PHYS 19901 - Enviroinmental Physics

Course Credit: 1
(ENVS)
ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSICS This activity-based course, designed for non-science majors, explores the physical principles that underlie the sustainable generation of energy through concentrated solar power, wind and water turbines, solar photovoltaic cells, and nuclear power plants. The cleanest energy is that which is never used, thus the physics of energy conservation (focusing on heating/cooling, lighting, and electrical use in the home) will also be investigated. Hands-on experiments will be used extensively throughout the semester and students will design and construct a solar water heater and a wind- or water-powered turbine for generating electricity. No mathematics beyond high school algebra is assumed. Four hours per week. [MNS, Q]