Physics & Batteries By: Saleh and Laveen

What Is Electricity?

Electricity is everywhere, in our homes, buildings, streetlights, and more! It is very essential in our everyday lives, we use it for lights when illuminating rooms, we use it for televisions and computers for our entertainment. While it is very convenient in our every day lives, some may not realize where and how our electricity is being created, and what it causes. In this presentation, we will looking at where energy comes from, how it is used, what exactly is electricity, and problems we have with electricity. So for this unit we will be looking at batteries which brings me to my next point.

What Are Batteries?

What Is It?

Batteries are containers which contain one our more cell which chemical energy is turned/converted into used as a source of power to power objects for example cars, video games, and computers. In this unit were going to be looking at different which batteries are used for and apply/connect those concepts to physics.

How Does It Work?

Batteries contain three different parts an anode (-), a cathode (+), and the electrolyte. The anode and the cathode are hooked up to an electrical circuit. Because of the chemical reaction in the battery it causes a big build up of electrons at the anode. Which then makes an electrical difference. The electrons then rearrange themselves the get rid of the differences. In any battery the one and only place to go is the cathode. But the electrolyte prevents the electrons from going straight from the anode to the cathode. But the electrochemicals process changes the chemicals in the anode and the cathode to prevent them from supplying any electrons. Which causes a limited amount of power in the battery. When you recharge the battery you the change the direction of flow of electrons which then uses anthour power source. For example solar panels. The electrochemical processes then happens in reveres, and the anode and cathode are restored to their original state and can give full power once again.

Why Is It Important?

All of our portable devices use batteries, from phones and laptops, to flashlights and wireless headphones, batteries are very beneficial to us, as we are becoming more wireless day by day. In this generation, most kids and teens already have phones or tablets for researching and emergencies, while we do not use it properly sometimes, these devices are powered by batteries. We use batteries more than we realize and they help us not directly use energy from power sources, which increase our electricity costs and create more emissions when the electricity is made. Batteries enable us to do things we used to be only be able to do on computers and other appliances. We will be talking more about the importance of batteries in the later subjects.

Social, Economic, and Environmental Impacts

Socially, most of us have a portable device that we use to be able to do daily things in our lives. It helps us so that we can entertain ourselves and be able to research anything we need, without using electricity from a power source. Economically, batteries are quite cheap, and almost anyone can buy them willingly, when we use objects such as wireless equipment or flashlights, it helps save our electricity build from using energy from a power source. Environmentally, batteries require materials that are mined such as zinc and lithium, which creates destruction in habitats to be mined for, however, it can save us money from using energy from power sources, creating less demand, and less need for creating electricity that can cause emissions.

http://www.qrg.northwestern.edu/projects/vss/docs/power/2-how-do-batteries-work.html

Renewable Resources

What Is It?

Renewable resources are sources of energies that can be used infinitely, as opposed to non renewable. There are many different sources of renewable resources, which includes solar, wind, hydro, and more. These sources will become more essential to us as non renewable resources such as oil are running out. Renewable energy is an Eco-friendly alternative to provide us with the energy we need, while not creating pollution to the environment.

How Does It Work?

Each type of renewable resource works in their own way. Solar energy works by using large blue panels that trap sunlight and turn them into energy. Photovoltaic cells, or cells that convert sunlight into electricity, take sunlight and turns the energy into DC energy, or direct current. Then, the inverter in the solar panel converts the DC energy, to AC energy, or alternating energy. Finally, the electrical panel sends energy to your appliances. This process obviously only works throughout daytime, when there is sunlight.

http://www.livescience.com/41995-how-do-solar-panels-work.html

Wind energy uses wind to create energy. It consists of a large turbine that rotates as strong winds pass through it, spinning and creating electricity. The wind turns the propellers of the wind turbine around the rotor, then the rotor is connected to the main shaft which is on the inside, and is apart of the generator. The main shaft makes contact with the generator, which finally creates electricity. The electricity is then sent over a transformer which distributes the electricity over distribution lines. It is finally brought to homes to power appliances.

https://energy.gov/eere/wind/how-do-wind-turbines-work

Hydroelectric electricity uses a dam that has similar parts to wind turbines, but in a dam. The parts is has that are similar include a propeller like system installed to send the force of water towards the generator, the main shaft that is connected to the generator, and obviously the generator. The water is first held behind a dam, in a reservoir, where all of the water is stored. The water flows into the dam, which passes through the blades, or propeller. similar to wind energy, it spins the blades, and rotates the main shaft to the generator, creating electricity. It is finally sent to transmission lines to supply homes with energy.

https://www.tvakids.com/electricity/hydro.htm

Why Is It Important?

By using renewable energy its enables us to reduce the carbon dioxide that goes into the atmosphere because of the energy we use. Which is also known as carbon footprint. This help to reduce the amount of climate change. Also by using renewable energy sources like solar energy we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuel gas and oil reserves which are becoming more and more expensive and difficult to find. It will eliminate carbon emissions made from power plants, as well as a safe source of infinite energy to us all. It is becoming more important day by day, as oil and fossil fuels are going to run out.

https://www.uswitch.com/solar-panels/guides/renewable-energy-facts/

Social, Economic, and Environmental Impacts

There are many advantages for the economy when using renewable energy sources because we don’t need to waste all our money and time finding and buying fossil fuels/oil reservers. It will decline the amount of oil used, and fossil fuels used. It also has disadvantages among us because solar panels are expensive costing between 25,000 to 30,000 thousand dollars. But some companies are giving it to people for free but the companies take a percentage of the kickback from you.

This affects us socially because we use fossil fuels for everyday use and we don’t have unlimited supply of it so the fact that we don’t have to have all our dependence on fossil fuel gas and oil reserves which is becoming more expensive and more important over time. Is a really big advantage so by using renewable energy we are able to conserve non-renewable energy sources that we need in the future.

It positively affects the environment, as renewable energy sources do not produce much pollution to the environment, as opposed to fossil fuels. It can also help reduce climate change, and we can conserve the amount of fossil fuels we have left. There are no emissions created from using renewable resources as well.

Connections To Batteries

Solar panels can only generate electricity when it is daytime, and wind energy only creates electricity when it is windy. Energy can only be distributed to homes at those times, although, with the use of batteries, the energy generated can be stored for later uses. However, these batteries are not exactly good, with the potential performance and safety issues. They continue to get better and better each time, and will be much better and be able to store and supply, large amounts of energy. Other batteries we use for our portable devices will help us create electricity and maintain those objects. With the use of good batteries, and renewable energy, we can surely make a brighter future.

http://news.stanford.edu/2017/02/07/stanford-engineers-create-low-cost-battery-storing-renewable-energy/

Non Renewable Resources

What Is It?

They are any natural resource from the earth that there is only a limited supply and cannot be replaced if it gets used up. So it basically cannot be replenished by natural mean at the same rates that it is consumed. Some of these non renewable energy sources include coal and fossil fuels. In 2009, about 85% of the world’s energy was supplied by fossil fuels. There are 3 different types of non renewable energy sources, coal, oil, and natural gas.

How Does It Work?

Fossil fuels are found after plants and animals that have decayed over a period of time. They are then slowly turned into oil and natural gasses by the heat and pressure from Earth’s crust. Oil is first found beneath the ocean by companies. Coal is found through mining in deep areas. Natural gas is also found where oil generally is. Once the energy sources are collected, they are brought to power plants, the fossil fuels are burned to heat water. Then, the hydrocarbon bonds, an element composed of carbon and hydrogen, which are generally found in coal and gas, are broken, creating which releases energy. After, the steam from the heated water create pressure which spins the turbine, and then causes to rotate the magnet connected to the generator, that spins and create electricity, which finally powers electricity grids.

http://sciencing.com/fossil-fuel-converted-electricity-5170972.html

Why Is It Important?

When non renewable energy sources were discovered, there was a lot of it. It provided an abundant supply of energy to the world for homes, transportation, and more. It was the most well known, and best way, as it provided a strong source of reliable energy. However, these resources are beginning to run out and we need to start finding other sources. While these resources to provide us with our everyday needs, we need to start looking into other alternatives so that we can conserve these resources and keep our planet healthy.

Social, Economic, and Environmental Impacts

Non-renewable resources are affecting our economy because since they cannot be reused and there is only a specific amount of it. We are using it a lot so it's quickly depleting and when there isn’t a lot of something that people want the price will shoot up and since we need it, it’s getting more expensive over time. Because of this people are not enjoying having to pay so much for something they need everyday. People in America use around $700 billion to $1 trillion dollars, while a barrel of oil goes for approximately 8-45 dollars.

http://graphics.wsj.com/oil-barrel-breakdown/

http://www.environmentamerica.org/reports/ame/high-cost-fossil-fuels

During the conversion of fossil fuels to steam water, the power plants can create emissions, which are discharges or releases of greenhouse gasses, that affect wildlife and the environment with pollution. The emissions cause greenhouse gasses which mostly contains carbon dioxide and damages the ozone layer. With the ozone layer damaged, it is more difficult for solar radiation to leave the Earth, which warms our planet.

Connections To Batteries

Batteries are not directly non renewable resources. They are made of materials such as zinc, lithium, and more, which are minerals mined from Earth. There is a lot of it and it is recyclable, so it could last us a very long time, as long as we dispose it properly. If we simply throw it in our garbage, and it goes to the land fill, it will be very dangerous as that just wasted the resource, and it is very toxic, which will affect the whole land fill. We need to make sure we dispose batteries properly so that the materials recycled can be made again into more batteries or other objects that will help sustain us in the future.

https://www.reference.com/science/batteries-made-e3e33775d110bda6#

Plans To Reduce Energy

What Is It?

We use energy all over the world, in our homes, at work, and more. However, most of the energy comes from non renewable resources, and while it is good, since it can power everyone's homes without a problem of any sort, it creates emissions and we are starting to run out of them. There are plans in place to make sure that we can preserve the remaining amount, while reducing greenhouse gasses that are emitted. In Ontario specifically, most of our energy now comes from nuclear energy, which is both good and bad. It is beneficial to us because it is cleaner than using coal, and still provide an abundant amount of energy to our homes, however, if anything goes wrong, it could be dangerous. We are continuously cutting down coal, and emphasizing renewable energy sources like hydroelectricity to Ontario, so we can also cut back on greenhouse gasses.

http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/en/ltep/achieving-balance-ontarios-long-term-energy-plan/#a-reliable-and-clean-supply

How Does It Work?

As mentioned before, and by looking at the graph above, we see that Ontario, and even more parts of Canada gets its electricity from nuclear energy, and even hydroelectricity. Most power plants and dams are located in the southern part of Ontario, where most of the population lives. There are a few power plants that produce nuclear, and thermal energy, while dams are located along rivers that stretch across Canada. Most of these stations are owned by Ontario Power Generation, or OPG, which generates approximately 2/3 of Ontario's electricity. Now, since most of the energy is created from nuclear power plants, there is obviously a multi-step process similar to how coal, hydro, solar, and wind electricity is created. Uranium atoms in the power plant are split apart, a process known as fission, then, it creates heat, which after leads to steam. The steam enters and spins a turbine around, that is connected to a generator. Finally, electrons are created, and are sent along transmission lines.

http://www.opg.com/communities-and-partners/teachers-and-students/documents/grade9student.pdf

https://www.duke-energy.com/energy-education/how-energy-works/nuclear-power

Why Is It Important?

Reducing energy is essential, since not everyone relies on nuclear energy. We can also take the initiative to reduce energy usage in our homes. Turning off lights and shutting down devices when not in use is a simple, and effective method to use to conserve energy. By conserving energy, it could help expand projects to provide more renewable energy to our homes. Right now in Ontario, there is enough wind energy to power over 600 thousand homes, which is about 2300 MW, or mega watts. There is also 900 MW of solar energy right now, which can power over 100 thousand houses. Hydroelectricity, one of the main sources of renewable energy, is able to power over 3.5 millions homes in Ontario. We can expand on this, and throughout other parts of the world for a good source of reliable energy.

http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/en/ltep/achieving-balance-ontarios-long-term-energy-plan/#a-reliable-and-clean-supply

Social, Economic, and Environmental Impacts

Socially, we are able to access a reliable, and good source of electricity. We can continue to expand on renewable sources to ensure that everyone can get electricity to their homes, while creating no greenhouse gasses.

Economically, with expanding these energy sources, we should be able to meet the demands for energy, while investing funds into companies that can expand upon it, By reducing our energy use as well, there will be less electricity cost as well.

Environmentally, reducing our energy usage will lower the demand and make less emissions. Expanding upon renewable resources will help eliminate greenhouse gasses.

Connections To Batteries

With the use of batteries, it also helps save energy. It can be used to power up our portable devices and maintain them for a long time. With the use of better batteries, it can maintain a longer time, without expiring. Batteries also lower the amount of energy used if we use devices that depend on them, and as mentioned in renewable resources, it can store solar and wind energy for later use, so extra energy does not go to waste.

Static Electricity&Transfer/Electrostatics

What Is It?

The word "Static" means for something to remain in its place. Static electricity is a stationary electric charge, that is created by friction which causes electrons in an atom, to move to something or someone. It remains in place until one of three actions occur, contact, friction, or induction. There are objects that determine how effectively electrons will flow, and are divided into conductors and insulators. Conductors are metals such as copper that enable electrons to flow freely, they are commonly used in wiring of homes, since they are effective conductors. Insulators are the opposite, and will stop electrons in one place from flowing, materials such as wood and rubber are examples of this.

-Grade 9 Textbook

How Does It Work?

First, we need to understand what electrons are. Electrons are little particles that are apart of atoms, composed of the nucleus, neutron, and proton. Protons have a positive charge, electrons have negative charge, and neutrons have a neutral charge. The balance of protons and electrons in the atom cancels each other out, leaving only a neutral charge, however, if friction, when rubbing two objects against each other, occurs, then the negative charge, or electrons, get attracted to the object. They remain in their position until one of the actions occur. It will discharge, and create a shock between the two objects, because of the imbalance of positive and negative energy between the two, and negative energy, always gets attracted to positive energy. The first type of transfer is frictions, when two objects are rubbed together. The second transfer is contact, when an object is already charged, it can be released as it touches or makes contact with another object, which directly transfers the electrons to the other object, creating the discharge or shock. The third type of transfer is induction. Firstly, there is the electric field, which is the space around a charged up object, where the charge can be felt by other objects. So, when a charged object is near a neutral object, which is an object with no charge, by the electric field, it creates force upon the neutral object. It causes the force to attract the objects, and the electron in the charged object moves in on the neutral object. This is commonly seen when you rub a balloon against your head and place it near your hair, which causes an attraction between your hair, and the balloon. When electrons are flowing through wiring in your homes, the amount and speed of the electrons moving depends on the type of object, conductors will have many electrons, and insulators will not.

https://www.loc.gov/rr/scitech/mysteries/static.html

-Grade 9 Textbook

Importance?

There are different types of machinery that we use which involves static electricity. For example, printers and photocopiers use static electricity to attract or collect energy from the ink storage system, and carries it over to the paper, which then, when interacted with, causes it to release. Conductors and Insulators have many different uses when it comes to creating and transferring electricity. Each can play a role in where they are placed in a current or even circuit when transferring electricity. For example, conductors such as copper and aluminum are used as wires that hold all of the electricity that is flowing. Other conductors such as mercury are used in switches to turn a light on or off. Insulators such as wood, rubber, and plastic can be used to make coverings in the wires, so that the electricity does not transfer and potentially shock anything. They can also make wall socket protectors, and connect any wire to something. Each object plays a role to keep the flow of energy constant when desired, and without shocking anything, and be able to transfer the energy atoms to power a light or any other thing.

-Grade 9 Textbook

Copper

Social, Economic, Environmental Impacts

Being shocked can be very annoying, and some people may not understand why that happens, we should be aware of it, as creating friction, then discharging, or shocking someone or something does not feel good. People use lights and other objects that need to be powered. They have conductors and insulators to safely transfer electricity and power whatever they need. They can also be used in other things such as printers and photocopiers which was explained before. To create the electricity and atoms, which mostly use fossil fuels here, create emissions as explained in the Renewable section. The amount of electricity used in homes will increase the cost. However, static electricity on its own does not affect costs in any way.

Connections To Batteries

Batteries are made of multiple types of conductors, and have chemical components to distribute electricity. Some of these conductors include zinc, lithium, and more. They use these materials so that the electricity created from the battery can simply travel through the battery, and into the object. There isn't exactly any similarities with static electricity, and batteries, however, many other objects such as photocopiers, use static electricity.

http://periodictable.com/Properties/A/ElectricalType.al.html

Current Electricity/Series & Parallel Circuits

What Is It?

Current electricity is the flow in which electrons move throughout a conductor, or wire. They typically mover throughout wires found in circuits. There are two different types of circuits, Series, and Parallel. A parallel circuit is an electrical circuit which has two or more paths for any type of electrical charge to flow through it. The parallel circuit is the standard electrical circuit found in most homes and devices it’s very common. The uses of the parallel circuit depend on what you are using it for. Parallel circuits provide more stable and efficient electricity so it can be balanced and safe. Series Circuits are used in simple experiments, or when there is a one way flow of electricity.

http://eschooltoday.com/science/electricity/what-is-current-electricity.html

How Does It Work?

.There are 3 essentials to understand before understanding a circuit. These things include Voltage, Current, and resistance. Voltage is the amount of charge between the source or battery of the circuit, or the electrical source, and the object you are powering. It is represented as a V symbol. Current is how quickly or the rate of the energy flowing, the more voltage, the higher the rate of electricity flowing. Current shows as an A symbol, meaning amps. Resistance is the amount of resistance that stops the current from flowing. It is shown as an R symbol. We can calculate the amount of each symbol by using an equation known as Ohm's Law. The unit "Ohm" is represented as a unit of resistance between the object and battery. The formula is shown as V=A(R). For example, if we 1 volt, and 2 Ohm or resistance, but we don’t know the current, we would start the equation by inputting the things we know. 1V=A(2R) is what we know so far. Then, you perform algebra by taking 2 over the equation sign, and turning it into division, 1/2=A. Finally, you would get your answer, so 0.5=A.

Now that we now the inner parts of the circuit, how exactly does a circuit work? Well, electricity always starts out from a high voltage, and flows towards a low voltage, similar to how if you blow a balloon, and pinch the tip, the air stays at a high pressure where all of the air is, and when you release it, it releases to lower pressure of air. In a circuit, you need a good amount of voltage to start the electricity to flow, then it will continue down a conductor such as copper, until the end of the circuit, where there is little to no voltage. This is where an object that can be powered like a light bulb. The amount of voltage will affect how much electricity is formed, the current flow will affect how much electricity is flowing in the circuit, and the resistance will affect how much energy will be stopped or limited in the circuit.

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/series-and-parallel-circuits

Why Is It Important?

If we look at the diagram above, we see a series circuit. A series circuit is a simplistic circuit, where the electrons created from the voltage, travel through all three objects, R1, R2, and R3, and back to the negative side of the battery or power source.

In this picture here, we have a diagram of a parallel circuit. From the battery, or power source, the current first flows to R1, then R2, and R3 in a parallel circuit. The point that connects the battery to R1 is also connected to the other resistors. The other ends of these resistors are similarly connected together, and then tied back to the negative terminal of the battery. There are three paths that current can take before returning to the battery. It will have the same amount of voltage throughout all three resistors, which is why it is called a parallel circuit.

We use these circuits in wiring in our homes, and other electronics. This enables us to understand the broad term of how electricity in general flows throughout a device.

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/series-and-parallel-circuits#series-circuits

Social, Environmental, And Economic Impacts?

We use electronics and light for our everyday needs and wants, circuits are used so that electricity can flow throughout the circuits, and power up the things we need. Using a lot of energy will cost us more in our electricity bills, and the amount of energy use will be discussed in the next subject. Environmentally, using more energy will create more demand, and if the energy is fueled by coal, then more emissions will be made.

Connections To Batteries

As we have seen in the diagrams above showing parallel and series circuits, we see that the power source is known as a battery. Batteries can supply the voltage throughout the whole circuit in a device. This is the connection where batteries play a part in.

Energy Use

What Is It?

Energy use is basically using a certain amount of energy that is measured in Watts, or W. 1000 W is equal to a Kilowatt, or KW. Different appliances use different amounts of energy, and are measured in watts per hour. We use energy everyday, however, some of us do not realize how much energy a certain object is using, whether it be instantly, or by the hour.

-Grade 9 Textbook

How Does It Work?

Every single appliance is used in our home and is powered by electricity, we use this in order to do the things we need to do at home. Different appliances use different amounts of energy, usually the amount of energy used in a specific time is shown on the appliance. Generally, the larger the appliance, the more energy is uses, for example, a toaster would use approximately 0.75 kWh, and cost $0.08 per hour, and an oven would use 2.3 kWh, which would cost $0.25. Some other examples include a hair dryer, which uses 1.5 kWh, costing around $0.17 per hour, and a microwave uses 0.12 kWh per 5 mins, which costs $0.01 per hour. We can see the range of how much energy different appliances use.

http://www.siliconvalleypower.com/for-residents/save-energy/appliance-energy-use-chart

Energy Use Precantage

Why Is It Important?

We use energy everyday to fulfill our needs and wants, we should understand how much energy we are using, and be able to use it efficiently so that we can conserve the amount of energy we have. While some things in our house may use a lot of electricity, there are companies and products out there that make energy efficient products such as Energy Star. There is also a way to calculate the energy usage of something, if it does not show on the label. This equation is shown as Energy In, divided by Energy Out, multiplied by 100 to figure out the efficiency of the object. For example, lets say there is a some sort of machinery that takes in 50 KW of energy, and releases 60 KW, so the formula would be 50/60 multiplied by hundred. Then, by dividing it, it would be 0.83, and finally, by multiplying it, it would be 83%. Therefore the efficiency would be 83%.

http://www.softschools.com/formulas/physics/efficiency_formula/29/

Social, Environmental, And Economic Impacts?

Everyone uses energy everyday, to do the things they need and want. By doing so, we use different things in our home to accomplish that. We are reliant on these things for our work and entertainment. There are many types of energy efficient products such as anything under Energy Star, using fluorescent light bulbs, and simply not using for our wants all the time. However, using too much of it will be quite costly, depending on what you are using. Not only will it be costly, but it can also affect the environment, by creating more demand of electricity from power plants, and creating more emissions. We need to be able to only use electricity when we need it, and not over use it for out entertainment.

Connection To Batteries

With the use of batteries, we can limit our energy usage, so that not only are we saving money, we are creating less demand for electricity. We have portable devices that can enable us to nearly have the same level of entertainment as actual wired devices, without actually using energy from power sources that need to be wired. The only time we will ever need to do that is when we are charging the battery, if we continue to develop long lasting, efficient batteries, then we can reduce our energy usage by a lot.

Ac vs dc

What Is It?

In direct current the electric charge (current) only flows in one direction not more. Electric charge in alternating current (AC), on the other hand, changes direction periodically. The voltage in AC circuits also periodically reverses because the current changes direction.

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/alternating-current-ac-vs-direct-current-dc

How Does It Work?

DC, or Direct Current is when the flow of electricity only travels one way. It is generated from batteries, fuel cells, and solar cells and travels from the battery, to the object that is powered. AC, or Alternating Current is basically the opposite of DC, which is when the electricity is able to flow multiple ways in case of any disruptions. It is usually generated from power plants or other factories that produce electricity

https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/alternating-current-ac-vs-direct-current-dc

Why Is It Important?

It is important to understand the different types of energy we use from different power sources.

Social, Economic, And Environmental Impacts

We use AC energy when heating our homes, or using any appliance. DC energy is used when we use portable devices such as phones, laptops, and other battery powered devices. Using more electricity is more costly, it will raise electricity bills.Environmentally, using AC energy will create emissions that will cause pollution, since that energy comes from power plants.

Connections To Topic?

Batteries use DC energy to generate electricity. It is DC from the chemical reaction from the battery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, electricity has a major role in our lives. It helps us do the things we want and need, for entertainment, for cleaning, cooking, almost anything. However, it is important to understand how energy works and the usage of it, since it is not something that is magically created. We have different types of energy, both renewable, and non renewable, and we need to manage what type of energy we use. With the use of batteries, they can fulfill the role of our everyday entertainment, and they are starting to help provide energy, by using solar panel batteries, and wind turbine batteries. With better batteries, we can have better storage for non renewable resources, and be able to lead us to a more efficient future.

THE END

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