1. The source of such energy, namely gasoline (oil), is limited and
we will run out of it in near future.
2. It is not free! You should pay for it dearly because as a consumer
you do not have any control on its price.
Oil companies increase their prices with any excuse that they can find
and keep the price high as long as they can.
3. It pollutes the environment and adversely effects the human,
nature, and animals.
So what are the alternatives to oil which do not have those bad side
effects?
The answer is Renewable or Sustainable Energy Sources such
as Wind, Sun, and Water!
Wind Energy:
The wind turns the blades (fan) which are connected to a machine which produces
electricity by spinning.
These machines are called "Wind Turbines". The generated electricity
can then be used for running our electrical devices right away or can be stored
in rechargeable batteries for future use. Did you know that Cape Cod, Massachusetts
is currently studied for having a huge wind farm (a set of wind turbines)?
Water Energy:
We can also use the flow of water in the rivers for producing electricity.
The water flow turns the blades of such machines which are called "Water
Turbines".
These spinning machines then produce electricity.
Solar Energy:
Not everyone has easy access to a good river or wind for producing
energy but we all have the sun!
Solar energy is one of the best sources of energy which is not going
to finish anytime soon!
We have access to it not only on the earth but also any where else
in our solar system universe!
NASA used solar energy to energize the the Rover on the surface of
the Mars in one of its missions.
International Space Station uses solar energy for producing its electricity
needs.
If they can use it in space we can definitely use it on earth! And
that is what people are doing now.
The device which is used for converting the solar energy to electricity is
called "Solar Cell".
The main component of a solar cell is silicon (Si) and is obtained
from sand which is safe and cheap!
The process which converts sunlight into electricity is called "Photovoltaic"
or simply PV.
Photo = light
Voltaic = produces
voltage (electricity).
A set of solar cells are connected together to produce a "Solar
Panel"!
People installsolar panels on their roof and produce electricity for
free!
Organizations such as MIT and the White House have also used solar panels
for producing some of their electricity needs.
A message to take home with
you!
When you get home ask your Mom or Dad this:
"Do we have any device which runs on solar energy at home?"
Want to learn more?
Go to PhotoVoltaic Tutorial
if you want to learn more about "Solar Cells" and "Photovoltaic".
If you want to win a nice prize, this is what you need to
do:
0. Read your handout about "Renewable and Sustainable Energy
Sources"!
1. Go to http://web.mit.edu/taalebi/www/scitech/lottery.htm
2. Read the "Questions of the Week".
3. Write down your name and answers on the attached answer
sheet.
4. Bring your answer sheet to the class next Thursday.
5. Fold your answer sheet THREE times and drop it in the lottery bag for a drawing!
Visit your NEW web site for "Science & Technology
Time" at
http://web.mit.edu/taalebi/www/scitech
where you can find your photos, handouts, and more.
Please send your comments and questions to: taalebi@ai.mit.edu