Energy Resources: Occurrence, Production, Conversion, Use - Hardcover

Wiser, Wendell H.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0387987444 ISBN 13: 9780387987446

Publisher: Springer, 1999

Synopsis

This book is directed primarily toward two types of readers. First, it is intended for use as a textbook for students in a liberal education course in science for non-science and non-engineering majors in college or univer­ sity. The technical level of presentation assumes no background in chemis­ try or physics on the part of the reader, and no science prerequisites or prior preparation are of concern. At the same time, elementary equations of chemistry and physics are included, particularly in relation to interconver­ sion of energy resources and utilization, for the benefit of the student with a more than passing interest in science who can learn much about these aspects of chemistry from equations presented in the book. Second, and considered to be of major concern and importance, it is intended for use as a reference book for teachers of science in the high schools and junior high schools. Because of the importance of energy in the daily life of the average citizen, a need is usually felt by the teacher at those levels to discuss various aspects of energy in daily life. However, often a source containing valid information is not available to the teacher. In the absence of a valid text, the teacher often resorts to information found in the press-information that is rarely accurate. The information presented in this book is soundly based in science, and in most cases the data presented are up-to-date as of the date of this writing.

About this title

Synopsis

This textbook deals with the physics and chemistry of energy resources, bringing together material having to do with a wide range of resources - coal gas, oil, hydropower, and nuclear. After a brief introduction to the concepts of force, work, and energy, the book discusses energy resources: specifically, the worldwide reserves of fossil fuels, the uses to which these fuels are put, and the conversion of fuels into other forms - such as the conversion of coal to gas or liquid fuels. This is followed by discussions of electric power and of nuclear, solar, geothermal and other methods for generating electricity. The discussion then turns to the uses of energy in agriculture, transportation and so forth, and the pollution that accompanies these uses. The book concludes with discussions of energy conservation and projections of energy supplies for the future. Intended for a general-education course in natural sciences, it will also be useful for teachers of science in high schools. The presentation assumes no prior knowledge of physics or chemistry, but it includes the necessary background information where needed.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0387987444
• ISBN 13: 9780387987446
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 392