Evidence of Work
This was a very different project from what we normally do in the STEM program. We had to work alone, as opposed to within groups, due to the quarantine in effect because of the Coronavirus. The goal was to design our own system that demonstrated our understanding of energy conversion and the first law of thermodynamics. I decided to show how mechanical energy can be converted into light energy. To do this, I took my bike and used its wheel as a sort of pulley. This pulley turned another pulley which I made out of CDs, duct tape and some 2x4s. The makeshift pulley turned a gear system on a generator, which turned on a light. This system demonstrates three energy conversions: chemical to mechanical, mechanical to electrical, and electrical to light. My arm uses chemical energy to turn my bike pedal, which converts that energy to mechanical, which is turned into electrical energy by the generator, which finally turns on a light. My proof of efficacy document is below.
To view a video of this process, copy the link below and paste in another tab.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qAa4SPgJUL6UYrWVvvfxTATzrcjiMViu/view
This was a very different project from what we normally do in the STEM program. We had to work alone, as opposed to within groups, due to the quarantine in effect because of the Coronavirus. The goal was to design our own system that demonstrated our understanding of energy conversion and the first law of thermodynamics. I decided to show how mechanical energy can be converted into light energy. To do this, I took my bike and used its wheel as a sort of pulley. This pulley turned another pulley which I made out of CDs, duct tape and some 2x4s. The makeshift pulley turned a gear system on a generator, which turned on a light. This system demonstrates three energy conversions: chemical to mechanical, mechanical to electrical, and electrical to light. My arm uses chemical energy to turn my bike pedal, which converts that energy to mechanical, which is turned into electrical energy by the generator, which finally turns on a light. My proof of efficacy document is below.
To view a video of this process, copy the link below and paste in another tab.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qAa4SPgJUL6UYrWVvvfxTATzrcjiMViu/view
Content
First Law of Thermodynamics - The first law of thermodynamics, also known as the Law of Conservation of Energy, states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; energy can only be transferred or changed from one form to another. My system demonstrates this by converting energy and explaiing where all original energy went.
Mechanical Energy - Mechanical energy is the energy that is possessed by an object due to its motion or due to its position. Mechanical energy can be either kinetic energy (energy of motion) or potential energy (stored energy of position). I gave my bike mechanical energy of motion by turning the pedal.
Chemical Energy - Chemical energy is the potential of a chemical substance to undergo a chemical reaction to transform into other substances. The food that I ate before turning the pedal provided me with the energy to do so.
Electrical Energy - Electrical energy is defined as an electric charge that lets work be accomplished. The generator in the lantern converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by spinning a magnet around copper coils, which creates an electric current.
Light Energy - Light energy is a form of electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength, which can be seen by the human eye. Light is made up of photons, which are like tiny packets of energy. When an object's atoms heat up, photons are produced from the movement of atoms. The flow of electricity through the filament of the lights in the lantern cause photons to be produced and therefore light to be released.
Reflection
The normal guidelines for a reflection are difficult to apply to this project. It does not make much sense to critique my collaboration because there a complete lack of it due to circumstance. I did not exhibit good leadership qualities because I was working on my own. I will say that one area that I can be proud of myself in for this project was my work ethic. My work ethic is usually fueled by my desire to achieve high grades and stand out from my classmates. This time, however, I was not even sure if I would receive a grade for the project or if that grade would effect anything. I worked on my system and tried to get it to work because I was curious and determined. I had nothing else to do, so I thought, "Why not?" In future projects, I will try to bring this determination and curiosity to whatever I need to accomplish.
First Law of Thermodynamics - The first law of thermodynamics, also known as the Law of Conservation of Energy, states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; energy can only be transferred or changed from one form to another. My system demonstrates this by converting energy and explaiing where all original energy went.
Mechanical Energy - Mechanical energy is the energy that is possessed by an object due to its motion or due to its position. Mechanical energy can be either kinetic energy (energy of motion) or potential energy (stored energy of position). I gave my bike mechanical energy of motion by turning the pedal.
Chemical Energy - Chemical energy is the potential of a chemical substance to undergo a chemical reaction to transform into other substances. The food that I ate before turning the pedal provided me with the energy to do so.
Electrical Energy - Electrical energy is defined as an electric charge that lets work be accomplished. The generator in the lantern converts mechanical energy into electrical energy by spinning a magnet around copper coils, which creates an electric current.
Light Energy - Light energy is a form of electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength, which can be seen by the human eye. Light is made up of photons, which are like tiny packets of energy. When an object's atoms heat up, photons are produced from the movement of atoms. The flow of electricity through the filament of the lights in the lantern cause photons to be produced and therefore light to be released.
Reflection
The normal guidelines for a reflection are difficult to apply to this project. It does not make much sense to critique my collaboration because there a complete lack of it due to circumstance. I did not exhibit good leadership qualities because I was working on my own. I will say that one area that I can be proud of myself in for this project was my work ethic. My work ethic is usually fueled by my desire to achieve high grades and stand out from my classmates. This time, however, I was not even sure if I would receive a grade for the project or if that grade would effect anything. I worked on my system and tried to get it to work because I was curious and determined. I had nothing else to do, so I thought, "Why not?" In future projects, I will try to bring this determination and curiosity to whatever I need to accomplish.