This week, 3/28

This link will carry you to a website for your review of the electromagnetic spectrum. We will quiz tomorrow, 3/29, on electromagnetic waves. You will use the notes given to you last week as well as the review assignment given today. This quiz will count as a 40 point test grade. This week we will be moving into the geological side of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, by studying Earth processes such as tectonic plate movement and all of the associated phenomena such as earthquakes and volcanoes. SAT testing Wed, Thu, and Fri during 1st and 2nd pd. timeslots, although periods are being rearranged. Details will be passed along in class this morning.

Nuclear Decay and Radiation

This is the link covered in class today.

Japan Earthquake Analysis and HW

Please click on the following link and read the analysis of the earthquake in Japan and the sequence of events that followed.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8392733/Japan-earthquake-how-the-nuclear-crisis-unfolded.html

Use the information in the article, your notes on waves as well as your earlier reading in the physical science book to answer the following questions? This is a 25 point project grade that will likely need to be completed at home as well as in class. Use complete sentences to answer the questions. 20% of the grade will be deducted if you do not. This is due on Wednesday, March 23.

Questions:

1. When the earthquake occured, what prompted the shutdown of the the 15 nuclear power stations in Japan? What type of longitudinal waves are produced by earthquakes?
2. This earthquake also produced a tsunami. In what ways did this tsunami indirectly cause the reactors to overheat?
3. In your own words what caused the explosions in reactors 1,2, and 3. From your reading in the book, why do nuclear reactors need to generate heat?
4. Besides heat, what is the single most potentially harmful byproduct of nuclear power generation? What type of wave do you think is produced by this byproduct?
5. In your own words, briefly describe three things that are being done to control the overheating. Why would the best final solution possibly be encasing the reactors in metal or concrete?

For more reading on nuclear energy, please click on the following website:

http://www.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-power.htm

Grades...

Some of you (especially 1st pd.) have yet to turn in the small lab assignment given to you in class on Tuesday. I put a 1 for your grade in INow if it was not turned in. Make sure I get this in the morning. Also, your circuit construction lab was due today, and this will be counted late tomorrow, unless I have already talked to you.

Notes for Quiz on Friday

Friday will be our last test of the quarter. It will be open-note but will not be a traditional 9 week exam. Please take the time to study this material over the next couple of days as well as finish your lab tonight if you did not finish today.

Lab Website

This website is for your virtual circuitry lab. Please visit here and complete the questions on your paper with your lab partner.

Voltage, Current and Resistance Website

Please go to this website for Tuesday's assignment.