By the end of this section, you will be able to explain the law of the conservation of energy; describe some of the many forms of energy; and define efficiency of an energy conversion process as the fraction left as useful energy or...

An explanation of types of energy, how living things use energy and how they can convert energy forms. This is a good, basic, start to studying this characteristic of life.

By the end of this section, you will be able to describe the distinction between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and to explain why the inevitable conversion of energy to less useful forms makes it necessary to conserve energy...

The report provides an overview of the electricity consumption in households in 2001. End-use (lighting, appliances, heating) data is presented in written, graph and table form. Background on efficiency standards and regional factors...

Explains, in scientific terms, what hydroelectric energy is and how it is produced. Discusses the lifespan of a hydroelectric facility, the risks and adverse effects of producing hydroelectricity, and how this form compares with other...

The Carnot cycle is described, illustrated and explained. The Carnot efficiency equation is given and interactive JavaScript form allows the visitor to investigate the effect of the reservoir temperature and the sink temperature upon the...

Learn about the use of coal as a usable form of electricity, and find out the history of this natural resource.

Described is a simple low cost home-made device that converts the radio wave energy from a mobile phone signal into electricity to light an LED. No battery or complex circuitry is required. The device can form the basis of a range of...

In the modern world, virtually everyone is familiar with electricity as an accessible, essential form of energy. In electricity's earlier days, scientists used the buildup and release of static electricity.

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students investigate specific properties that can be predicted by an element's position on the periodic table. Additionally, they will look at the formation of ions,...

This site from the Georgia State University explains the concept of electric potential about a point charge or combination of severat point charges. An interactive JavaScript form allows the visitor to investigate the effect of distance...

This article introduces the different layers of the atmosphere and the clouds that are formed there. Scientists use instruments such as the SAGE 11 that help to measure amounts of sunlight, water vapor, and other conditions that affect...

A very simple electrical resistance thermometer is described that can be built, calibrated and tested in a school laboratory at virtually no cost. With it, flames, focused sunlight and other high temperature sources can be probed. The...

Get the facts on hurricanes with this detailed information page. This page includes photos, charts and satellite images.