Most rockets convert the energy stored in their propellant mass into the mechanical energy required to expel it as exhaust. The 'rocket equation', which describes how a rocket's speed changes with mass, is usually derived by assuming that this fuel is expelled at a constant relative velocity. However, this is a poor assumption for cases where the…

A television advertisement and a website present an interesting question: can rail company CSX "really" move a ton of freight 468 miles on a gallon of fuel, or is the claim preposterous? Let us examine the claim, first by understanding what is meant, looking at their data, and then converting units to examine the claim quantitatively.

Discusses statistics concerning world energy requirements and supplies of different types of fuels. Also discusses the storage and transmission of energy and pollution problems related to energy utilization. (MLH)

Explains the function of a central heating system and calculates the total heat energy required to heat a house. Estimates annual heat requirement and amount of fuel needed. Gives detailed calculation of heat required for a particular house as an example. (G A)

Reviews challenges facing the future use of coal and synthetic fuels as major energy sources. (SL)

Describes an instructional unit on heating and lighting in the home. Discusses the location, production, distribution and use of fossil fuels as well as the production and distribution of electricity. (GA)

Demonstrates, using specific problems, how various energy units can be converted to joules and power units to watts. Conversion tables are provided for power, energy, generation values, thermal insulation, consumption values, sunlight, with tables also on metric prefixes and time conversions. (SK)

Presents 15 energy-related physics problems, including a brief indication of the essential features for solving each problem. Problems reflect various energy-related situations and involve different areas of physics. (SK)

Described are experiments used in the "Physical Science and Man" course at Hartley CAE which enable determinations of efficiencies of two energy conversion processes, namely, electricity into heat and burning gas to produce heat. Activities for comparing the processes are suggested. (DS)

This collection of 21 teaching units is designed for use in energy education within various disciplines of the secondary curriculum. Each unit is designed to stand alone. Suggested teaching times range from five to fifteen days. No particular order of presentation is implied. Each unit is organized as follows: abstract, recommended level, time…

Comments on a news item on rail traffic that is meant to promote conservation of energy. (GA)

When the fossil fuels unit was first designed for Science 101 (the currently approved provincial guide for grade 10 science in Manitoba), Canadian support materials were very limited. Since students are asked to interpret data concerning energy consumption and sources for certain fossil fuels, the need for appropriate Canadian data became obvious.…

Outlines a project in which the students calculate their family's energy budget. Presents efficiency guidelines for various appliances that convert to heat or kinetic energy. (GS)

Discusses the possible advantages of decomposing water by means of thermochemical cycles. Explains that, if energy consumption can be minimized, this method is capable of producing hydrogen more efficiently than electrolysis. (GA)

Explains efficiency in terms of thermodynamics, and states specific ways in which energy efficiency can be increased in the following areas: automobiles, industrial processes, and indoor use in the home. (MLH)