Journal 4-4

Alana Prettitore
April 28, 2008
Journal 4-4

Wind Turbine Wrap-Up & Elaboration on Electricity/Magnetism

I. Research Question

In the last entry, I inquired whether other extraordinary thinkers/philosophers/inventor/scientists existed like Tesla. Specifically, people who made outstanding contributions to society; yet, their names are not recognized easily by most people.

When I researched, I found that John von Neumann had made many people’s lists (http://seanahan.blogspot.com/2008/02/great-unknown-scientists-1.html). He was a mathematician, physicist, and contributed to a “staggering amount of fields”. This also includes, “set theory, functional analysis, quantum mechanics, ergodic theory, continuous geometry, economics and game theory, computer science, numerical analysis, hydrodynamics (of explosions), and statistics…” The list goes on and on. Because of this man, we understand game theory and animal behavior; furthermore, his designs influenced the development of the word processor! So, his ideas, theories, and hard work are seen in everyday life across the world!

Furthermore, I was not surprised to see Tesla show up consistently on every search. Apparently, he is one of the greatest of the forgotten ones.

II. Summary

This week, we wrapped up our wind turbine labs. We used the NC State website to write more elaborate lab reports. I believe this will be helpful next year for college since this format might be more similar to what I will have to do in the future. I am probably going to UNC Chapel Hill anyway, so I will be right to this university! Odd to imagine!Anyway, then we researched and delved into the issues more of Electromagnetivity. It is very hard to understand since it is so abstract. While it is so important to everyone’s daily life in America as well as many other societies and cultures across the globe, humans understand so little. Very few people can really explain electricity, how it works, and the processes beyond the surface. Many misnomers exist and I really hope to be able to explain it and understand it some day!

III. Question

Approximately how many people worldwide use electricity in their homes? If so, how much? And if America uses the most, who comes after us? I am really interested in seeing the break-downs. One time I saw a picture of North Korea and South Korea from a satellite view. I was amazed to see that North Korea looked completely dark while South Korea was relatively very bright. Also, what do these people use when they have no electricity?