Nuclear Power Essays (877 words) - Nuclear Technology,

Nuclear Power Nuclear Power Most of the world's electricity is generated by either thermal or hydroelectric power plants. Thermal power plants use fuel to boil water which makes steam. The steam turns turbines that generate electricity. Hydroelectric power plants use the great force of rushing water from a dam or a waterfall to turn the turbines. The majority of thermal power plants burn fossil fuels because thermal power plants are cheaper to maintain and have to meet less of the governments requirements compared to nuclear power plants. Fossil fuels are coal and oil. The downfall of using fossil fuels is that they are limited. Fossil fuels are developed from the remains of plants and animals that died millions of years ago. Burning fossil fuels has other downfalls, too. All the burning that is required to turn the turbines releases much sulfur, nitrogen gases, and other pollutants into the atmosphere. The cleanest, cheapest, and least polluting power plant of the two types is the hydroelectric power plant. The main reason most countries use thermal versus the hydroelectric is because their countries don't have enough concentrated water to create enough energy to generate electricity. (World Book vol. 14, 586) Nuclear power plants generate only about eleven percent of the world's electricity. There are around 316 nuclear power plants in the world that create 213,000 megawatts of electricity. (INFOPEDIA) Radioactive, or nuclear, waste is the by-product of nuclear fission. Fission occurs when atoms' nucleus' split and cause a nuclear reaction. (General Information) When a free neutron splits a nucleus, energy is released along with free neutrons, fission fragments that give off beta rays, and gamma rays. A free neutron from the nucleus that just split splits another nucleus. This process continues on and is called a chain reaction. (World Book vol. 14, 588) The fission process is used to create heat, which boils water inside the nuclear reactor. The steam that boiling the water makes is used to turn turbines, which in turn, generate electricity. Fission happens inside a carefully monitored nuclear reactor, when being used in a nuclear power plant. The fission process that nuclear power plants use spends approximately 30,000 tons of highly radioactive waste a year. (General Information) In a nuclear power plant, Uranium is used as fuel to boil the water for the steam that makes the turbines turn. So, uranium is, in a sense, the coal of a coal-fired power plant. When fueling nuclear power plants, the uranium arrives as uranium-enriched pellets. These pellets are an equivalent to one ton of coal. The pellets are sealed in tubes that are made of a strong heat- and corrosion-resistant metal alloy. This metal alloy will protect people and the environment from the high levels of radiation that the uranium is giving off. The tubes are bundled together to make a fuel assembly. The assemblies are put inside the reactor to create heat that will boil the water. The fuel assemblies are used until they are depleted. A fuel assembly is depleted when it no longer givman, 15) A repository is a storage facility that stores high-level nuclear waste deep underground so the waste can not harm or effect people or the environment. (DOE's Yucca Mountain Studies) With the technology that we [humankind] have toady. Scientists believe it to be possible to make a repository somewhere. The guidelines of a repository are mainly if the geologic location will work out (i.e. will an earthquake be able to rupture it, will water be able to corrode the repositories outer wall.). To make sure that the repository would be able to stay unscathed for thousands of years, scientists in all areas of science are making predictions of what could happen over the time period. According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, a repository may pose no greater threat than unmined uranium from which the high-level waste was produced. (General Information) The repository the DOE is wanting to make has to be proven that it will still be isolated underground in 10,000. After this extensive time, the high-level waste should no longer be radioactive enough to harm the public health. (General Information) A rem is a unit scientist use to measure radiation exposure. Over a persons lifetime, they usually receive 7-14 rems of natural sources of radiation, such as cosmic rays and ultraviolet rays from the sun. On a single exposure of 5-75 rems, there are few to no noticeable symptoms. For someone to receive 75-200 rems of exposure, vomiting, fatigue, and loss of appetite would occur. Recovery would take a few weeks. If someone were to be exposed to more than 300 rems, severe changes in blood cells

Avogadros Number (Chemistry Glossary Definition)

Avogadro's Number (Chemistry Glossary Definition) Avogadros number, or Avogadros constant, is the number of particles found in one mole of a substance. It is the number of atoms in exactly 12 grams of carbon-12. This experimentally determined value is approximately 6.0221 x 1023 particles per mole. Avogadros number may be designated using the symbol L or NA. Note that Avogadros number, on its own, is a dimensionless quantity. In chemistry and physics, Avogadros number usually refers to a quantity of atoms, molecules, or ions, but it can be applied to any particle. For example, 6.02 x 1023 elephants is the number of elephants in one mole of them! Atoms, molecules, and ions are much less massive than elephants, so there needed to be a large number to refer to a uniform quantity of them so that they could be compared relative to each other in chemical equations and reactions. History of Avogadro's Number Avogadros number is named in honor of the Italian scientist Amedeo Avogadro. Although Avogadro proposed that the volume of a gas at a fixed temperature and pressure was proportional to the number of particles it contained, he did not propose the constant. In 1909, French physicist Jean Perrin proposed Avogadros number. He won the 1926 Nobel Prize in physics for using several methods to determine the value of the constant. However, Perrins value was based on the number of atoms in 1 gram-molecule of atomic hydrogen. Later, the constant was redefined based on 12 grams of carbon-12. In German literature, the number is also called the Loschmidt constant.

Ballistics and forensic science

The amount of damage a bullet has sustained upon hitting a hard surface can help determine approximately where the shooter was standing, what angle the gun was fired from, and when the gun was fired. Any residue on the bullet can be studied and compared to residue on the hand of a suspect, on the gun that was fired, or on any object that was close by when the firearm was used. This information helps researchers uncover the identity of the shooter. When the bullets are missing, the type of impact they made can lead Investigators to ascertain what kind of bullet the rimming used, and therefore the type of gun as well.Studying the markings found on a bullet or the Impact a bullet made on any surface can establish exactly which gun the criminal used. Every firearm produces a slightly different and unique pattern on the shell-casing It fires; the bullet will therefore imprint a distinct pattern upon anything It hits. Once scientists have Identified these markings they can easily match them to the appropriate firearm. There are many experts deeply Involved In this study, and they are frequently called upon to help solve crimes.Ballistics details are also commonly Input Into a large database that can be accessed by law enforcement agencies all across the country. When someone enters new data, the computer locates any relevant data from previous Investigations. This Information can lead to the discovery of the owner of a particular weapon, and assist In tracking down the guilty party who fired the gun. Ballistics and forensic science By freshmen type of impact they made can lead investigators to ascertain what kind of bullet theStudying the markings found on a bullet or the impact a bullet made on any surface different and unique pattern on the shell-casing it fires; the bullet will therefore imprint a distinct pattern upon anything it hits. Once scientists have identified these There are many experts deeply involved in this study, and they are frequently called upon to help solve crimes. Ballistics details are also commonly input into a large previous investigations.

Transtheoretical Model of Behavioral Change of Substance Abuse Research Paper

Transtheoretical Model of Behavioral Change of Substance Abuse - Research Paper Example Individuals engaged in this need help since engaging in substance abuse is absolutely based on one’s will. Using the Transtheoretical model a person’s willingness to accept change in behavior can be measured and efforts can be made to move the person through all the stages of change and help adopt a new behavior. The principles of this theory can be applied, to help a person progress through each of the stages and finally discard the habit of substance abuse thereby leading a healthier life. The rate at which substance abuse has grown in the recent years is of major concern. According to the National survey of Drug use and health (2013),23.9 million Americans of age 12 and above used illicit drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, heroin etc while 23% of Americans were binge alcohol drinkers and almost 69.5 million Americas used tobacco (NSDUH,2013). However, the numbers are expected to grow rapidly judging by the current trends. Taking too much of drugs or alcohol has detrimental impacts on the person’s health especially on the brain. Scientific studies have shown that prolonged usage of substances such as drugs stimulates the brain leading to addiction and becomes a relapsing brain disorder (Lashner, 1997, p45). The condition of drug abuse poses a threat not only to the user’s health but also to that of others. Risks such as violence, child abuse, criminal activities, car accidents, teenage pregnancy, STD’s, suicide are associated to the condition (Wagn er, 2001, 115). The problem of substance abuse is associated with certain alterations or modifications in ones behavior. In most people depression in life, lack of decision making ability, lack of judgment, anxiety over certain issues, over dependence on drugs, peer pressure, lack of self confidence, physical dependence, personal problems are the major behaviors that leads to substance abuse. Changes in certain behaviors would promote a

Business Aticate Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Business Aticate - Essay Example tion and bribery in Saudi Arabia is rife but it is all because the Saudis â€Å"have different way of doing business and that has also contributed to the western perception.† Giving the genesis of the complaints the westerns he says that this perception was developed in the oil boom years and in modernization drive. Actually, those were the Americans European corporations which paid the huge bribes to the well connected Saudi agent to get lucrative deals in the kingdom. The complaints have become less common as the western have grown more familiar with the Saudi ways and it is relatively a â€Å"calmer business environment.† The reason of dying out the above mentioned perceptions was the â€Å"availability of excess cash† which helped promoting wasteful consumption. In the subheading â€Å"Business Ethics† (207) Well says, â€Å" the bottom line is that what a Western observer call bribery or influencing paddling does not have the same taint to Saudi. For the Saudi, providing a personal connection as legitimate business service, for which it is natural to expect be paid. In the past, payment has meant whatever the market would bear--------- in other words, whatever you can get away with. But in recent years, the Saudi government---- sensitive to the Western cries of corruption------ has regulated agents â€Å"fee† more closely. -------- For some observes, ‘corrupt† mean departing from locally accepted norms of behavior, in which case the Saudis are merely following their own cultural traditions. Such practices, indeed, are common throughout the Middle East. You might have a less forgiving view, but that’s your business. Literally.† Well coins a phrase of â€Å"mental compartment† to explain the pattern of thinking of the Saudis. â€Å"What this means is that the Saudis tend to see a choice from only one point of view at a time, and to ignore its possible consequences in different areas.†(214) Riad is of the view â€Å"since its[Saudi Arabia] out of the former Ottoman

A history of Latin America Essay Example for Free

A history of Latin America Essay It was during the European colonial expansion that Brazil fell under Portugal as a colony. Colonization in Brazil spanned the period between 1500 to year 1815. Portugal was interested in Brazil for a number of reasons that included the hope of getting minerals, raw materials as well as slave trade and labor to among other interests. The colonization of Brazil had some effect on the native way of life, with most of these effects having had a lasting effect to date. It’s worth noting that from the history of Brazil, France also had an interest in Brazil but could not stand up to Portugal which had taken the control of this part of the world through the signing of a treaty. The Portugal king known as king Manuel 1 who was reigning then wanted the colony to be ruled under a system of 15 hereditary captaincies- a fit that failed to work due to large-scale failure. The system gave way to royal enterprise in 1549. The following essay describes the causes and the effects of the Portuguese colonialism in Brazil. Causes of colonialism There are a number of things that preceded the Portuguese entry into and colonization of Brazil. Following the signing of the treaty of Tordelsillas in the year 1494 that facilitated the division of the world between Spain and Portugal, all land falling to the east was taken up by Portugal while Spain took up the land on the western side. In the year 1500, a navigator, Captain Pedro Alvares Cabral in charge of a fleet of 13 ships trailing the route taken by Vasco da Gama to India, landed in Brazil. He possessed this land for king Manuel 1 as an overseas colonial land for Portugal. His possession of the land made it a colonial land for Portugal (Sweet 2007p233). The Portuguese expressed their interest in Brazil due to the presence of raw materials that proved to be valuable for Portugal. One of the raw materials that Portugal got from Brazil includes the Brazilwood tree from which dark wood and red dye could be extracted. The Brazilwood was readily available in the Brazilian rainforest where it grew naturally. The red dye was exported to Europe where it was useful in staining luxurious textile for trading. The dark wood was sought for commercial purposes as well- specifically for sale within the European markets. The Portugal colonial system was also interested in growing sugar cane from Brazil for use in making of wine and for exporting to Portugal. An interest in other agricultural products of the nature of cash crops also interested the Portugal royal government that was reigning under the king Manuel 1 to take up Brazil as a colony. The cash crops drawn from Brazil included cotton and tobacco. These two cash crops were exported to Europe for sale in the European market. Portugal was interested in Brazil due to the prospect of getting slaves for labor and trade. The plantations in Europe required free labor that slaves could provide. Portugal marked Brazil as a potential area where for getting slaves for their plantations in Europe or for trading them. Even though the Portugal authorities had managed to transact some of the slaves with a Brazilian origin, the coming of the Jesuits in Brazil greatly led to the fall of the trade since they were opposed to the trade. This forced the Portugal authorities to embark on importing slaves from West Africa. At the same time, labor was greatly needed in the sugar plantations in Brazil. The natives provided this labor in exchange of scissors, axes, mirrors and knives while some were captured and forced to provide the labor as slaves (Morris 2006p34). Another reason why Portuguese had an interest in Brazil was because they were hoping to get minerals that they could use for their industries in Portugal or sell them in the European market. Though initially no minerals were found, some deposits of gold and later diamonds were found in the 18th century in the interior of Brazil by the bandeirantes. The area where gold deposits were found is known as the Minas Gerais mines. Deposits of diamond were found in 1729 in a village known as the Tujico village- the present day Diamantina. The French had expressed an interest n the land of Brazil as it was attracted to the Brazilwood and the prospect of mining some minerals from the land. This forced Portuguese to take up the land for establishing colonial rule in it before the French powers could take it over. Even though Portuguese had already possessed the land of Brazil, the heavy presence of the French military along the cost of Brazil forced the Portuguese to set the colonial powers and use military power to evacuate the French from the Brazilian coast (Leftwich 1999p156). Effects of Portuguese colonialism in Brazil The presence of the Portuguese colonial power in Brazil affected a number of the native life of the people in Brazil. Colonialism led to the widespread and adoption of the catholic faith in worship. This was a result of the coming of the Jesuits, who were led by the first governor, Tome de Sousa. The Jesuits made a great representation of the religious enterprise, setting missions within Brazil and actively converting the natives into the catholic faith. Another consequence of the Portuguese colonial powers in Brazil is the death of a great number of people due to wars that pervaded the colony. The natives were opposed to the colonial powers and therefore staged resistances that led to the death of many natives. An example of the native revolts is the Guarani war of the year 1756 where the native were fighting the Portuguese authorities as a protest against slave trade. The native guaranis were assisted by the Jesuits who also opposed slave trade and labor (Chasteen 2001 p251). The colonial era in Brazil also played a great role in the proliferation of the people of the African origin in Brazil. Since Brazil drew a lot of slaves from the West African region to work within the plantations in Brazil, a very large number of Africans settled within the Brazilian land after the slave trade was abolished since they had no way of going back to Africa even when they were set free (Freyre 2008 p458). There was a proliferation of infectious diseases that were brought by the colonialist from Europe to Brazil. The natives had no natural immunity against these diseases and this led to the death of a great number of natives from these foreign diseases. The colonial powers also led to the embrace of the sugar cane growing in agricultural sector for export. Since sugar cane had such a high demand within the European market, the expansion of the sugar cane sector drew great profits. This sector however received a blow and fell once the Dutch and the French started cultivating and exporting sugarcane to the European market. Since Antilles- the area where Dutch and the French produced the sugar was much closer to Europe, the sugar prices fell drastically towards the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century during which time the sugar industry on Brazil fell. The colonial powers within Brazil also led to the founding of the Rio de Janeiro city in the year 1565 by the governor general Estacio de Sa’. He established Rio de Janeiro as the capital of Brazil in the year 1763 from Salvador. At the same time, a number of changes took place with the cities in Brazil. The estados – states- in Brazil had been divided and separated so that they were headed by the city council prior to the year 1763. The city councils were composed of top figures within the Brazilian land including the merchants, land owners and business men. Since Brazil was to big to be administered by the royal government, there arose a need to divide this area into smaller estates. The states of Brasil, Maranhao, and Grao-para were unified into Brazilian viceroyalty in the year 1763 and Rio de Janeiro was set as the capital of these cities. This helped to destroy the divisions that were created in the early days of the colonial invasion (Freyre 2008 p457). There was the creation of a number of towns in south Brazil. Some of the towns created include Colonia de Sacramento, Alores islands, and Porto Alegre among other towns. As essay shows, there are a number of major changes that took place with the expansion of the Portuguese power in Brazil. The native Brazilians abandoned their cultural way of life and adopted the life that the Portuguese were living in terms of dress code, food eaten, and the religion adopted (Keller 2006p517). Conclusion Expansion of the European powers into the rest of the world during the colonial era led to major changes and experiences into the areas that these countries set their colonial power. In the case of Brazil, changes that took place were experienced over the whole range of the living including their social living, political life and religion among other areas. The effect of the colonial powers is still felt in Brazil to the present day. References Chasteen J (2001) Born in blood and fire: a concise history of Latin America, Norton p251 Freyre G (2008) The masters and the slaves (Casa-grande senzala) Brazilian civilization, University of Texas p457, 458 Keller (2006) Colonization study, founding of new societies. Ginn Company p517 Leftwich A (1999) Redefining politics; populace, property, and power, Taylor Francis p156 Morris H (2006) History of Colonialism from the Earliest Times Present Day, University of Michigan p34 Sweet W (2007) A history of Latin America. The Abingdon Press p233

Where Do You Get Love :: essays research papers

Where Do You Get Love   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As individuals, we seek a fantastical encounter with â€Å"true love.† Through the plays A Midsummer Nights Dream, As You Like It, and Twelfth Night, Shakespeare’s characters find â€Å"true love† through various tests in which one of the lover’s identity is masked, either physically or subconsciously. While these three plays share different plots, they all portray Shakespeare’s stance that romance exists in human love, and that if the love is pure, it will prevail over the most eccentric circumstances.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A Midsummer Night’s Dream employs several mythical qualities, such as fairy’s and love potions. The love between Hermia and Lysander is put to an immediate test when Hermia’s father, Egeus says, â€Å"Scornful Lysander, true, he hath my love, And what is mine my love shall render him. And she is mine, and all my right of her I do estate unto Demetrius† (I, I, line 95-98). This causes the young lovers to venture into the forest, so their love can exist without interference. Falling under this spell causes Lysander to ignore, and treat Hermia poorly. Despite the actions of Lysander, Hermia stays true to her feelings of love for Lysander. These examples of faith, conveyed by Hermia, are central to Shakespeare’s position that true love is more powerful than any authoritarian figure or â€Å"love potion.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As You Like It portrays another example of Shakespeare’s vision of â€Å"true love.† The way in which Rosalind and Orlando meet and fall in love is conventional -- Rosalind falls in love with Orlando through his manly labors and good looks at his wrestling match with Charles. â€Å"Sir, you have wrestled well, and overthrown more than your enemies† (I, ii, 234-235). However, a new dimension is added to the play by Rosalind's disguise as Ganymede and her suggestion that Orlando pretend to court her. Rosalind charms the reader with the depth of her true love forOrlando. Shakespeare portrays Rosalind’s love both seriously and comically, through the quickness of her wit and her sense of humor when dealing with Orlando. As You Like It conveys Shakespeare’s belief that â€Å"true love† does exist in human love through a bizarre tale of unconditional love.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Twelfth Night portrays Shakespeare’s notion that â€Å"true love† will overcome all adversity. Shakespeare masks the identity of Viola, but contrary to the character of Rosalind, Viola finds herself caught between being in love, and being the love of Olivia. The concealing of the identity of Viola challenges her to honor her â€Å"true love’s† love for Olivia, a loyalty she even agrees to die for.