The inner workings of a grain elevator demonstrate how the kinetic energy of a conveyor is used to increase the gravitational potential energy in stored grain. This is later converted back to kinetic energy when the grain is loaded onto rail cars.
Subjects: Physics
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Efficiency of Energy Conversions
Investigates mechanical and biological systems to determine and compare efficiencies of energy conversions. Examines real and toy cars, types of electrical power generation, and the packaging of various foods to show how to use efficiency calculations.
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Rate of Energy Conversion
Explains that in science power means the rate of energy transfer. Discusses the scientific application of power and how to calculate it. Investigates a number of devices that convert energy, including an electric wheelchair.
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The Synchrotron
Presenter Mark Boland, an Accelerator Physicist at the Australian Synchrotron, explains the physics and operation of a synchrotron, then covers their uses in medicine, mining, forensics, manufacturing and other fields.
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Photonics
Presenter: Dr Alex Mazzolini, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences at Swinburne University covers the following topics: Photonics in everyday life; Light sources; Fibre optics; Ideas for practical demonstrations.
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Special Relativity
Presenter: Joe Wolfe, Professor of Physics, University of New South Wales covers the topic Approaches to teaching Einstein’s Special Theory of Relativity.
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Light Phase and Matter
Dr Catherine Low discusses difficulties students have with models and concepts of light and matter. Catherine recently completed her PhD in Theoretical Particle Physics and is currently teaching senior physics in New Zealand. Catherine Bell discusses the importance of phase in understanding the behaviour of waves. She is completing a PhD on Phase Microscopy and is currently teaching senior Physics.
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Sound and Other Demonstrations
Sandor Kazi presents a range of demonstrations related to waves, including: wave machines, standing waves, Chladni figures, ripple tanks and resonance. Sandor teaches senior Physics. Nick Nicola is the Undergraduate Laboratory Manager, School of Physics, University of Melbourne. His demonstrations focus on upper secondary physics.
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Harnessing Energy
Investigates several energy-transfer situations that harness energy: wind power, the transfer of potential to kinetic energy of water in hydro-electric production, and the use of fossil fuels to produce steam.
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The Hydrogen Spectrum
Uses the Rydberg equation to quantitatively analyse the hydrogen gas spectrum. The idea of energy levels within the hydrogen atom is introduced. Using the Doppler effect, the connection is made between absorption spectra and the motion of galaxies.