Module Identifier |
PH19010 |
Module Title |
ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT |
Academic Year |
2004/2005 |
Co-ordinator |
Dr Andrew R Breen |
Semester |
Semester 2 |
Other staff |
Dr Andrew R Breen, Dr Yan Yin |
Pre-Requisite |
None - module is highly suitable for non Physics students |
Co-Requisite |
None |
Mutually Exclusive |
None |
Course delivery |
Lecture | 20 lectures |
Assessment |
Assessment Type | Assessment Length/Details | Proportion |
Semester Exam | 2 Hours end of semester examination | 100% |
|
Learning outcomes
After taking this module students should be able to:
-
make use of the fact that energy can be transferred or converted from one form to another
-
relate the energy transferred to an object by the force exerted on the body and the distance it moves
-
state the principle of the conservation of energy and apply it to a variety of energy conversions
-
recognise that there are different units of energy
-
recall the formulae for kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy of an object
-
recall the basic atomic and nuclear structure of atoms
-
describe the basic science of radioactivity, nuclear fission and nuclear fusion
-
describe the nature of heat energy and the difference between heat energy and temperature
-
describe the different ways in which heat energy is transferred between two bodies
-
state the first and second Laws of Thermodynamics and their application to the efficiency of heat engines and refrigerators
-
recognise the function of the basic components of a conventional power station, whether driven by coal, oil or nuclear power
-
describe the mode of operation of hydroelectric, tidal and wind turbines
-
be able to make a balanced assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of generating electricity.
-
describe how pollutants can build up in the atmosphere near the ground
-
describe the basic processes underlying the acid rain and global warming problems.
Brief description
Energy is a vital resource in our society. Its use and misuse has implications for the environment, and these issues have assumed dramatic proportions recently. This module discusses the fundamental physics behind energy resources, both conventional and alternative, in order to provide a balanced view of environmental implications. In this approach, the interdisciplinary nature of the subject is evident, and the module gives special emphasis to changes in the atmosphere - including acid rain and the greenhouse effect. The module is suitable for undergraduates of any discipline.
Content
Basic Physics:
Energy and Power. Conservation of Energy. Forms of energy
Structure of the atom and the nucleus
Radioactivity, fission and fusion
Theory of heat engines and the laws of thermodynamics
Heat engines and heat pumps
Heat transfer - conduction, convection and radiation
Conversion of energy:
Types of energy and energy conversion.
Comparison of energy content and efficiency of different fuels.
Use of energy in society.
How turbines generate electricity. Coal, oil and gas power stations
Nuclear energy
Hydroelectricity and tidal generation. Wind turbine. Solar energy.
Advantages and disadvantages of different methods of generating electricity, including
Nuclear fusion
Environmental Issues:
Environmental risks of nuclear power
Environmental consequences of burning fossil fuels:
(i) Basic meteorology of burning plumes
(ii) Acid rain
(iii) Global warming: basic principles and feedback mechanisms
Reading Lists
Books
** Recommended Text
J. Houghton Global Warming - The complete briefing
Cambridge University Press
** Supplementary Text
J. Ramage Energy: A Guidebook Oxford University Press
0 19 288022 5
R.A. Ristinen and J.J. Kraushaar (1999) Energy and the Environment
Wiley 0471 1728 0
J.J. Kraushaar and R.A. Ristinen (1993) Energy and Problems of a Technical Society
Wiley 0471573108
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4