Physics project Maglev Trains Essay Example for Free

Physics project Maglev Trains Essay Maglev trains are the means of transport clear – cut for the rapid and modernised society of the 21st century. With top speeds of 500 km/h the maglev trains can travel as fast as passenger aircrafts for a lower cost and with minimal impact to the environment. They are in fact possibly one of the best discoveries and one of the most promising sector in the future travel industry. The Laws of Physics The Maglev train is based on – 1. Magnetism – When two sets of magnets, one on the guide way and the other on the train have like poles facing each other repulsion takes place. It is this repulsive force that drives the train forward. 1. Electromagnetism – The magnets used are no ordinary magnets – they are electromagnets. A solenoid is made using wires and an aluminium core. When current flows through the wires the magnet is magnetised. The speed of the train can be controlled by the amount of current being supplied to the electromagnets. How is magnetic levitation achieved? There are two ways to levitate the train – 1. Electromagnetic suspension where electromagnets on the train body get attracted to the iron rails. After this, constantly switching the electromagnets on and off at a fast rate allows the train to levitate 2. Electro-dynamic suspension where the magnetised coil running along the guide way repels the magnets on the undercarriage of the train. Both these techniques allow the train to levitate 1 to 10 cm above the ground and give the feeling it is floating in air. How are Maglev trains propelled? Once the train has got levitated power is supplied to the coils in the guide way walls to create a unique system of magnetic fields that pull and push the train. The current supplied is AC, alternating current, and thus it keeps alternating to change the polarity of the magnetised coils. This ensures that any one time the magnets behind the carriage are repelling it to push it forward while the coils in front are attracting it, pulling it forward. This push and pull occurs simultaneously. The Newest Technology Maglev trains regularly reach speeds of 500 km/h since they do not need to resist friction. The only resistance is air resistance. This too can be overcome by building vacuum tubes through which these trains would travel and theoretically speaking such trains could even reach speeds such as 3500 km/h making inter – continental travel possible. Performance Comparison Maglev trains are much more efficient than common trains which run on fuel. Firstly, they are faster since they do not deal with friction. Secondly, they are cheaper since no fuel is burnt during the propulsion and minimal electricity is used since only certain parts of the track need to be energised at one point. Thirdly, it is safer since there is no chance of collision or derailment or at least a very minute chance compared to common trains. Lastly, these trains are much more environmentally friendly since they do not pollute the environment by releasing any toxic gases unlike common trains which do so. Bibliography Information Source The Guide Way and the Undercarriages http://science. howstuffworks. com/transport/engines-equipment/maglev-train. htm Future of Maglev Trains http://www. bbc. com/future/story/20120504-the-floating-future-of-trains How do Maglev Trains Levitate? http://www. lanl.gov/orgs/mpa/stc/train. shtml History and Introduction to Maglev Trains http://www. 21stcenturysciencetech. com/articles/Summer03/maglev2. html Magnetic Propulsion http://ffden-2. phys. uaf. edu/211_fall2002. web. dir/Adam_Caswell/page%201. htm Image Pg No. Source Maglev.

Benefits Of Water Pollution Environmental Sciences Essay

Benefits Of Water Pollution Environmental Sciences Essay Effects of Water Pollution: The effects of water pollution are wide-ranging and these are highly dependent upon the type of chemicals that are dumped into the major water sources. Water pollution has an adverse effect on plants and creatures living in the water. In nearly all situations, the effect is destructive not only to the areas and individual species, but also to the natural biological populations. Sources of Water Pollution: The sources of water contamination are classified as being a point source or a non-point source of contamination. Point Source: Point sources of contamination take place when the damaging substance is produced straight into the stream. Example of a Point Source: A pipe spewing toxic substances straight into a waterway is an example. Non-Point Source: A non-point source takes place while there is run-off of contaminants into a river. Example of a Non-Point Source: When fertilizer from a field is carried into a river by surface run-off. Cost of Water Pollution: In the leading inclusive evaluation of its kind, the SEI (Stockholm Environment Institute), grounded at Tufts University, has presented a white paper with a title Valuing Floridas Clean Water. The document discovers that plankton and red tide outbreaks produced by water contamination cost the Floridians around 1.3 billion dollars to 10.5 billion dollars every year. The EPA will decide soon either to accept the state-written water contamination plan or to step in with more powerful federal rules and administration. Why the Cost of Water Pollution is Measured: Water that is fresh in our sources, ponds, rivers, coves and oceanic masses provides clean water, numerous fish, oyster and crab populations, enjoyable and safe swimming and boating prospects and various other advantages, for example attractive water views, increased values of property and healthier aquatic life. When this fresh water becomes contaminated through excess sediments, nutrients or poisonous chemicals, it requires the cleaning up water and minimizing the chances for the occurrence of contamination. Moreover, there are several other expenses that result to travel and leisure loss, recreational and fisheries-based financial systems, the difficult-to-value and the property values, but impossible to substitute environments, animals and plants that are really dependent upon healthier waters. Benefits of Water Pollution: There can be various advantages to certain kinds of fish or sea creatures. Such as, a species of carp may not be impacted much by contaminated water, but a trout-fish will die from the contamination. Therefore, the carp will possess the advantage by having no other fish to contest with for finding the food and region. Hence, the carp specie will grow in a better way. Though, there are valuable things that are the reasons for the occurrence of water contamination. Manufacturing plants, energy production plants, oil drilling rigs and chemical manufacturers all offer powerful advantages to community, but unfortunately, this leads to serious water contamination. However the contamination is not valuable, the reason is, and hence cannot be done away with. Such as, would we slightly have oil or amazingly clean oceans? Noticeably, oil is more valuable in that case. This is the major reason why there is contamination control which helps to minimize the disadvantages. There are advantages to the polluters as well. It is less expensive to release the waste products into the closest water resource or soil as compared to process or treat that rubbish. However, this is not a benefit to humankind in general. Problems of Water Pollution: Various water systems near metropolitan areas (towns and cities) are highly contaminated. This is the outcome of both rubbish thrown out by people and dangerous substances lawfully or unlawfully thrown out by production sectors, health industries, educational institutions and market places. The major issue caused by water contamination is that it destroys the life of living organisms that are based on these water bodies. Crabs, dead fish, sea gulls and birds, dolphins, whales, and various other creatures usually wind up on seashores, killed by contaminants in their environment (living environment). Pollution also interrupts the natural food chain. Pollutants for example cadmium and lead are eaten by tiny creatures. Then, these creatures are consumed by shell-fish and fish, and hence the food chain carries on being disturbed at all advanced levels. Ultimately, people are also impacted by this process. The human beings can get illnesses for example liver disease by the consumption of poisoned sea-food. In any third world countries, there is always occurrence of cholera and illnesses due to the inadequate water treatment from infected waters. Ecosystems (the collaboration of living organisms at a place, based on one another other for life) can be seriously changed or damaged by water contamination. Several areas are now being exaggerated with reckless human contamination, and this pollution is returning to hurt people in several ways.

Examining The Sharia Law Religion Essay

Examining The Sharia Law Religion Essay For each, we have appointed a divine law and a traced-out way. Had God willed, He could have made you one community. But that He may try you by that which He has given you. So vie one with another in good works. Unto God you will all return, and He will then inform you of that wherein you differ. Quran, 5:48 Introduction After the tragic events of 9/11, Islam has predominantly been under increased enquiry and scrutiny. The status of women has been targeted greatly, often labelling Islam as oppressive towards women. History In Arabic, Sharia literally means the way to the watering hole, symbolically meaning that in the harsh and difficult environment of the Arabian desert, following the path to the watering hole would ensure survival. Hence, in a religious context, if the Sharia was followed devotedly then it would lead the faithful into a pleasurable afterlife. Sharia Law (or Islamic Law) is based up two foundations: The Quran which Muslims believe to be the direct word of God sent down from Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Mohammed. The second foundation is the Sunnah and Haddith. The Sharia is un-codified yet systematic legal system. Un-codified because it has not been written down or collected to create one or more authoritative legal manuals, but nevertheless it is systematic because it is a comprehensible system of doctrines based on religious beliefs. It is essential to understand that although the Sharia is systematic legal system, it does not have clear and well defined sets of rules and regulations that can be easily applied to real life situations. This is where the role of the Ulama (religious scholars) is vital, because they are ones who dedicate their lives to studying the Sharia and therefore gain the authority to interpret the Sharia to resolve legal problems and apply it to real life situations. As the scholar Knut S. Vikor describes: The Sharia is best understood as a shared opinion of the [Islamic] community, based on a literature that is extensive, but not necessarily coherent or authorized by any single body. Believers of Islam believe that the Prophet Mohammed (c. 570 632) was the last and greatest of the Prophets that God has sent to reveal the Holy Quran. They believe that his teachings complement and clarify the messages of earlier prophets whose message were held to be distorted or lost over the years. The Prophet Mohammed is regard as the ultimate role model and his life is an example to Muslims on how the ideal Islamic life should be lead but they do not worship him. On the contrary, they believe from the Holy Quran, that Angel Gabriel revealed verbally to the Prophet Mohammed, that God is omnipotent, unique, ascribing no partners and no equal, thus Muslims never treat the Prophet as a Divinity. Prophet Mohammed was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia around c. 570. As he became older, he became a trader and by the age of 25 he married Khadija bint Khuwaylid, a rich businesswoman who was 15 years his senior. In around 610, Mohammed was meditating alone in a cave and according to Haddith complied by al-Bukhari, Angel Gabriel in the form of a man appeared before the Prophet. Gabriel ordered Mohammed: Recite! Mohammed replied: I am not able to read. The angel then gave him a bone-crushing embrace that it reached the limit of his endurance and then released him. Again the angel ordered him: Recite! Mohammed again replied: I am not able to read. After a third embrace and release, the angel ordered Mohammed: Recite! Mohammed then recited the following: Recite in the name of thy Lord who created- created man from clots of blood. Recite! Your Lord is the Most Bountiful One, who by the pen taught man what he did not know. This then was the first revelation of the Holy Quran which later formed the first opening verses of Surah (chapter) 96 of the Quran. It took a period of 23 years for the entire revelation of the Holy Quran to form as we know it today. According to Muslims, they believe that the Prophet himself was illiterate and therefore his literate followers would write the revelations with whatever they could place their hands on, pieces of paper, stones, palm-leaves, shoulder-blades, ribs, and bits of leather. An authoritative version of the Quran was produced after the Prophets death in 632. The Quran The Quran consists of 144 Surahs which, instead of being placed in chronological order, they are grouped in order of their length where the longer chapters at the beginning and shorter chapters towards the end (with the exception of the opening chapter Al-Fathia). And although the basis of Sharia comes partly from the Holy Quran, in actuality it does not contain many exact rules of law. According to the scholar Mohammed Hashim Kamali, he concluded that less than 3 percent of the Holy Quran actually dealt with legal matters. These findings were also corroborated with another scholar by the name of N.J. Coulson who also concluded that: The Quran is in no sense a comprehensive legal code. No more than 80 verses deal strictly with legal matters; while these verses cover a wide range of topics and introduce many novel rules, their general effect is simply to modify the existing Arabian customary law in certain important particulars. Despite the low numbers of legal rulings from the Quran itself, it is the legal principles in which the Holy Quran brings forward that creates the fundamental nature of Sharia Law and that Muslims jurists draw from the moral and ethical values, which forms the Islamic message that comes from the Holy Quran, to make judgements and informed opinions on many legal matters that the Quran does not cover. For example, the main theme that is seen throughout the Holy Quran is Justice (Adl) and this plays a central part in the Sharia. Adl literally means placing things in the right place where they belong. The Sharia tries to establish Adl by adjudicating grievances and arbitrating disputes to the individuals involved, but also seeks to institute Adl as a whole throughout the community by establishing equilibrium of benefits and advantages in society. We sent our Messengers with evidences and revealed the Book and the balance through them so as to establish justice among people 57:25 Holy Quran. The Quranic standards of Justice are objective and irrespective of tribal, racial, national, national or religious backgrounds and differences. There at least fifty- three illustrations in the Holy Quran where people are addressed to be just to others at all levels, in personal or public affairs, in words and conducts, with friends or foes, Muslim or non-Muslim, all must be treated in fairness and with justice. O believers! Stand out firmly for justice as witnesses to God, even if it be against yourself, your parents and relatives and whether it be against rich or poor. 4:135 Holy Quran. And when you speak (make sure that you) speak with justice. 6:152 Holy Quran. The Sharia does not only controls legal rights and responsibilities of the Muslim people, but it also provides moral guidance of life and human activity in general. Thus the Sharia is split into two main classifications Ibadat (devotional matters) and muamalat (civil transactions). Ibadat is the rules concerning matters and the relationship between man and God. It is important to note that these religious obligations are directed towards the individual and fall outside the scope of the courts jurisdiction. Whereas muamalat is concerned with the separation of the Right of God (haqq Allah: which refers to the rights of the community or public rights) and the Right of Man (haqq al-abd: which refers to private rights). Under the umbrella of Ibadat, there are the 5 legal pillars of Sharia: [a] The testimony that there is no god but God and that Mohammed is the Messenger of God (Shahadatayn); [b] The performance of prayer (Salat); [c] The payment of alms-tax (Zakhat): [d] The performance of pilgrimage (Hajj); and finally [e] fasting during the month of Ramadan (Sawm). Here Islam focuses in instilling qualities of justice, trustworthiness, and righteousness through these acts of devotion (Ibadat). Ibadat are part of educating the believer to refrain from causing harm to others and purifying the mind and heart from corruption, selfishness and over indulgence in material purists. Surely prayer keeps one away from indecency and evil, and certainly the remembrance of God s the greatest (form of devotion) 29:45 Holy Quran. Furthermore, performing Salat in congregation enforces the doctrine of unity, equality and solidarity among worshipers. These doctrines are continually present in the rest of the legal pillars; fasting, alms-tax, and the performance of the pilgrimage all teach self disciple, sacrifice, and sensitivity towards others. More importantly, there is a greater emphasis on teaching avoidance of lying, degrading conduct, hypocrisy, oppression and so on. The Sunnah Haddith After the Holy Quran, the next authority of the Sharia is the Sunnah and Haddith. The Sunnah in Arabic is translated to the trodden path and is the teachings of Prophet Mohammed which contains the legal, religious and social duties of Islam. The Haddith is the traditions and sayings of the Prophet which was preserved by his closest Companions. The Haddith and Sunnah are both very much intertwined and therefore extremely difficult to separate. The difference between the two is that the Haddith are based on the life of the Prophet Mohammed and therefore makes a biographical basis of Sharia Law. The Sunnah is then the formation of the religious, social and legal obligations initially deriving from the Haddith. There are several thousand Haddith collections, with al-Bukhari (d. 870) and Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj (d. 875) are considered to be the most reliable Haddith collectors in Sunni Islam who listed around 16,475 Haddith combined (which in their entirety exceeded half a million) . Shia Islam has four official collections of its own. The main criticism of these collections of Haddiths is that because it has been passed from generation to generation, it could have been transmitted via a defective and interrupted chain of transmitters or it could be well known that the Haddith comes from an unreliable and untrustworthy transmitter and therefore the Haddith can be deemed undependable as a source of law. Fiqh Fiqh is defined as a system created in accordance to the principles laid out by revelations and the Prophets example. It is a term often used together as equal to Sharia and but not necessarily the same. Where the Sharia comes from mainly divine revelations in the Quran, Sunnah and the Haddith, Fiqh comes from human understanding and knowledge that is developed by legal schools, individual jurists and judges through legal reasoning and issuing a legal verdict (fatwa). Thus Fiqh is described as mere superstructure and a practical manifestation of commitment to the values of morality and faith and as a result created a basic scheme and scale of values in which human conduct could be evaluated: Obligatory (Wajib), Recommended (Mandub), Permissible (Mubah), Reprehensible (Makruh) and Forbidden (Haram). Only the Obligatory and Forbidden categories of the scale are legal and actually derive from the Quran and Sunnah, whereas the other three are non-legal and supplementary to aid believers and promote moral virtues. Legal Reasoning by Analogy (Qiyas) Qiyas is the way in which Sunni legal scholars can apply traditional laws that derives from the Quran, Sunnah and Haddith by defining laws from a known ruling to a new ruling. (Shiite scholars on the other hand reject Qiyas as a source of law.) The best example that shows legal reasoning can be shown from the Quranic ruling on the prohibition of wine. Wine and games of chance, idols and divining arrows, are abominations devised by Satan. Avoid them, so that you may prosper. 5:90 Holy Quran. From this Quranic verse, we see the legal ruling on the consumption of wine and by analogy, if wine made from grapes are forbidden, then wine made from dates are forbidden as well, as it too can cause intoxication. We can deduct from this analogy by using the same Quranic verse that the use of narcotics are also illegal as it too can cause intoxication and so on.

Religious Revelation in Carver’s Cathedral Essay -- Carver Cathedral E

  Ã‚   At first glance, one might assume Raymond Carver’s "Cathedral" illustrates the awakening of an insensitive and insulated husband to the world of a blind man. However, this literal awakening does not account for the fact that the husband awakens also to a world of religious insight, of which he has also been blind. The title and story structure are the first indicators of the importance of the religious thesis. It is also revealed when one examines the language and actions of the characters in the story. Finally, Carver’s previous and subsequent writings give an overall background for the argument that "Cathedral" has a significant religious import. The structural and technical features of the story point towards a religious epiphany. The title of the story, as well as its eventual subject, that of cathedrals, points inevitably towards divinity. Upon first approaching the story, without reading the first word of the first paragraph, one is already forced into thinking about a religious image. In addition, four of the story’s eleven pages (that amounts to one third of the tale) surround the subject of cathedrals. Adding to the obvious structural references to cathedrals and religion, the language and character actions present further evidence of an epiphany of divine proportions. The television program which the characters watch together deals entirely with cathedrals. This spurs the first real conversation between the narrator and the blind man. This presents religion as some form of common ground, on which one could stand, even without sight. When first asked by Robert, the blind man, if he was "in any way religious," the narrator asserts that he is not, and goes on to explain how cathedrals and religion "don’t mean any... ... the eyes of a blind man, but also to appreciate the world through the eyes of a man of God. Works Cited/Consulted Bethea, Arthur F. "Carver’s ‘Wes Hardin: From a Photograph’ and ‘A Small Good Thing.’" The Explicator. Spring 1999. 176-178. Bethea, Arthur F. "Carver’s ‘Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?’" The Explicator. Spring 1998: 132-134. Carver, Raymond. "Cathedral." The Harper Anthology of Fiction. Ed. Sylvan Barnet. New York: HarperCollins, 1991. 1052-1062. Nesset, Kirk. "Insularity and Self-Enlargement in Raymond Carver’s ‘Cathedral.’" Essays in Literature. March 22, 1994: 116. Stull Williams. "Beyond Hopelessville: Another Side of Raymond Carver." Philological Quarterly. 1985: 1-15. Verley, Claudine. "Narration and Interiority in Raymond Carver’s ‘Where I’m Calling From.’" Journal of the Short Story in English 13. 1989: 91-102.   

Cartoons: Land Of Imagination :: essays research papers fc

Cartoons: Land of Imagination Just as Moses climbed Mount Sinai to receive the ten commands, the following are the ten laws that govern my most interesting place. 1. Any body suspended in space will remain in space until made aware of its situation. 2. Any body in motion will tend to remain in motion until solid matter intervenes suddenly. 3. Any body passing through solid matter will leave a perforation conforming to its perimeter. 4. The time required for an object to fall twenty stories is greater than or equal to the time it takes for whoever knocked it off the ledge to spiral down twenty flights to attempt to capture it unbroken. 5. All principles of gravity are negated by fear. 6. As speed increases, objects can be in several places at once. 7. Certain bodies can pass through solid walls painted to resemble tunnel entrances; others cannot. 8. Any violent rearrangement of feline matter is impermanent. 9. Everything falls faster than an anvil. 10. For every vengeance there is an equal and opposite revengeance. These laws are the laws of the Cartoon Universe. The Cartoon Universe is not a tangible substance, rather an exploration into imagination. It is this facet that makes this universe more appealing than our own. One is free to create and manipulate not only the physical actions of a character, but the mental behavior as well. If my recollection serves me correct, aside from hypnosis, there is nowhere else that this is possible. In the cartoon world, "anything goes." There are no boundaries to which one is confined. With a little ingenuity and imagination one can create a place or being that has never existed before. Scribble, scribble, squeak, squeak, the colored pencils glide effortlessly over the white canvas. A dab of golden yellow, a speck of sky blue. Within several minutes I have create my ideal woman. Blond hair, blue eyes, wearing a tight fitting black mini-skirt. Perfect in appearance and poise, and nothing but words of encouragement and love linger in her black caption. For a raging hormonal man of eighteen, this scenario is a dream come true. Cartoons, however are not just a group of characters jumping off cliffs, and getting shot out of cannons. On the contrary, cartoons often have incredible meaning. With the recent presidential elections, many cartoons have been invented representing the two current candidates: Bill Clinton and Bob Dole. Political satire, although often humorous, is meant to convey a message to the reader. The cartoonist has cleverly transposed his own thoughts, into that of his characters. Many environmental issues have been tackled as well.

Energy Conservation Mitigation Plan

Energy is one of the world’s greatest inventions of all time. We use energy on a daily basis for just about everything. Our way of life is based upon energy and how we use it. We use large amounts of energy for transportation and electricity. Due to the limited supply of resources available to us we need to make sure that we conserve them wisely so that these resources will be around for future generations. It is imperative that consumer start to take responsibility for their actions. There are two ways to conserve energy; one is by using energy efficient technologies and the other is by changing our habits. Individual efforts combined with governmental support will assist in decreasing energy usage which will in turn create a better environment for everyone. According to the EIA, the U. S energy consumption is 100 quadrillion btu/year and is projected to rise by 37 percent within the next 20 years. The U. S is also currently building 151 coal-fired electrical generating plants in order to keep up with the current demand (Holness, 2008). In 2003, 422 quads of energy were used in the world and 92 quads within the U. S alone. According to the report â€Å"Cutting Global Energy Demand Growth,† it is predicted that in the year 2020, the world will be at 613 quads. This report also states that by becoming energy efficient we can reduce this number to 478 quads in 2020 (Schirber, 2008). Some non living factors that contribute to energy consumption are the sun and the earth’s atmosphere. The sun produces large amounts of heat which creates heat. Humans tend to elude the heat by turning up their air conditioners. This increases energy use. Energy emissions that are released into the earth’s atmosphere can cause major health problem to humans and are very harmful to animals and plants. Living factors that contribute to energy consumption are plants and animals. If plants are affected by high energy consumption, than it will create a problem for the animals, which will than create a problem for the humans. The whole food chain could be distorted. Humans are the main living factor that contributes to energy consumption. We are dependent upon certain items such as fossil fuels for heat and energy. This is affecting our atmosphere causing problems for all types of living organisms. The greatest positive impact that energy conservation has is that natural resources will still be around for future generations if we start conserving now. Energy conservation will also have positive effects on our environment. It will also prevent health problems associated with burning fossil fuels and coal needed for energy. Humans also have a negative impact on energy usage. Most people do not realize the amount of energy they waste in any given day. Simple steps such as fixing lighting structures, planting trees around your house, and by driving less will help curve the energy abuse. All of these are very important steps in energy conservation. Leaving lights on when not in use is a negative impact on energy consumption. According to Laird (2009), people from all different occupations have been trying to find a way to better use our resources. For 20 years, our nation has been trying to come up with a plan to reach sustainability. The government is only a part of the equation. Everyone including innovators, government, firms, and nonprofit organizations need to come together. Simply put, they are not doing enough to make sure that energy sustainability is feasible for average consumers. Laird states that they need to create policies that are flexible and create institutions that can learn and change from mistakes. According to Laird (2009), â€Å"The level of funding, public and private, for renewable energy R&D is abysmally low, when seen in the context of the size of the energy market. † One of the most recent programs, Cash for Clunkers, was initiated by the government to assist individuals in buying more energy efficient vehicles. According to CARS (2009) over 700,000 clunkers were traded in for more fuel efficient vehicles in less than 30 days. My sustainability plan will primarily focus on citizens and what they can do to help conserve energy. I believe that in order to reduce energy consumption, we first need to start at the bottom which is in your homes. My plan will include researching the affects of energy abuse, educating citizens on how to conserve energy, plan meetings to distribute literature, and last but not least, showing citizens how they can help our environment and save them money as well. The first step in my sustainability plan is to do research to find out what basic steps can be taken at the consumer level to conserve energy. In the first two months I will gather all of the data necessary to present to citizens on how to conserve energy. In month two I will do informational surveys to see how many citizens are aware of the energy problem. This survey will also help me see how many people already are conserving energy in particular areas so that I can focus on areas that need more assistance. In month 3, I will than present the information to the citizens at a meeting. I will show them the following chart so that they can see how energy is consumed in the typical household. This chart will also assist me in showing residents where they can start making a difference at. This will show them areas they need to concentrate on in order to conserve energy and save them money. EIA. (2005). U. S household electricity report. Retrieved November 3, 2009, from www. eia. doe. gov I would make it imperative to the citizens to follow some basic guidelines in order to conserve energy. Some examples would be to use less wattage bulbs or even switch to fluorescent light bulbs that last ten times longer than other bulbs. Make sure you turn off lights when leaving a room. To cut energy on heating, residents can close curtains, lower thermostats, and seal out drafts. Some ways to conserve in the kitchen is to use adequate size pots and pans and turn down the flame if it is visible. Try not to preheat and use microwaves when feasible. If you have older appliances, replace them with newer, energy efficient appliances. Hang dry clothes when the weather permits. Other areas that you can improve energy consumption in are by lowering air conditioner temperatures. If you plant trees outside your home, it will create shade, making the temperature in your house cooler. I would end this meeting letting citizens know that they can always call their utility companies to come and do a home audit to show you how you can conserve energy. My final part of my plan would be to assist anyone who needed personal assistance with energy saving techniques. In this last month I would go to homes to see that they are doing their part in making sure they are conserving energy. If they needed help or additional information I would make that available to them. The biggest challenge in my plan is to show how purchasing these energy saving technologies is cost efficient to the buyers. Some people look at the initial cost and think that it is too high and don’t want to do anything about it. I would have to argue that some of the techniques are free and only require determination. Another challenge is gaining interest. I have to make sure that I get everyone involved. My goal would be to get one community started and then work on another community. I would need advocates to speak on behalf of energy conservation. The more people involved and committed to the plan, the better it will work. Benefits of my plan are obvious. We will not only be saving ourselves some money in the long run, but we will also be helping the environment out in a major way. We need to save our resources so that we have enough to last us a life time. Not to mention, we will be cutting down on pollution which is another environmental problem. In order to make a difference in our communities, we need support from not only the residents, but from the government as well. The government needs to step up and start mandating that certain codes are in effect on buildings. One successful program available to consumers and business is the ENERGY STAR Program. This program enables Americans to purchase products that saves them money and helps the environment. â€Å" In 2008, Americans with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2008 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million cars — all while saving $19 billion on their utility bills† (ENERGY STAR, n. d. ). ENERGY STAR is a program of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U. S. Department of Energy. Their mission is to help us all save money and protect the environment by offering energy efficient products. More programs such as this need to be implemented in order to achieve our goal. We need to conserve energy to save money, especially in a struggling economy. The best part about doing this is that we are also doing something for our environment. Implementing plans to lower energy consumption is a difficult task, but not a task that is unachievable. Our nation cannot afford to waste natural resources that are rapidly diminishing. We need to change our way of life to conserve what the Earth has given us. Our Earth can no longer tolerate the misuse of energy if we want it to be around for many generations to come. Energy conservation is essential due to the limited supply of natural resources. Jenny Powers of NRDC states â€Å"The cheapest, cleanest energy is the energy you don’t use. † Let’s help break the cycle. As citizens we need to do our part by embracing an energy efficient lifestyle and slow down our demand for more electricity. References CARS. (2009). Cars allowance rebate system. Retrieved November 3, 2009, from www. cars. gov ENERGY STAR. (n. d. ). About ENERGY STAR. Retrieved November 3, 20009, from www. energystar. gov Holness, Gordon V. (2008). Improving Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings. ASHRAE Journal, 50(1), 12-14, 17-18, 20, 23-24, 26. Retrieved November 1, 2009, from ProQuest Education Journals. (Document ID: 1415301201). Laird, F. (2009) A Full-Court Press for Renewable Energy, Issues in science and Technology, 25 (2), 53-56. Retrieved October 30, 2009, from MasterFILE Premier Database. EBSCO Schirber, Michael. (2008). Whatever happened to energy conservation? Live Science. Retrieved November 1, 2009, from www. livescience. com

Essential Parts of Computer and How It Works

Contents II. Introduction2 III. Computers2 A. CPU2 B. Memory storage3 1. Primary storage3 2. Secondary storage4 C. Peripherals8 1. Ink-jets (bubble-jets) printers8 2. Laserjet printers9 IV. Connecting To Internet10 V. Conclusion12 VI. Reference List13 * Introduction Nowadays, running business in 20th century means that you got to be clever about technology. When companies are striving for higher achievements and more-efficient workability, innovation is what everyone craving for. That’s the spot where technology shoots. Computer is one essential breed of our modern technology. However, while the majority of people know how to use computer, they don’t know how the machine works; the technical stuff. It becomes a problem when the technical stuff got broken and almost everybody does not get a clue. To improve our business means that we need to improve our consciousness to computer itself. So, with this guide, I hope we can understand the system of our computer, not just by its advantages, but by its personality too. Enjoy a new relationship with your computer. Computers For this matter, these are some of essential parts from computer that support its function A. Central Processing Unit (CPU) B. Storage devices C. Peripherals CPU Central Processing Unit (CPU), or called as processor, is the central part of computer, which accepts and processes data into information and maintaining its system (Gilster, 2000). In comparison, a brain to human is the same for CPU to computer. It stabilizes and ensuring computer to run normal. Moursund (1978) says that CPU consists of two units: control unit and arithmetic/logic unit. The control unit gives instructions to the system for executing programs. The control unit doesn’t do the tasks, but just giving orders to other units to do its jobs. The arithmetic/logic unit execute arithmetic and mathematical equations in the system, like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. To work in a constant and stabile period of time, CPU uses a small quartz crystal called the clock system (Shelly, Cashman, Vermaat, 2008). The system clock produces electronic pulses, or ticks, that set the operating period to the components of the system unit. The clock system speed is measured by the number of ticks per second or Hertz unit. Hertz (Hz) is the measurement of speed in data processing. The faster the clock speed, the more instructions the processor can execute per second. For usage in our computer schools, there are two brand options, AMD & Intel. AMD’s Athlon X2 Dual Core, and Intel’s Pentium D 925, both of them have 3 GHz clock speeds which are compatible for our student’s needs in computer. I recommend Intel’s for our school since it has lower price than AMD. AMD has lower heat though in its operation, but this problem can be maintained by putting a fine working fan to cool the processor. Memory storage Extra There are terms of measure we need to know that used in byte (B) and hertz (Hz). They are: 1 Kilo (KB/ KHz) = 1000 (B/Hz) 1 Mega (MB/MHz) = 1000 Kilo = 1,000,000 (B/Hz) Giga (GB/GHz) = 1,000,000 = 1,000,000,000 (B/Hz) 1 Tera (TB/THz) = 1000 Giga = 1,000,000 Mega = 1,000,000,000 Kilo = 1000,000,000,000 (B/Hz) (Shelly et al. , 2008) Memory storage is the place where computer store all data and information in the machine. To measure memory storage, we use Byte unit. Byte is the measurement of space, determines the quan tity of data that memory can save. There are two kinds of memory storage: primary storage & secondary storage. Primary storage RAM Random Access Memory (RAM), is used to open up programs, images, or any details when the computer is on. Its function is to accelerate the speed of processing programs. When the computer is off, the memory loses its data too and will be restarting when the computer is on again. That’s why RAM also called as temporary memory (Stokes, 2008). ROM Read-Only Memory (ROM) is used to store essential programs for computer, such as system operation (Smith, 2011). Data in ROMs cannot be changed again or written, unless for some types of ROM like EPROM (erasable programme read-only memory) or using some technique like exposing ROM to sunlight. Cache Cache located between CPU and RAM. It is a high-speed memory that accelerates CPU to exchange information from RAM (Shelly, et al, 2008). Cache works in a frequently accessible files and programs in the computer so it can be processed in shorter time. For example, a secretary’s computer which used for typing a lot will have its word-processing program opened faster than the other staffs’ computer. Secondary storage * Stokes (2008) states that secondary storage is used for saving files and information in the matter of capacity. When programs are installed into the computer or files are inserted, secondary memory is the place where all the stuffs are put into. It gives information about how much computer can store data in its system. Files, programs, and other stuffs that put in secondary storage are saved permanently in the system. So, when the computer is off, the stuffs will stay at the same state and condition without having any lost parts. Picture 2. 1 Secondary storage works like cloth drawers for computers. As long as there is a space, it is fine to put more things. Image source: http://corriehaffly. wordpress. com There are various forms of secondary storage. Some attached in CPU and some is separated from computer. These are the kinds of it. Hard Disk Picture 2. 2 Physical appearance of a hard disk. Image source: http://www. pcguide. com A hard disk is a metal platter coated with magnetic oxide that can be magnetized to represent data (Shelly, et al, 2008). The large disk has top side and bottom side which used for recording and storing data in computer. To be used, hard disk must be attached in computer. Optical Disc Picture 2. 3 Physical appearance of optical disc. Image source: http://www. digitalmatrix. us An optical disc is a flat, round, portable, disc made of metal, plastic, and lacquer. These discs usually have 4. 75 inches in diameter and less than one-twentieth of an inch thick (Shelly, et al, 2008). Optical disc commonly used for storing music, pictures, or programs depend on its capacity. There are many types of optical discs. Some types can be used for reading and recording files in it, some can only be used for read. CD-ROM A CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), is a type of optical disc that can only be used for read the files in it (Shelly, et al. , 2008). The disc’s content cannot be write-able or erase-able anymore. A typical CD-ROM has capacity from 650 MB to 1 GB of data, instructions, and information. To read a CD-ROM, you can use CD-ROM drive or CD-ROM player. Commonly, CD-ROM is used in licensed application, programs, music albums, or encyclopaedias so it cannot be pirated. CD-R and CD-RW A CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable) is a multisession optical disc which users can write, but cannot erase the items in it, like text, graphic, or audio. Multisession means you can write on part of the disc one time and another part at a later time (Shelly, et al. , 2008). Write in this term means to record files. A CD-R can only be written once and the content cannot be erased. To write and read a CD-R, you need a CD-R drive. DVD-ROM and DVD-R A DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory or Digital Video Disc Read-Only Memory) is a high capacity optical disc on which users can read but not write or erase (Shelly, et al. , 2008). To read a DVD-ROM, you need DVD-ROM software. DVD-R has the same characteristic as CD-R, only with bigger capacity. DVDs usually has 4 GB capacity. Flash Memory Picture 2. 4 Physical appearance of flash memory. Image source: http://techcrunch. com Flash memory is a small, portable stick which implanted electrical chips that used to store files in computer (Shelly, et al. , 2008). Its size is none bigger than adult human thumb. It connects to a computer via an USB port. Its files can be read and written in multiple times. Flash memory has various capacities, from 256 MB until 32 GB are available in stores. Peripherals Peripherals are electronic devices that support computer functions to more useful and understandable (Gilster, 2000). Peripherals commonly consist of computer screen, speaker, printer, keyboard, and mouse. Each device is connected through port cables that inserted into CPU ports. In this handout, I would like to discuss the function of printer itself. Since it is a primary office need, so it is nice to know and be aware for this machine. Printer is an electronic device that used for printing images and texts in computer file, usually using papers as its medium (Gilster, 2000). There are many types of printers which available in the market and usually used for business and office work. Ink-jets (bubble-jets) printers Picture 3. 1 Bubble jet printer. Image source: http://www. inkjet-laser. com Ink-jet printer sprays ionized tiny inks on the paper. The printing pattern is organized by using magnetized plates in printer (Shelly et al. , 2008). It can produce high quality images that frequently used for photography. There are models that designed to black and white (B/W) colour printings too. Laserjet printers Picture 3. 2 Laser printer. Image source: http://www. hypercup. org Laser printers works by using lasers that melts powdered inks in cartridges, then the ink putted on a paper by desired pattern (Shelly et al. , 2008). Photocopy services usually use this type due to its fast process. Here are the comparisons of bubble jet printer and laser printers as shown below. Ink-jet Printer| Laserjet Printer| 1. Print by spraying inks into paper, which makes the ink is more liquid on paper. If the paper is touched or get heated, the ink can melt and smear the paper| 1. Print by heated powdered inks with laser. The ink is fast to dry. | 2. Printing process are quiet and does not cause any mechanical noise| 2. Printing process causes mechanical noise. | 3. Many models come in portable sizes, which are suitable for home and personal use that do not demand frequent printing. 3. There are portable sizes and large sizes. Portable size are suitable for home and personal use, while large sizes are suitable for office or business use that demands frequent printing. | 4. The quality of printing can be adjusted for faster printing process| 4. The quality of printing cannot be adjusted| Ink-jet Printer vs. Laser Jet Printer (Frost, 2010) Connecting To Internet To obtain much informatio n, internet is always helpful for providing sources anywhere and anytime. Connecting our computer to internet means that open the access of our computer through signals. To make it do so, computers are needed to be included in a network. Network is a group of computers and devices that connected together through communication devices and transmission media (Sosinsky, 2009). It is used in houses, cafes, libraries, or offices for many purposes, even for personal or business purposes. The ability of network allows people to communicate through each other (in verbal or in visual), sharing files, transfer money, etc. As Sosinsky (2009) states, network’s patterns are divided into two categories: client/server and peer-to-peer. 1. Client/server One computer works as a server, then the other computers or devices in network work as client. A server controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources in network. It makes a server the centre storage of programs, data, and information. The clients are other computers and devices that rely on a server for its resources. 2. Peer-to-peer Peer-to-peer system is like two friends sharing stories to each other. One has useful information that the other one did not know, and vice-versa. In this network, each computer, called a peer, has different responsibility and capability, sharing hardware (e. printer), data, or information with other computers. Each computer has its files in own storage, but also have the same operating system and application software that allows them to connected to each other. For creating networks, computers need some equipment to make them connected through each other. Here are some services which make our computer available to internet. 1. Dial-Up M odems Dial-up modems are working by using telephone devices. When a computer connects to internet, computer transmits digital signals which converted into analog signal then it is transmitted over standard telephone lines (Shelly, et al. 2008). The internet speed is up to 56 kilobyte/second. Many people do not really interested in using dial-up modems now because it requires one telephone lines for working and other services have faster speed. 2. Broadband Services Broadband internet is a high-speed internet that connected through a wire (Shelly, et al. , 2008). Broadband internet services are provided through vary methods. Some known methods are: a) DSL (digital subscriber line), using telephone lines but does not interfere telephone connection; b) A cable modem that uses cable television network ) A Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) network uses radio signals to provide internet connection to computers and devices. Conclusion CPU plays the part of accepting data and processed it into rele vant and understandable information based on logic and arithmetic way of work. Data and information that has been processed comes in the shape of programs and files. The computer’s program and files are kept in memory storage. Some memory storage attached in computer, like hard disks, RAMs, ROMs, Registers, and Caches. Some are separated from computer for its portability, like optical discs and thumb drives. Printers are machines that used for printing and photocopying documents and images in computer. This can be used for printing in colour and black/white printings. Connecting computer to internet means to put it into a network. In a network, computer users can obtain information from many other sources and communicate with other computer users. Internet can be accessible through these two services, dial-up modem and broadband internet services. Through this guide, I delighted if you feel informed and become more common to computers. Knowing new things means to get to you into new insights. I hope the knowledge you read here can be useful for now and the future. Reference List Cashman, T. J. , Shelly, G. B. & Vermaat, M. E. (2008). Discovering computers 2008 complete. Boston, Massachusetts: Thomson Course Technology. Cashman, T. J. , Shelly, G. B. & Vermaat, M. E. (2008). Discovering computers fundamentals (4th eds. ). Boston, Massachusetts: Thomson Course Technology. Frost, M. (2010). Laser vs. inkjet printers. Retrieved September 28, 2011, from http://www. ehow. com/about_5390377_laser-vs-inkjet-printers. html Gilster, R. (2001). PC hardware: a beginner’s guide. Berkeley: Osborne/McGraw-Hill Moore, C. Laserjet vs. Inkjet. (n. d). Retrieved September 20, 2011, fromhttp://www. ehow. com/about_5327065_laserjet-vs-inkjet. html Moursund, D. G. (1978). Basic programming for computer literacy. New York: McGraw-Hill Smith, M. (2011). What is read only memory. Retrieved September 28, 2011, fromhttp://www. ehow. com/info_8751600_readonly-memory. html Sosinsky, B. (2009). Networking bible. New York: John Wiley and Sons. Stokes, A. P. (2008). Is this thing going on. New York: Workman. How computer work: the CPU and memory. (n. d). Retrieved September 19, 2011, from http://homepage. cs. uri. edu/faculty/wolfe/book/Readings/Reading04. htm