This module aims to develop an appreciation of various types of energy from different sources. The module also equips the students to understand the conversion of energy from one form to another through different means and their effects on the environment.
1 Chemical Reactions
Periodic table; Structure of matter, atomic bonding, solids, liquid and gases; Avogadro's number. Balance chemical reactions. Mixtures; compounds, solutions, suspensions; concentrations. Acids and bases and the measurement of pH.
2 Biomass
Fossil fuels and combustion reactions. Biomass energy production; chemical reactions for biochemical processes in anaerobic digestion; combustion of biomass. Bioethanol from fermentation of biomass. Calculate the heat of combustion of biofuels. Production of biodiesel from plant oils. Fossil energy ratio (FER).
3 Air Pollutants
Air pollutants and their sources; controlling emissions.
4 Solar Cell or Electrochemical Cell
Si crystal; Energy band gap; n-type p-type dopants; Solar cell structure and efficiency; Electrochemical cells; Lead-acid battery; hydrogen gas; electrolysis; PEM fuel cell.
5 Waves and EM Radiation
Wave theory; longitudinal and transverse waves; sound intensity; sound level; Environmental limits. Solar radiation; Electromagnetic spectrum; Wien's displacement law; energy of a photon of light; heat transfer by radiation; Stefan's law.
6 Radioactivity
Radioactivity, conservation of mass and energy, nuclear decay, alpha beta and gamma particles, radioactive half-life. Nuclear fission, nuclear reactors. Fusion reactions.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 60 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |