The objective of this experiment would be to demonstrate and observe the qualities of different greenhouse gases. We would use soda bottles to create 3 insulated environments, one with regular air, one with CO2 and one with Methane (CH4). The normal air bottle would act as a control system, and we would put thermometers in all three, and put them in the same exposure of sunlight. This would allow us to compare the different rates of temperature change.
2. Kinetic energy experiment
The objective of this experiment would be to prove that when an object is moved by gravity from a point of high potential energy to a state of high kinetic energy, the entire magnitude of potential energy can be converted to kinetic. To do this we would roll a ball of a certain mass down a ramp and have it strike a device that measures force. This way, we can calculate the energy it had in potential initially, and compare it with the force ( and then energy) exerted when it was all converted to kinetic.
3. Specific Heat Experiment
The objective of this experiment would be to determine the heat capacities. of three different materials. To do this, all three would be of the same mass, and would be heated to the same temperature in water. After the three masses are all the same heated temperature, they would be placed into 3 separate cups of water at the same temperature, but colder than the 3 masses. As the excess heat is transferred from each mass into the water, a thermometer can record each water temperature change after the systems reach an equilibrium. We can then use these measurements to calculate the specific heats for all three materials.
Tom Vales had a very nice presentation to allow the class to see these energy alternatives in action. His novelty demonstrations of energy production were inspiring to keep research and development as a priority. The idea of producing energy from water temperature differentials for example was something I personally would have never thought could be done. Now with the demonstration, I have a wider perspective in potential resources for electricity, and I think it had the same type of effect with many students in the class. Some of his demonstations were especially noteworthy to recall.
Tesla’s coil
Vales’ homemade tesla coil worked just as effectively as one that could be seen in the Museum of Science. In conjunction with this fact, he explained that the copper bucket had nothing inside; it was simply a long, thing copper wire coiled around the bucket. When I saw the sparks it could produce I was amazed at what a relatively small scale model could produce. Furthermore, the demonstrations of the effects of the magnetic field were also interesting. I was able to see how expansive the range for available power was, and from reference of the demonstration I can tell that a model with an incredibly large production capacity would be needed to power the entire range of a room or home.
Silver Engine
The silver engine was also an interesting model to observe. It is suspended by a magnetic field, and its precision in design is stunning. It is also extremely fragile. Although it has little practical use for today’s power production, it was still a neat device to see in operation. If I recall correctly, the engine runs off hot air, so I imagine engines like these would work best in hot areas like the equator. It may not have much practical use now, but it may one day become essenial for renewable energy in the future.
Temperature difference engine
This engine was cool to see as well. Tom Vales said it produces electricity from the temperature difference that it comes into contact with. He also said the two temperatures of water in the cup were arranged with the colder water on top, and warmer water at the bottom. This caught my attention because normally water tends to arrange temperature in the opposite position. Warm water rises, while cold water sinks. I do not know why this switch happens, but I would guess that the engine is in some way responsible.
Steam Engine
The steam engine was fun to see on such a small scale, but what caught my attention was how primitive it seems in comparison to the other methods of electric production. Using an open flame for heat, generating a lot of noise and heat, it actually seemed a bit more dangerous than the others. Tom vales’ story of the accidents with steam engines substantiated that it is. On larger scale models, when there is not enough water in a steam engine, the instant conversion of not enough water to super-hot steam has caused violent explosions, and has killed many engine operators as a result.
In my opinion, this plan shows that the President holds a clear and sober view on what needs to be done to stop climate change. He argues that we have a “moral obligation to future generations” to start solving this problem now. I absolutely agree with this perspective, and I think the President’s administration covers a lot of solutions that could help us solve the problem. Of these solutions, I do wonder how many will truly be feasible, and be able to implemented in the long run. I believe he includes policy to both wean America away from carbon emissions, and policy to support a future of minimal carbon emissions. He addresses both these aspects of the solution in his initiative of “Deploying Clean Energy” and “Building a 21st Century Transportation Sector’.” The report is right to say that climate change is upon us already, and administering a plan such as this properly would be a legitimate response to that fact.
Deploying Clean Energy
With regard to power plants, the presidents carbon emissions standard is a very long term goal. Since they apply to new power plants only, the standards will not have any downward on carbon emissions anytime soon. But, federal regulations could prove to be very useful to ensure the cooperation of future energy producers.
I am frankly a bit disappointed in the presidents plan to support renewable sources. He mentions government spending and support grow to many low efficiency solutions- wind, solar, geothermal and biofuels. This is absolutely better than nothing, but he does not mention implementation of nuclear energy, which is by far the highest yielding investment. Also in my opinion, the government shouldn’t merely spend money to build renewable energy independently, but should rather spend money to encourage and support a private market in renewable energy supply and demand. In this type of investment, the continued growth of renewable energy supply could be paid for by private investment and market competition rather than the governments pocketbook.
Clean Energy innovation is another action that has both short term and long term effects. The administration is investing in research and development of carbon capturing and sequestration of fossil fuels. This is a very good measure to implement so that we do not have to shift to 100% alternative energy too quickly. In coherence, to ensure that a steady pace of emissions reduction happens over the long term, they plan to have an Energy survey and report by the Federal government. This is a good type of enforcement for the country as a whole to keep pace with its goals.
Building a 21st Century Transportation Sector
Improving the transportation sector is also very important, because it accounts for almost one third of domestic greenhouse gas emissions. Within this sector, the category of heavy duty vehicles are the second largest emitters, even though smaller vehicles greatly outnumber them. This means they are energy intensive, and inefficient. The president’s goal is to lower the energy intensity of these
Sources of domestic GHG emissions
vehicles through federal standards for fuel efficiency. If enforced properly, this would be a practical measure for the short term reduction of carbon emissions. I think it is a good regulation, for cutting emissions where they hurt as few consumers as possible, but cut a relatively large amount of emissions at the same time. The report projects an estimated 270 million metric tons of carbon kept out of the air by these standards, but personally, I question the probability of this actually happening. This assumes the standards are enforced effectively, and I think this would be hard to do. Passenger vehicle fuel economy standards raise the same question. How difficult will it be to hold a federal minimum of 54.5 miles per gallon for all vehicles? Only time can truly tell if it is feasible.
The plan also considers action for the long term to actually introduce alternative energy in the transportation sector. The plan stresses the potential in biofuels and fuel cells for alternative energy production. I agree that there is potential in both, but I believe the most practical investment is in fuel cells, due to the low efficiency yield of biofuels. The goal is to bring alternative energies down to a cost competitive rate with gasoline and diesel, and I think the action to further develop car batteries, as well as keep consumers informed of the potential savings in electric cars are both good steps to achieve this goal. The plan cites a current electricity cost equivalent to a gas price of $1.41 per gallon, which, if it is accurate, provides a very good long term incentive for consumers to switch to hybrid or completely electric cars as gas prices steadily rise.
Conclusion
I think this plan is for the most part practical and achievable, but I am skeptical about the actual reliability of these promises being followed through with. I believe at some parts the policy could be altered so that the government’s investment has a higher return and is more effective in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, such as nuclear energy production, and nurturing a new market in renewable energy sources. Although improvements can be made, I think the policy includes very responsible regulations for the short term and long term challenge of moving away from fossil fuels. I hope they are enforced, and I hope the goals set in investment and innovation are met and even pushed further in the future.
