Heat Engines in the Real World
All undergraduate physics students are taught the Carnot cycle as an example of a thermodynamic engine. The Carnot cycle is optimized for efficiency but unfortunately yields zero power, and is therefore not very useful in reality. However, it’s analysis is mathematically elegant. How can we modify the Carnot analysis for real engines which are optimized for power without sacrificing mathematical simplicity?
Themes: Energy and Environment
Topics: Thermodynamics
Grades: 11-12
Price of Electricity
We are used to buying food by the kg, but how much does energy cost and how do different sources compare?
Themes: Electricity Generation, Energy and Environment, and Energy use at Home
Topics: Electricity
Grades: 11-12 and 8-10
Price of Natural Gas
We are used to buying food by the kg, but how much does energy cost and how do different sources compare?
Themes: Energy use at Home and Non-renewable and non-clean energy
Topics: Energy
Grades: 11-12 and 8-10
Comparing Energy and Heat Units
How do I compare heat and energy values given in different units?
Themes: Energy and Environment, Energy use at Home, Renewable and Clean Energy, Skills and Techniques, and Transportation
Topics: Energy and Tools
Grades: 11-12
CO2e
What does the “e” mean?
Themes: Climate, Energy and Environment, and Renewable and Clean Energy
Topics: Climate and Energy
Grades: 8-10
Air Transport
How much energy does it take to fly you and your luggage 10,000 km? What is the environmental cost?
Themes: Climate and Transportation
Topics: Drag, Efficiency, and Energy
Grades: 11-12
Solar Energy in a Temperate Climate
Does it pay to cover your roof with solar panels in rainy Vancouver BC?
Themes: Energy and Environment and Renewable and Clean Energy
Topics: Energy and sustainability
Grades: 11-12 and 8-10
Hydro-Electric Dams
Why is this beautiful valley in north-eastern BC about to be flooded?
Themes: Energy and Environment and Renewable and Clean Energy
Topics: Conservation, Electricity, and Forces
Grades: 11-12
Wind Power
How can we harness a substantial amount of power from the wind?
Themes: Energy and Environment and Renewable and Clean Energy
Topics: Climate, Conservation, Energy, and sustainability
Grades: 11-12 and 8-10
Sea-borne Transportation
Why are the sections of the fence around my garden (in Vancouver BC) made of BC cedar in Asia – i.e. the cedar was shipped twice across the Pacific? Cedar fencing is hardly a high-value product.
Themes: Energy and Environment and Transportation
Topics: Forces and sustainability
Grades: 11-12