Physical Science 1a Answer Key
Unit 1 .................................................................................................................................................... 1
Gas Giants - 5 pts ............................................................................................................................. 1
Solar System - 5 pts .......................................................................................................................... 2
Telescope Timeline - 10 pts ............................................................................................................. 4
Science Headline 1 - 10 pts .............................................................................................................. 6
Unit 2 .................................................................................................................................................... 7
Atom - 5 pts ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Elements - 5 pts .............................................................................................................................. 10
Periodic Table - 5 pts ..................................................................................................................... 13
Bonding – 5pts ............................................................................................................................... 13
Science Headline – 10pts ............................................................................................................... 14
Unit 3 .................................................................................................................................................. 15
EGuide - 5 pts ................................................................................................................................. 15
Electricity - 5 pts ............................................................................................................................ 17
Batteries – 5 pts .............................................................................................................................. 17
Science Headline – 10 pts .............................................................................................................. 19
Unit 4 .................................................................................................................................................. 20
Coal – 5 pts ..................................................................................................................................... 20
Dam - 5 pts ..................................................................................................................................... 22
Comparing Per Kilowatt-Hour Cost Estimates for Multiple Types of Energy Production ....... 23
Sun/Wind - 5 pts ............................................................................................................................. 25
PowerUp - 5 pts .............................................................................................................................. 26
Science Headline 4 – 10 pts ........................................................................................................... 27
Unit 1
Gas Giants - 5 pts
Astronomers have found more than a hundred planets orbiting other stars. All happen to be gas
giants, similar to Jupiter and Saturn.
Complete an online study of Gas Giants and answer the following:



Why is it easier for scientists to find gas giants?
There are lots of different types of gas giants. Briefly describe two of them.
What would be the importance of looking at gas giants as we look for other forms of life, or
as humans think about populating other worlds? (This is a broad question. Be certain to
fully explain your answer and your point of view.)
Sample student submission:

It is far easier for scientists to find gas giants as opposed to terrestrial planets, because gas
giants dwarf the relatively small in comparison terrestrial planets, and are much easier to
spot through a characteristic known as "wobbles".


There are hot gas giants, such as Jupiter and Saturn that contain leftover heat from their
creation, and thus have a very hot and chaotic weather pattern. Neptune and Uranus on the
other hand, are very far from the sun and are believed to be icy, composed of methane,
ammonia and h2o.
It would be important to look at because if we had tried to populate one of our gas giants, we
would be making a big mistake because of the gases and poisons within the planets. Also, it
could be important to help us study and understand what or where we should be looking if
we are trying to find another planet containing life like ours.
Solar System - 5 pts
Go to the website Build Your Own Solar System! and explore some of the variables. Use the help
section to better understand some of the concepts. Try different star and planet combinations and
watch the results.
Using this manipulative you will create your own solar system. You must describe at least 3
planets, though you’re welcome to do 4.)
(Note: Extra point for creating a Life Sustaining world with a sun different from our own.)
Type of star:
Brief explanation about why you selected this type:
How long potentially will it take for planets in your solar system to collide?
Planet 1:
Radius of Planet (size):
Semimajor Axis (how far is orbiting from the sun):
Eccentricity (does it orbit in a perfect circle?):
Temperature:
Atmosphere:
Sustaining Life as we know it:
Planet 2:
Radius of Planet (size):
Semimajor Axis (how far is orbiting from the sun):
Eccentricity (does it orbit in a perfect circle?):
Temperature:
Atmosphere:
Sustaining Life as we know it:
Planet 3:
Radius of Planet (size):
Semimajor Axis (how far is orbiting from the sun):
Eccentricity (does it orbit in a perfect circle?):
Temperature:
Atmosphere:
Sustaining Life as we know it:
Sample student submission:
Type of star:
Brief explanation about why you selected this type:
I chose the blue supergiant because I love the color blue and it’s really hot, also because it’s
massive it will keep planets not so close to it warm too.
How long potentially will it take for planets in your solar system to collide?
It will take about 10 million years for my solar system to collide
Planet 1: Crown
Radius of Planet (size): 4350 km
Semimajor Axis (how far is orbiting from the sun): 1.0 AU
Eccentricity (does it orbit in a perfect circle?): 0
Temperature: 6 C
Atmosphere: water, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide are all present in some form. Water is in
liquid form on planet Crown. Carbon dioxide, oxygen and nitrogen are in gaseous form.
Sustaining Life as we know it: on planet Crown there can probably be life on this planet.
Planet 2: Black
Radius of Planet (size):74300 km
Semimajor Axis (how far is orbiting from the sun): 2.2 AU
Eccentricity (does it orbit in a perfect circle?): 0.2
Temperature: from -101 C to -62 C
Atmosphere: hydrogen, helium, methane, and other gases exist on this planet.
Sustaining Life as we know it: due to the pressure, life could probably not exist on this planet
Planet 3: Tune Up
Radius of Planet (size): 2950 km
Semimajor Axis (how far is orbiting from the sun): 3.0 AU
Eccentricity (does it orbit in a perfect circle?): 0.2
Temperature: From -125 C to -92 C
Atmosphere: because of the size of the planet and the distance from the star, there is little or no
atmosphere.
Sustaining Life as we know it: life could not exist on this planet
New Telescope Timeline – 10 pts 10/22/14
Directions:
Go to the website: Telescopes from the Ground Up
1. Explore the Get To the Root of It section and answer the following:
a. Select 1 (one) of the concepts in this section and in 2 – 3 sentences explain the importance of
this basic concept in the development of the telescope.
b. Briefly explain 1 (one) advantage and 1 (one) disadvantage of ‘space’ telescopes.
2. Explore the other topics on this website and briefly dispute the following misconceptions about
telescopes (remember, the following statement are incorrect, you need to explain why):
a. Telescopes are built on mountains to get closer to the astronomical objects being observed.
b. All the best telescopes have the greatest magnification.
3. Explore the other topics on this website and create a timeline of telescope development.
a. As you read about the of the development of telescopes, the scientists who built and used
them, and the discoveries made with them, take notes that will help you determine the
significance and timeline of these events.
b. Select the 6 events that you think are most important to the development of the telescope and
place them on your timeline.
c. Briefly describe why each event was important in the history of telescopes and arrange the
events in the correct sequence. (Put a 1 next to the event you think happened first, a 2 next to
the event you think happened next, and so on.)
OLD Telescope Timeline - 10 pts
Directions: Below are 14 important events in the development of telescopes. As you read
about the development of telescopes, the scientists who built and used them, and the
discoveries made with them, take notes that will help you determine the significance and
timeline of these events. Describe why each event was important in the history of
telescopes and arrange the events in the correct sequence. (Put a 1 next to the event you
think happened first, a 2 next to the event you think happened next, and so on, with 14
next to the event you think happened last.)
Sample student submission
Rank Event
4
The first reflecting
telescope is built.
7
Spiral nebulae are
discovered.
10
The first permanent
solar telescope is
built.
Notes
1616 this telescope was built.
But it was impractical. But by
1688 Newton solved the
problem by putting a small flat
diagonal mirror on it.
Why is this event important?
This is important because this
telescope was the first one to be
able to see larger areas
In 1845, lord Rosse used his
largest telescope to see the
spiral structure of M51
This is important because large
telescope mirrors allowed the
spiral nature of the M51 nebula to
be seen and drawn
This telescope is the world’s
largest solar telescope.
This is important because this
telescope studies the suns interior
and corona, and solar wind, in
ultraviolet and X-rays as well as
visible light.
9
12
8
Rank
1
In the 1850s, Justus von Liebig
found a way to put a think
layer of silver on the piece of
Scientists learn how to
glass so that it would be easier
put silver on glass.
to polish and it also created
50% more light than a metal
mirror
In the 1990s they started using
computers to gather all the
Computers control
information from the telescope.
and position
telescopes.
This is important because putting
a thin layer of silver on a telescope
mirror made it so much easier to
polish and it created a mirror on
the silver and this also created
50% more light than a metal mirror
Event
Notes
Hans Lippershey built the first
spyglass
Why is this event important?
This marks the first use of two
lenses to see at a distance. The
creating of spyglass helped with
the creation on telescopes.
NASA’s great observatories
program constructed four
orbiting telescopes- the Hubble
Space Telescope, the Chandra
X-ray Observatory, and the
Spitzer Space Telescope.
Galileo was the first to see the
mountains and valleys on the
moon.
This is important because having
telescopes in space means that
scientists can see in space more
clearly than looking through a
telescope on earth.
In the early 1900s Jansky
created the first radio
telescope.
This is important because radio
telescopes paved the way for
telescopes that would allow
astronomers to study the whole
range of the electromagnetic
spectrum both visible and invisible.
This is very important because
now scientists don’t even have to
be in the same room as the
telescope. It makes there jobs a lot
easier and more efficient to gather
all the information they need.
This photo was taken around
Being able to photograph the
the late 1840s early 1850s with things you see in space made it so
For the first time, the
Harvard’s 15 inch refractor.
scientists could step away from
Moon is photographed
the telescope because the film
through a telescope.
records the information. This also
means that date will be more
accurate
The Spyglass is
invented.
14
The Hubble Space
Telescope is
launched.
2
A telescope is used to
discover mountains
and valleys on the
Moon.
11
The first radio
telescope is built.
When Galileo found out that the
moon was not a perfect sphere, he
then found out that the earth is not
the center of the earth as he
thought.
3
Huygens discovers
the bulges around
Saturn are separate
rings.
4
The first telescope
with multiple primary
mirrors begins
observing.
6
A lens doublet without
chromatic aberration
is made.
5
A non-spherical mirror
is ground.
In 1686 Huygens built a openair telescope. He also found
that Saturn’s rings with another
telescope.
The change to two convex lenses
with increased focal length allowed
him to see the rings around
Saturn.
In the mid 1900s scientists hit
a wall, it seemed impossible to
make mirrors larger than 200
inches. So they found a way to
make a telescope with multiple
mirrors.
In 1729 Hall figured out how to
combine lenses and create
different shapes
This is important because
scientists need larger mirrors in
the telescope because they collect
more light to see the faintest
objects in space.
In 1721 Hadley built a
Greogorain reflector with a
parabolic mirror
This is important because this was
the first reflecting telescope that
was free of spherical chromatic
aberrations.
This is important because its now
possible to make a refractor that
doesn’t suffer from chromatic
aberration. It also improved the
image.
Science Headline 1 - 10 pts
Find a science article or media resource that you think is interesting that involves any of the topics
you worked with in this unit.
For your article/resource include the following:





Title, Source and Date
URL site address
Summary of the research information
Brief explanation about why this particular topic interests you.
2 new words or terms that you learned from your research
Once you have selected and written your Science Headline information, complete more research
about this topic. Then answer the following questions:



Did you find any other resources that either support or disprove the scientific information
your discovered?
Do you think that the other resources are reliable?
Considering what you have learned, explain if you think that the research that is being done
in this area of science is valid.
Sample student submission:
Space and Time Article









Active Optics, Science Daily, Wikipedia, September 14, 2010
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_optics
http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/a/active_optics.htm
It is describing what telescope mirrors look like and explaining how they are used and kept
the same shape while in space crossing our sky.
This topic is interesting to me because when I was little and to this day I wanted to work in
space and figure how to find new planets and research new things using the telescopes.
Actuators, Optimal
I found two sources that supported some of the information. They weren’t directly about
this topic, but did support some of the findings.
Yes I think they are reliable. The supporting data from the other articles helps me believe in
the accuracy of the resource.
I do believe it is valid because we need to be precise when looking/observing things in
space.
Unit 2
Atom - 5 pts
Using the activity:
Build Atoms Yourself
http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/investigations/es0501/es0501page0
4.cfm



Complete the following questions for submission to your facilitator:
How are ideas about spaces between atoms and spaces between celestial bodies in the
universe similar?
What is the importance of scientific notation in studying both space and molecular
levels?
Label:
Red arrow:
Green arrow:
Blue arrow:
Purple arrow:






How many electrons can stay in the K ring?
How many electrons can stay in the L ring?
How many electrons can stay in the M ring?
How many electrons can stay in the N ring?
Describe the makeup of a carbon atom
Build and describe at least two other atoms:
Sample student submission:
How are ideas about spaces between atoms and spaces between celestial bodies in the
universe similar? Electrons orbit the nucleus of the atom much like the planets obit the
sun. The force that keeps the atoms in tact and at the same distance is similar to that of
gravities role in the solar system.
What is the importance of scientific notation in studying both space and molecular levels?
By using scientific notation, measurements can be expressed in very large numbers or in
very small numbers. This is a universal way to show measurements.
Label:
Red arrow: Orbit or ring
Green arrow: Electron
Blue arrow: Proton
Purple arrow: Neutron
How many electrons can stay in the K ring? One or Two
How many electrons can stay in the L ring? Up to 8
How many electrons can stay in the M ring? Up to 18
How many electrons can stay in the N ring? Up to 32
Describe the makeup of a carbon atom:
Symbol: C
Atomic Number: 6
Atomic Weight: 12
Made up of: 6 Protons
6 Electrons
6 Neutrons
Build and describe at least two other atoms:
Nitrogen
Symbol: N
Atomic Number: 7
Atomic Weight: 14
Made up of: 7 Protons
7 Electrons
7 Neutrons
Neon
Symbol: Ne
Atomic Number: 10
Atomic Weight: 20
Made up of: 10 Protons
10 Electrons
10 Neutrons
Elements - 5 pts
Considering what you learned in at the graphite and diamond site, describe the differences between
the two.
Which 4 elements make up most living things?
Go to the website http://web.jjay.cuny.edu/~acarpi/NSC/2-matter.htm and answer the following
questions:
I. Matter and Energy
a) Everything in the universe is made of two things: _________________ and
____________________
b) Atoms are particles of elements,
______________________________________________________
c) Compound:
________________________________________________________________________
d) The difference between states of matter is due to
__________________________________________
(skip Piza, click arrow at bottom right to move on to next page)
II. Atomic Structure
a) Atoms are made of 3 different particles (include description):
i)
ii)
iii)
Draw a picture of an atom with the three subatomic particles in the correct arrangement and
label:
b) What keeps the electron and proton from crashing into each other? What is a good
example of this? (In your own words)
c) Describe how far away an electron orbits from the nucleus in your own words
d) It is not accurate to show an electron spinning around the nucleus like a ball in a circle
because . . .
e) Draw a more accurate way to describe the electron:
f) In a neutral atom, the positively charged protons are balanced by
_____________________________
Atomic Number =
_________________________________________________________________________
Atomic Mass =
____________________________________________________________________________
Practice – use the information given to complete the chart.
Element
Oxygen
Gold
Potassium
Sulfur
Hydrogen
Iron
Iodine
Uranium
Krypton
Silicon
Erbium
#
#
protons electrons
8
8
79
79
19
16
26
53
92
#
neutrons
8
118
20
0
30
Atomic
Number
8
79
16
1
Atomic
Mass
16
197
39
32
1
127
146
36
14
83
28
68
167
Sample student submission:
Which 4 elements make up most living things?
Oxygen, Carbon, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen
Go to the website http://web.jjay.cuny.edu/~acarpi/NSC/2-matter.htm and answer the following
questions:
I. Matter and Energy
a) Everything in the universe is made of two things: matter and energy
b) Atoms are particles of elements, substances that cannot be broken down any further
c) Compound: atoms of an element that combine with one another form a compound.
d) The difference between states of matter is due to the amount of energy
(skip Piza, click arrow at bottom right to move on to next page)
II. Atomic Structure
a) Atoms are made of 3 different particles (include description):
i) electrons: tiny, very light particles that have a negative charge
ii) protons: much larger and heavier than electrons and have the opposite charge
iii) neutrons: large and heavy like protons, but have no electrical charge
Draw a picture of an atom with the three subatomic particles in the correct arrangement and
label:
Electron
Proton
Neutron
b) What keeps the electron and proton from crashing into each other? What is a good
example of this? (In your own words)
The electrons and protons don’t crash into each other because they are constantly moving.
A good example of this is the earth’s movement keeping it from crashing into the sun.
c) Describe how far away an electron orbits from the nucleus in your own words
If the whole atom was the size of a football stadium, the electrons would circulate about a
quarter of a mile away from the nucleus.
d) It is not accurate to show an electron spinning around the nucleus like a ball in a circle
because . . .
Because electrons have wave-like properties, it is more similar to a beam of light than it is to
a ball.
e) Draw a more accurate way to describe the electron:
f) In a neutral atom, the positively charged protons are balanced by
An equal number of negatively charges electrons
Atomic Number = the number of protons in an atom
Atomic Mass = the number of protons plus the number of neutrons in an atom
Practice – use the information given to complete the chart.
Element
Oxygen
Gold
Potassium
Sulfur
Hydrogen
Iron
Iodine
Uranium
Krypton
Silicon
Erbium
#
#
protons electrons
8
8
79
79
19
19
16
16
1
1
26
26
53
53
92
92
36
36
14
14
68
68
#
neutrons
8
118
20
16
0
30
74
146
47
28
99
Atomic
Number
8
79
19
16
1
26
53
92
36
14
68
Atomic
Mass
16
197
39
32
1
56
127
238
83
42
167
Periodic Table - 5 pts
Research each of these families in the Periodic Table.
 Halogens
 Alkali Metals
 Alkaline Earth Metals
 Transition Metals
 Halogen Gases
 Inert (Noble) Gases
For each list their physical and chemical properties:
EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- Density
- Boiling Point
- Melting Point
- Conductivity
- Heat Capacity
EXAMPLES OF CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
- Valence
- Reactivity
- Radioactivity
Sample student submission:
Bonding – 5pts
Using these web links and the information you learned in this section, answer these questions:
http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?mid=55&mcid=&l=
http://www.visionlearning.com/library/quiz_taker.php?qid=14&mid=56&mcid=
 What are the two main types of chemical bonds?
 Which particles play the most active role in chemical bonding?
 An ionic bond is formed when electrons are:
 Ionic bonds form between which elements in the periodic table?
 A covalent bond is formed when electrons are:
 Covalent bonds form between which elements in the periodic table?
 What kind of bonding occurs in the water molecule?
 When a partial electrical charge exists across a molecule, it is called a(n):
 What is a chemical equation?
 What are substances on the left side of a chemical equation called?
 What are substances on the right side of a chemical equation called?
 What does the number in front of the molecular symbol mean?
 What is a limiting reactant?
 Balance the following equations:


H + O  H2O
P + O2  2 P2O3
Sample student submission:
 What are the two main types of chemical bonds?
Ionic and covalent
 Which particles play the most active role in chemical bonding?
Electrons
 An ionic bond is formed when electrons are:
Completely transferred from one atom to another
 Ionic bonds form between which elements in the periodic table?
Metals and non metals
 A covalent bond is formed when electrons are:
Shared between atoms
 Covalent bonds form between which elements in the periodic table?
Two non metals
 What kind of bonding occurs in the water molecule?
Polar covalent
 When a partial electrical charge exists across a molecule, it is called a(n):
Dipole
 What is a chemical equation?
The short hand that scientists use to describe chemical reactions
 What are substances on the left side of a chemical equation called?
Reactants
 What are substances on the right side of a chemical equation called?
Products
 What does the number in front of the molecular symbol mean?
The number of molecules participating in the reaction
 What is a limiting reactant?
The reactant that will run out the fastest
 Balance the following equations:
 H + O  H2O
2H2 + O2 2H2O
Science Headline – 10pts
Sample student submission:
Enough Atoms for a Cannonball? Or Just a Small Splash?
Source: New York times Newspaper
Date: June 30, 2011
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/22/science/22obweig.html?ref=atoms
Summary: Scientists have invented a new scale/microscope that sways back to measure
exactly how much an atom really weighs. It is the ideal material to all of the scientist now
using it. It was not easy to figure out how to make this invention they had to jump through
many hoops to get what they wanted out of this scale.
Why does this interest me ?
I find this article interesting because I have always been told that nobody really knows
how much an atom really weight or how big an atom really is. Reading about finding new
inventions and learning about much more of the Earth is very interesting to me. I look at it
as our people being more educated on what goes on in our world.
Nanotube: a microscopic tube whose diameter is measured in nanometers.
Cantilever: any rigid structural member projecting from a vertical support, especially one in
which the projection is great in relation to the depth, so that the upper part is in tension and
the lower part in compression.
No I did not find any information to support my research, but I do believe that what I read
is true.
I did not find any.
I do believe that this information is valid because in the world these days people are
discovering so many things. I would not discourage the information I found for a second
Unit 3
EGuide - 5 pts
Use the sample guide for the refrigerator-freezer to answer the following questions. Assume the price
per kilowatt is 9.2 cents and round your answers to the nearest dollar.
1
What is the annual cost of operating the refrigerator-freezer?
2
According to the label, how much would it cost to operate the most efficient refrigerator-freezer?
3
If you keep the refrigerator for 20 years, how much would you save on energy bills?
4
How much money would you save in 20 years if you buy the most efficient refrigerator-freezer versus
the lease efficient?
Washer A: Top Load Type ($ 429 purchase Washer B: Front Load Type ($750
price) purchase price) The labels above provide information for two washers. Since the
cost of operating a washer is influenced by the type of energy used to heat the water used in
the washer, the labels provide information for both electric and gas water heaters. Assume
the features of both machines are the same and the models are equally effective in cleaning
clothes. You also know that the average lifespan of a washer is 12 years and the cost of
electricity is 8.8 cents per kilowatt.
1
Which washing machine has the lowest purchase price? __ _ The lowest operating cost? ___
2
Taking into consideration both the purchase price and operating cost, which machine is the better
buy? (Show the math that supports your answer.)
Sample student submission:
5
What is the annual cost of operating the washer? Washer A = $77.83 per year
6
According to the label, how much would it cost to operate the most efficient washer? Washer B =
$18.03 per year
7
If you keep the washer for 20 years, how much would you save on energy bills? Savings of $1195.96
8
How much money would you save in 20 years if you buy the most efficient washer versus the least
efficient? $874.96
9
Which washing machine has the lowest purchase price? Washer A of $429
10
Which washing machine has the lowest operating cost? Washer B
11
Taking into consideration both the purchase price and operating cost, which machine is the better
buy? (Show the math that supports your answer.)
Washer A:
Washer B:
Total Cost
20 years of operation:
$ 429.00
$1556.60
Adjusted Total
$1985.60
Total Cost
20 years of operation:
$ 750.00
$ 360.64
Adjusted Total
$1110.64
Difference (1875.60-1110.64) =
$ 874.96 overall savings by purchasing Washer B
Electricity - 5 pts
Using the article and information you research from the Internet about this topic, answer the
following questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Why is there a voltage difference across our skin?
How does a wound change this voltage difference?
How does this change affect the healing process?
What would happen if you reduced or eliminated the voltage difference around the site of a
wound? What would happen if you reversed it—in other words, swapped positive charges
for negative?
5. What types of wounds do you think this would work best for?
Sample student submission:
1. Why is there a voltage difference across our skin? The outer skin has other factors like the
absorption of sodium ions whereas the inner skin will have a different electrical charge.
2. How does a wound change this voltage difference? The voltage across the wound site is zero
and that difference can last until the skin closes.
3. How does this change affect the healing process? The voltage from the surrounding area can
be used to help trigger the cells from the healthy skin to divide and move more easily which
helps the healing process.
4. What would happen if you reduced or eliminated the voltage difference around the site of a
wound? The healing process would be slowed down. What would happen if you reversed
it—in other words, swapped positive charges for negative? You would want to be careful to
find the balance so as not to damage the skin instead of healing it.
5. What types of wounds do you think this would work best for? This would work best for
cuts and surgery incisions but it might also help with scrapes.
Batteries – 5 pts
Using the Volt Meter Answer complete the following:
Volt Meter
Create an equation using at least 3 batteries, all positive:
Create an equation using at least 3 batteries, all negative:
Create an equation using at least 3 batteries with one positive:
Create an equation using at least 3 batteries with one negative:
When adding positive and negative integers:
 If both of the signs are positive (all arrows point to the right), the sign of the answer is
______________________.
 If both of the signs are negative (all arrows point to the left), the sign of your answer is
_______________________.

If the signs of the two numbers are different (arrows point in opposite directions), the sign
of your answer is determined by _______________________________________.
Using what you learned in this lab, determine the following results.
 -8 + -3 = ________
 6 + -6 = ________
 -8 + 8 + -11 = ________
 12 + -7 + 3 + -8 = ________
 0 + -11 = ________
 -5 + -16 + 5 + 16 = ________
Explain at least one reason why you’d want to create a system of batteries that ‘pulled’ energy from
the system.
Now read this article on Electric Cars and complete the following:
 When were the first electric cars introduced?
 Why do you think they didn’t immediately succeed?
 What impact do you think advertizing has on the types of resources like batteries and energy
that we regularly use?
 What impact does the ability to store and release energy effectively have on the types of
products we use?
Do some Internet research on alkaline and lithium batteries and complete the following:
 Why do we still make alkaline batteries?
 Why do you think we don’t have more items (cars, households, etc) that run off of batteries?
What do you think the future of batteries will be?
Sample student submission:
Using the Volt Meter Answer complete the following:
Volt Meter
Create an equation using at least 3 batteries, all positive: 3 + 1 + 2 = 6 (6 volts)
Create an equation using at least 3 batteries, all negative: -6 + -1 + -2 = -9 (-9 volts)
Create an equation using at least 3 batteries with one positive: -2 + 5 + -4 = -1 (-1 volt)
Create an equation using at least 3 batteries with one negative: -5 + 6 + 2 = 3 (3 volts)
When adding positive and negative integers:
 If both of the signs are positive (all arrows point to the right), the sign of the answer is
positive.
 If both of the signs are negative (all arrows point to the left), the sign of your answer is
negative.
 If the signs of the two numbers are different (arrows point in opposite directions), the sign
of your answer is determined by the sign of the larger number.
Using what you learned in this lab, determine the following results.
 -8 + -3 = ___-11_____
 6 + -6 = ____0____
 -8 + 8 + -11 = __-11______
 12 + -7 + 3 + -8 = __0______
 0 + -11 = ___-11_____
 -5 + -16 + 5 + 16 = ___0_____
Explain at least one reason why you’d want to create a system of batteries that ‘pulled’ energy from
the system. Pulling the energy gives the system the ability to use the energy like lighting a light
bulb or buzzing a buzzer.
Now read this article on Electric Cars and complete the following:
 When were the first electric cars introduced? Late 1800’s
 Why do you think they didn’t immediately succeed? Battery life wasn’t very long
 What impact do you think advertizing has on the types of resources like batteries and energy
that we regularly use? I think as our natural resources become less available and/or more
expensive (oil and gas) that advertising will help to make people see that we have to find
viable options for energy sources (i.e. electric cars).
 What impact does the ability to store and release energy effectively have on the types of
products we use? The ability to store and release the energy is very important since people
are used to relying on continual working products. For a car, it works from one fill up to
another which can last about a week. They will need to find a system whereby keeping and
electric car up and running consistently.
Do some Internet research on alkaline and lithium batteries and complete the following:
 Why do we still make alkaline batteries? Alkaline batteries make up about 80% of the
manufactured batteries and they are less expensive to make and they have a long shelf life.
 Why do you think we don’t have more items (cars, households, etc) that run off of batteries?
I think that people are so used to using electricity which is readily available and the cost of
electricity is currently less than operating appliances that require battery power.
 What do you think the future of batteries will be? I think that as our natural resources
become more scarce and more expensive the use of batteries could certainly increase. I
certainly think that electric cars may be an industry that grows. Unfortunately, the
rechargeable batteries are recharged via electricity.
Science Headline – 10 pts
Sample student submission:
Giant Batteries for Green Power
“Science Daily”
April 10, 2011
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404084751.htm
Summary:
Solar and wind energy are important sources of energy currently being utilized. The downfall of these
energy sources is the fact that the sun goes down at night and not all days have wind. So, scientists need to
come up with a solution to store the energy from these environmental resources that won’t become scarce
resources. Large scale storage facilities and substations will be needed to store the amount of energy needed
to supply residents and business the energy needed. One solution that could be utilized in these large storage
facilities and currently being studied is the “redox flow batteries.” At its current size and capacity, this battery
can store electrical current for about 2000 houses. The redox flow batteries utilize vanadium based liquids to
pick up and emit electrons. Since vanadium is the only chemical used, it helps to eliminate impurities. Building
these batteries on a larger scale becomes the current challenge. But, a 20 KW plant is planned for operations
towards the end of 2012.
Interest:
With the current energy concerns, all means of acquiring energy is important. The discoveries of
batteries that can store energy are important discoveries as wind and sun will always be available. If scientist
can determine how to store and utilize the energy from sources from wind and sun on a large scale, maybe it
will lead to other ways to store energy from sources like the ocean or from space. Also, the use and discovery
of different types of batteries help even in the development of electric cars and other electric devices. The need
for longer lasting batteries is a current need!
Terms:
Vanadium - a chemical element with an atomic number of 23 and the symbol V. It is a soft, silvery gray, ductile
transition metal found in several minerals.
Consortium – an association or grouping of institutions, business or organizations established for a common
purpose and often put together due to the combined resources of the members involved.
There was definitely other resources supporting the ideas of this article and stating much of the same
facts. I do believe all the resources are reliable. And I do believe there is still a lot of research to be done in this
area so any research or advancements done that helps us understand and learn about them is valid and
helpful!
Unit 4
Coal – 5 pts
Using the supplied charts and graphs write about the following:
1. How does coal production in 1993 compare with coal production in 2009?
2. Can you tell from any of the maps how many tons of coal we have in the United
States? Why or why not?
3. What region of the country does not have large coal reserves?
4. What type of coal is found in Wyoming?
5. Why do you think Wyoming has the highest coal production? You’ll need to really think
about this question to come up with a good answer.
6. Compare the 1993 production of coal in the Appalachian region vs. The Powder River
Basin.
7. Compare the number of mines in the Appalachian region vs. The Powder River Basin.
8. What is unusual about the data from questions 6 and 7? How can you explain it?
Sample student submission:
1. How does coal production in 1993 compare with coal production in 2009?
Wyoming remained #1 but West Virginia (#3 in 1993) moved to the #2 spot in 2009.
Kentucky moved from the second spot to #3. Pennsylvania remained in the #4 spot but
Montana moved to the #5 spot. Montana passed Texas, Illinois and Virginia in
production in 2009.
2. Can you tell from any of the maps how many tons of coal we have in the United
States? Why or why not?
The maps do not give an indication of the number of tons of coal. The maps show the
type of coal in the US, the coal mines and facilities and the top coal producing states in
2009. The table is the only indication of the amount of coal produced and in 1993, it
was approximately 960,600 thousand short tons.
3. What region of the country does not have large coal reserves?
The Western Region has the least amount of coal reserves.
4. What type of coal is found in Wyoming?
The type of coal found in Wyoming is sub-bituminous coal.
5. Why do you think Wyoming has the highest coal production? You’ll need to really think
about this question to come up with a good answer.
When I look at how coal is formed from the diagrams in our reading, the US was mostly
swampland and when the Rocky Mountains were formed, Wyoming was at the end of
the mountains which created a river basin. The river basin is a large part of Wyoming’s
geographical structure today where a large deposit of coal developed.
6. Compare the 1993 production of coal in the Appalachian region vs. The Powder River
Basin.
The Powder River Basin produces the majority of the coal in 1993.
7. Compare the number of mines in the Appalachian region vs. The Powder River Basin.
There are significantly more mines in the Appalachian region than in the Powder River
Basin.
8. What is unusual about the data from questions 6 and 7? How can you explain it?
There are significantly more mines in the Appalachian region but more coal is produced
in the Powder River Basin in 1993. I believe this is due to the fact that a lot of the mines
in the Appalachian region are the old underground mines whereas the mines in the
Powder River Basin are comprised mostly of surface mining facilities. The newer
technology of surface mining in 1993 enabled increased production of coal without
having to increase the number of mines. Also the concentration of the coal in the
Wyoming region is greater than any other state in the US.
Dam - 5 pts
China is a growing nation. In recent decades she has begun to embrace a growing economy and has
worked towards improving her industrial base. The result has been a steadily increasing economy
and improved infrastructure. The problem is the same as every industrialized nation. How to you
power the factories and buildings that support your national economy.
In China a huge project has begun to meet the growing power need.
The Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydroelectric undertaking in the world.
Research this dam and write about the following:
What is the location of the dam?
How much power is anticipated from the dam?
How does that power compare to other dams?
How does that power compare to other types of electric producing facilities? (Coal, oil, wind,
nuclear or any other power sources)
What is the cost of the dam?
What is the environmental impact of the dam?
Finally answer this opinion question, but support your answer with facts.
China must have power. Just saying that they shouldn’t build a power source because it’s bad for
the environment isn’t good reasoning. In the United States we do all sorts of ‘bad’ things because
we need power.
So considering the other options that are available to them, and remembering that all power sources
have some sort of negative impact … do you think the Three Gorges Dam is the best choice?
Sample student submission:
What is the location of the dam?
The Three Gorges Dam is built on the Yangtze River at Sandouping, Yichang, Hubei
Provine.
How much power is anticipated from the dam?
They anticipate 18,200 MW of power.
How does that power compare to other dams?
The next four largest dams produce 12,600 MW (Brazil), 10,300 MW (Venezuela),
6,800 MW (US) and 6,400 MW (Russia).
How does that power compare to other types of electric producing facilities? (Coal, oil, wind,
nuclear or any other power sources)
[http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/international/electricitygeneration.html]
Clearly, China relies heavily on the coal production for its source of electrical energy.
One would hope that the renewable energy and the hydro energy would see great increases in
the next 10 years. Furthermore, the following table shows the cost of the different energy
sources. I found it interesting that the hydroelectric costs were among the least expensive.
Comparing Per Kilowatt-Hour Cost Estimates for Multiple Types of
Energy Production
Most Cost Effective Form of Energy Production
http://nuclearfissionary.com/2010/04/02/comparing-energy-costs-of-nuclear-coal-gas-wind-andsolar/
What is the cost of the dam?
The cost of the dam was over $30 billion.
What is the environmental impact of the dam?
The dam alters the ecosystem and can endanger several animals like fish and birds.
The dam can cause coastline erosion. The raw sewage accumulating in the reservoir is at
harmful levels. The water pollution may increase with more factories being built near the
river. The mineral deposits can also cause harmful effects as the minerals from the various
Gorges are now brought together.
Finally answer this opinion question, but support your answer with facts.
China must have power. Just saying that they shouldn’t build a power source because it’s bad for
the environment isn’t good reasoning. In the United States we do all sorts of ‘bad’ things because
we need power.
So considering the other options that are available to them, and remembering that all power sources
have some sort of negative impact … do you think the Three Gorges Dam is the best choice?
Unfortunately, I do think that the Three Gorges Dam was a good choice as far as a
reliable energy source since China mainly relies on coal to produce their electricity. Coal has
many harmful effects to the environment and China needs to become less reliable on coal.
They need to start focusing on renewable energy and other sources. The dam helps China
with flood prevention, irrigation, electrical power, improved shipping capabilities and jobs.
As long as China is proactive on the negative impacts of the dam, I think it was a reliable and
decent choice for producing a portion of their electrical power. The unfortunate factors do
include some environmental impacts that need to be addressed!
Sun/Wind - 5 pts
Research the solar and wind resources that are currently being used in your state.
Find the following information:

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Give at least 2 examples of how each resource is being used.
What is the energy output of these resources?
What would be the ‘savings’ in non-renewable energies?
Explain the concerns/problems with each resource.
How effective is the resource in your area? (Consider the physical requirements of solar and
wind systems and how they would be set up.)
How is each of these resources being promoted nationally, statewide or locally?
What will be the impact on your community directly to use these resources?
Sample student submission:
 Give at least 2 examples of how each resource is being used. Wind and solar energy are the
fastest growing sources of electrical power generation in Colorado. With the addition of
Vestes, a producer of the wind products, that is located in Colorado, we are looked at as one
of the leading states.

What is the energy output of these resources? In 2006, wind energy was 844 million kwh
which was a ranking of 10 in the US for use of wind energy. In 2009, solar energy use in
Colorado was 23.4 megawatts which ranked us also in the top 10 for solar energy use.

What would be the ‘savings’ in non-renewable energies? The 2004 amendment that passed
for the increase of use of renewable energy (6% by 2010 and 10% by 2015) stated that
Colorado would see a savings of $236million. This is substantial!!

Explain the concerns/problems with each resource. There are few environmental concerns
but both wind and solar energy are found at certain times. Solar energy is only generated
during daylight hours and wind energy is only generated with the wind. There is also the
concern of the land that is needed to put the wind and solar products that produce the energy
and the cost of installation.

How effective is the resource in your area? (Consider the physical requirements of solar and
wind systems and how they would be set up.) Actually, Colorado ranks fairly high in both
the effectiveness of these resources. The south and western parts of the states are deemed
effective for solar power and the mountains and the plains are deemed effective for the wind
power. In one study, Colorado has 6 million acres of “windy” land which could produce
60million mwh/year which is 14 times what is used by Coloradoan. It also stated that with
solar panels on .5% of the total land area, the Colorado’s production of energy would
double. (source: http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/WR/windbooklet.pdf)

How is each of these resources being promoted nationally, statewide or locally? Locally,
Colorado State University is doing quite a bit of research in the area of wind power. They
are currently trying to put wind products north of town on the way to Laramie, WY. Also
locally, there is the company (Vestes) which produces the wind towers. Statewide, both the
wind and solar energy is being utilized and researched. As mentioned, a bill was passed in
2004 requiring an increase in use of renewable energy by 10% by 2015. Nationwide, I
believe that both solar and wind energy as the fastest growing sources of electrical power.
The research and the promotion of such power is growing exponentially! This is a positive
move for our country as they seek solutions for renewable energy.
PowerUp - 5 pts
Use this link to the PowerUp! Game
You have been given a specific monetary budget with the challenge of powering up a community.
Each power source has positive and negative consequences that you must consider.
You’re choices in each round may be one of the following, but not all are always available. (In the
real world this is also true depending on practicality and availability of resources.
 Oil
 Coal
 Geothermal
 HydroElectric
 Natural Gas
 Wind
 Solar
 Nuclear
 Trash
When you begin the game:
 How much energy do you need to generate?
 How much money do you have to spend?
 What is the total allowable impact?
For each round answer the following (you will have several rounds:
 What are your 3 choices?
 Why did you prefer 1 to the other 2?
 Would you have picked differently if you’d had more money to spend?
 How much funding and impact do you have left at the end of each round?
At the end:
 Did you win the first time or will you need to play again?
 What was your final monetary and impact score?
 If you do need to play again, include a list of the choices you made to win and the final
results.
Answer these final questions:
 Of all the energy sources offered to you, which one did you prefer the most? Explain why.


How does where you live impact your energy choices?
What do you think is most important (they both are, but you’ll have to pick one) funding or
impact? Explain why.
Sample student submission:
When you begin the game:
 How much energy do you need to generate? To be full, you would need a 40.
 How much money do you have to spend? To begin, they give 300.
 What is the total allowable impact? Allowable impact is 40.
For each round answer the following (you will have several rounds:
 What are your 3 choices? Hydro, Coal, Geothermal
 Why did you prefer 1 to the other 2? I like the hydro because of its low impact, high energy.
 Would you have picked differently if you’d had more money to spend? no
 How much funding and impact do you have left at the end of each round? 35 impact and $0
remaining was the first round.
2nd round: Nuclear, Coal, Trash (negative impact but $30 remaining)
3rd round: Hydro, Geothermal, Solar (30 impact and $20 remaining)
At the end:



Did you win the first time or will you need to play again? Yes, I won the first round – had a
negative impact in my second round and won the third round.
What was your final monetary and impact score? My best score was $20 remaining and an
impact of 30 and full power.
If you do need to play again, include a list of the choices you made to win and the final
results. I had hydro, oil, trash, coal and wind
Answer these final questions:
 Of all the energy sources offered to you, which one did you prefer the most? Explain why.
I prefer the solar and wind energies the most but they weren’t not always given as an option.
However, this game certainly shows the need to have various methods of obtaining electrical
power. The costs, the energy output and the impacts on the environment are all important
factors to consider.
 How does where you live impact your energy choices? I think Colorado is doing a good job
of expanding its wind and solar energy. They rank high in the advancements of both of
these methods.
 What do you think is most important (they both are, but you’ll have to pick one) funding or
impact? Explain why. Unfortunately, like many things in our society, cost is the greatest
factor. We have to make things as feasible as possible with as much consideration to the
environment as possible. But I do think cost is the driving factor.
Science Headline 4 – 10 pts
Sample student submission
First Polymer Solar-Thermal Device Heats Home, Saves Money
“Science Daily”
June 6, 2011
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110404111148.htm
Summary:
According to this article, a new device can be added to solar panels that can cut the cost of heating a
home by 40%. It is a new polymer solar-thermal device which gets its power both from directly sunlight and
from the heat generated by the sun. The roof mounted device collects the heat from the sun while the solar
cells collect the light. The heat generated on a rooftop is worth capturing and it allows the solar panels to be
effective for a longer period of each day. Another advancement of this device is that the tiles look very similar to
current roofing tiles and can be installed as part of the building process. The tests of such devices show a 30%
efficiency in converting solar energy into power compared to an 8% efficiency of solar panels alone.
Interest:
With the current energy concerns, all means of acquiring energy is important. The idea of putting two
renewable energy sources together (thermal – heat collection and solar – light collection) is a very interesting
advancement. If they can find ways to keep the costs down on producing this product, then many home owners
would take a great interest in the product. I believe that it is going to take each of us doing our part to help find
effective, efficient and inexpensive ways of producing energy.
Terms:
Polymer – a naturally occurring or synthetic compound that consists of large molecules with a chain or network
of many repeating units.
Photovoltaic – production of an electrical current when exposed to a radiant energy, especially light.
There was one other resources supporting the ideas of this article and stating much of the same facts. I
do believe both of these resources are reliable. And I do believe there is still a lot of research to be done in this
area so any research or advancements done that helps us understand and learn about them is effective and
efficient when it comes to the production of electricity!