Physics 100 Energy Spring 2010

Physics 100 - Energy Spring 2010 Instructor: Dr. Michael Carini Office: TCCW 229 Phone: 56198 E-mail: mike.carini@wku.edu Office Hours: By appointment   Textbook: Energy and the Environment, 2nd ed. Ristine & Kraushaar Class Meets: MWF 12:40-1:35 TCCW 237 Course Grade: 3 examinations worth 20% each. Class attendance and participation 10% Homework and in class exercises worth 10% Comprehensive Final Examination worth 20%. Course Description A one-semester survey of the concepts of energy applicable to the understanding of energy in our environment. Topics covered are the nature of energy, sources, transmission, consumption, energy and the environment, and prospects for the future. Experiments will be conducted as part of the classroom work. I expect regular and prompt attendance in this class. Regular attendance is critical to attaining a passing grade in this class. If you need to be absent, do what you can to contact me in advance and for issues involving a visit to a medical professional, please provide verification. General education goals: Through coursework, discussion, readings, reliable resources and empirical exercises Physics 100 introduces the scientific method and critical thinking associated with the impact of science on society that prepares students at Western Kentucky University to understand the relevance and impact of Energy Students with disabilities: In compliance with university policy, students with disabilities who require accommodations (academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids or services) for this course must contact the Office for Student Disability Services in DUC A-200 of the Student Success Center in Downing University Center. Please DO NOT request accommodations directly from the professor or instructor without a letter of accommodation from the Office for Student Disability Services. Examinations: No makeup examinations will be given unless your absence has been pre-approved or you have a valid excuse (Dr.’s note, etc) NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED, except for certain cases where you were not in class due to an illness or other verifiable, excused absence.

Physics 100 Weekly Schedule Spring 2010   Week of: Chapter January 25 Energy basics and uses 1 February 1 Energy basics and uses, fossil fuels 1,2 February 8 Fossil fuels 2 February 15 Heat engines 3 February 22 Test 1, Solar Energy 4 March 1 Other renewable energy sources 5 March 15 Other renewable energy sources 5 March 22 Nuclear Power 6 March 29 Test 2 Energy sources for transportation 8 April 5 Energy sources for transportation 8 April 12 Effects of energy generation on the environment 9 April 19 Effects of energy generation on the environment 10 April 26 Test 3, Conservation 7 May 3 Conservation 7 Last day of Class is Friday, May 7 Cumulative Final Exam Tuesday, Monday, May 10 1:00 – 3:00 pm Note: There is no class March 8-12 (Spring break)

Excerpt from President Richard M Nixon’s Address to the Nation about National Energy Policy November 25, 1973   “Let me conclude by restating our overall objective. It can be summed up in one word that best characterizes this Nation and its essential nature. That word is “independence.” From its beginning 200 years ago, throughout its history, America has made great sacrifices of blood and also of treasure to achieve and maintain its independence. In the last third of this century, our independence will depend on maintaining and achieving self-sufficiency in energy. What I have called Project Independence 1980 is a series of plans and goals set to insure that by the end of this decade, Americans will not have to rely on any source of energy beyond our own. “

At a time of such great challenge for America, no single issue is as fundamental to our future as energy. America's dependence on oil is one of the most serious threats that our nation has faced. It bankrolls dictators, pays for nuclear proliferation and funds both sides of our struggle against terrorism. It puts the American people at the mercy of shifting gas prices, stifles innovation, and sets back our ability to compete. These urgent dangers to our national and economic security are compounded by the long-term threat of climate change, which, if left unchecked, could result in violent conflict, terrible storms, shrinking coastlines, and irreversible catastrophe. These are the facts, and they are well-known to the American people. After all, there is nothing new about these warnings. Presidents have been sounding the alarm about energy dependence for decades. President Nixon promised to make our energy -- our nation energy independent by the end of the 1970s. When he spoke, we imported about a third of our oil, and we now import more than half. President Barack Obama Plans to Achieve Energy Independence: Remarks at the White House Monday, January 26, 2009