The Science of Energy: Resources and Power Explained

Learning how much energy is required to power human civilization; what makes cities, factories, homes and cars energy inefficient; how the average individual affects energy directions; from engineering to biology and chemistry to geophysics.

Energy is a fundamental part of our universe; Professor Wysession introduces the many forms energy takes, including potential, kinetic, mechanical and thermal energy; he explains how energy is measured to make one more fluent in energy-speak.

One of the first forms of energy that humans learn to use is heat; examining three ways heat flows; these are radiation, convection and conduction; the heat flow equation and the concept of entropy; the inner workings of a heat engine machine.

Discovering what makes electricity an attractive vehicle for energy; how electricity can come from oil, coal, solar and other forces; electricity travels through wires with the help of voltage; easier to choose the source of electricity.

Chemical energy is the potential energy resulting from the position of atoms within molecules; an overview of photosynthesis; combustion transforms biofuels into light and heat; energy density affects the transportation of biofuels like petroleum.

Studying coal, one of energy's most polarizing topics; where coal comes from and how it develops; what makes coal clean or dirty; certain nations have the largest coal reserves; some advantages to coal energy; strip mining impacts the environment.