of this product.

By the year 2025 fuel efficiency is required to be at 54.5 mpg. This is predicted to cut 580 million metric tons of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere by 2025. While the highest fuel efficiency is currently 28.1 mpg, this standard is going to be dramatically better for the environment.

 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonkblog/wp/2013/12/13/cars-in-the-u-s-are-more-fuel-efficient-than-ever-heres-how-it-happened/

http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2015/hd-trucks-phase-2-standards

http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/10/09/3577925/average-us-fuel-economy-hits-record-high/

During class last week, Professor Tom Vale gave a demonstration on a few very intriguing engines. These machines, all of which not made in this century, gave a window into how the world thought and operated before this age of technology.  It was interesting and unexpected to see how complex and creative these inventions are. Many of the inventions shown are so intricate they are impossible to replicate even using all the technology available today.

The first demo being the Mendocino Solar Power Motor. This machines uses light from the sun to get energy to operate. When the light source hits the motor creating a magnetic field, it travels through the coil and causes the rotation of the object. Each side has it’s own set of solar panels so the process can continue even as the motor continues to rotate.

Tom Vales also showed the Stirling generator. This generator used the steam from a cup of hot water to create movement in the machine. This particular invention was not very efficient as it was based of the steam engine. It was also very dangerous to use back then, causing damage and injury.

One of my favorite parts of the demo was the Tesla Coil. This was a machine that was very complex and led to the development of wireless energy. Traveling up from a metal nail, current moves through a coil and wirelessly transfers electricity. This was interesting because you could see and hear the current. Putting a light bulb near the current causes it to glow without touching the coil. This machine uses an induction coil that produces high-frequency alternating currents.

Tom Vales presentation was very interesting and informative.

The climate change is quickly becoming a problem than can no longer be ignored. The rising temperatures and extreme weather are just the beginning of an environmental crisis. While some efforts have been made in the past, not much progress has been made. In order to significantly reduce carbon emissions and rising CO2 levels drastic measures have to be taken. In an attempt to make changes, the Environmental Protection Agency is working closely with the White House to create and implement a “Clean Power Plan.”

With the negative effects of climate change already becoming evident, president Obama feels the obligation to try and turn things around. According to WhiteHouse.gov, this new clean power plan will establish standards to limit carbon pollution from power plants. Unlike the previous soot and toxic emission standards, no rules on carbon pollution have been previously set. The planners are optimistic that 32 percent of carbon pollution will be eliminated by 2030. The plan is structured, however flexible and will be designed according to state. The Clean Power Plan will create policies that will create significant public health benefits. This plan will also provide tens of thousands of jobs for people willing to ensure grid reliability. This plan also encourages people to invest in green energy, hopefully creating a 30 percent increase in renewable technologies. Wind and solar energy is going to be highly encouraged. Programs will be put in place to make this more affordable to low-income communities.

The plan will allow each state to choose how they establish the methods to reach the new carbon emission standards. Each state is to come up with a plan within a certain amount, however if a state needs more time they are allowed to request an extension of up to two years. This new plan is encouraging investments in clean energy. This is going to save a lot of money for people on their energy bills. This plan will reward states for early investment in clean energy. The program wants to prioritize early investments for low-Income communities by awarding federal funding. These incentives will make renewable energy further develop. Standards for lights and heavy-duty vehicles will be required as the second phase of the fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards. Making solar power available for all families and communities to help cut energy bills, create jobs, and create more efficient households. Drastic measures are being taken by the EPA and other agencies to try and cut methane emissions from oil and gas systems, coal mining, landfills and agriculture.

President Obama met with President Xi Jinping to discuss reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Both parties agreed to significantly reduced emissions by 2030. This meeting was considered groundbreaking, considering both the U.S and China are the two largest polluters of greenhouse gases. This meeting has led to the increased pressure for every nation on earth to sign the same deal, at a United Nations summit meeting in Paris this coming fall. These two countries will lead the efforts and hopefully every other country will follow their example. Both the United States and China have submitted detailed plans to heavily reduce emissions.

Xi Jinping made Chinese history by being the first to stop it’s growth of carbon pollution when he agreed to cap the rapidly rising emissions within the next 15 years. This country wins world’s top emitter of carbon dioxide. This was something taken from the United States in 2006. More than a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions can be credited to China in 2012. This resulted from buring coal, oil, and natural gases. This was not much greater than the 14 percent that the united states contributed.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/08/03/fact-sheet-president-obama-announce-historic-carbon-pollution-standards

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/16/us/us-and-chinese-climate-change-negotiators-to-meet-in-los-angeles.html?_r=0

http://www.ibtimes.com/us-china-climate-change-deal-presidents-obama-xi-discuss-emissions-goals-white-house-2107277

The use of the Lego Mindstorm robot is allowing student to get a feel for how technology is both assembled and functional. This experiment requires the student to assembly the simple device and program it using online software. This type of hands on activity is beneficial in showing the possibilities of more advanced equipment. Technology is a huge aspect of everyone’s life and is only going to increase as we progress into the future. This basic knowledge is a small window into the complex world of new, innovative technology. The basic principles that allow the functionality of the lego Mindstorm apply to all technology ranging from cars to spaceships.
As part of the lesson, we were given basic background knowledge that included unit conversions and finding percent error. This experiment used meters as the primary unit after being converted from inches. Revolutions and degrees was also used to find the degrees the wheels rotated as well as the number of turns of the wheel.
The first thing we were asked to do was find the circumference of the wheel on the Lego Mindstorm. This measurement is found by using the formula c=2πr or c= diameter*π. The measurement found was about 17 centimeters or .17 meters. For the first test we were asked to make the robot move and record the distance. This test was using a power level of 75%. In one second the car wheels rotated 564 degrees. This is equal to 1.57 revolutions. This is because you divide the degrees rotated by that of a circle, 360 degrees. After a second of movement the car traveled 28.5 centimeters, which was converted to .285 meters. The online computer simulator predicted that the car would travel .266 meters. This caused a percent error of 6.89%. This is the number measured-computer simulated divided by the average of two.
A second and third trial were performed to get more data at different power levels. At 70% power the car moved .265 meters and the computer simulated was .2488. This resulted in a percent error of 6.31%. The third trial at 60% resulted in the car traveling .230 meters, while the computer guess it would travel .210 meters. This was a percent error of 9.1%

 

 

	Trial 1	Trial 2	Trial 3
Power level	75.00%	70.00%	60.00%
Measured distance (m)	0.285m	0.265m	0.230m
Computer simulated distance (m)	0.266m	0.2488m	0.210m
(measured-computer)/ average	0.069	0.063	0.091
Percent error (%)	6.896%	6.306%	9.091%

A bill in Hawaii was introduced in 2013 to ban genetically engineered crops from the island. There was a lot of support from the locals. There were many reports of disease and illness associated with the genetically modified organisms. There was a rise in allergies, super weeds, contaminations, cancer in rats, and the disappearance of butterflies and bees. Some of the council member were unclear about what GMO’s were, and did not understand the potential hazards. Many people wanted Hawaii to be a “G.M.O.-free oasis.” To the staff unaware of the negatives, a simple google search would inform anyone of the potential damage of GMO’s.
The problem with the bill passing was in the doubts of the councilman seeing some of the positive benefits of GMO’s. An genetically engineered variety of papaya saved the islands supply from a disease that would have been potentially devastating. Even some of the reports of GMO’s causing tumors in rats was not proven true. University of Hawaii biologists claimed that genetically engineered crops are no riskier than normal crops, in fact may have positive benefits.
The sponsor of the ban of GMO’s pushed the urgency of the problem. She warned to “act before it’s too late,”. However by banning all new research the possibility of creating more efficiency when growing healthy food during a time of urgency with global warming and increased population. Much of the opposition to GMO’s is compared to the rejection of climate-change science. However this group of opposition is coming from strong liberals unlike climate change being rejected by conservatives.
Scientists have been called out for not assessing the environmental risks associated with some of the new developments they create.
The proposed bill would allow the two already present GMO crops to stay on the island,however $1,000 per day penalty would be fined to anyone trying to go against the bill to create new GMO crops. The information to sort through to make a decision on GMOs was vast and contradictory, it would take years to make an educated decision.
It was argued by G.M.O. Free Hawaii island which includes food activist and entrepreneurs said that the organisms weren’t healthy and may damage their reputation and prices. Another argument was made by a woman who’s child had terrible allergies until switching to a non-GMO diet.
The issue of ownership of certain seeds became a factor when a farmer was sued by Monsanto when patented seeds ended up in their fields by accident. Eventually Mr. Ilagan voted against the ban. He was met with some angry voters. Some very emotional reactions occurred causing a final vote. He eventually passed the bill based on the people who supported the ban.