“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.”
– Nikola Tesla
Introduction (Overview)
The existence of work is predicated on the law of conservation of energy and harnessing the necessary energy transformations. Our modern electrical infrastructure transforms a myriad of energy sources (i.e., fossil fuel, solar, wind, tidal) into an electric current to provide our 21st-century amenities such as air conditioning, home heating, entertainment center, and lighting. Discussions surrounding the complexities of sustainable energy and energy consumption often lack clarity or reference to the law of conservation of energy and the physical constraints that govern energy efficiency. Students frequently struggle with energy due to its dynamic and obscure nature coupled with the forms and types it encompasses. Students often lack the necessary data or observable phenomena to verify the conservative nature of energy. This unit seeks to provide opportunities for students to further their depth of knowledge on the application of energy transformations as it pertains to observable phenomena by examining common electronic devices and discussing the current state of the United States electrical grid with regards to our energy portfolio.
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