Journal 4-6

Alana Prettitore
May 7, 2008
Journal 4-6

Electricity/Magnetism

I. Research Question

In the last entry, I inquired what would happen if the poles really did switch? Apparently, the sun changes its magnetic poles every 11 years. However, recorded history has never taken note of this occurrence on earth. Therefore, we do not know for sure what would happen. Also, it depends upon how fast the change occurred. If the poles switched after only a few days, weeks, or even a year, radio communications, power lines, earthquakes, and other electrical disasters would come about. However, if it is very gradual, it has been determined that nothing catastrophic is likely to occur. These companies should be prepared for anything; forecasters are hired to predict events such as this. Fortunately, nothing like this has ever happened. Most obvious, the compasses would switch. This information came from the website http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/2003-03/1047059552.Es.r.html.

II. Summary

This week, we learned more about voltage, current, and completed more worksheets on the issue. During the first class, I was completing my AP Government exam, so I am not sure what else happened on Monday. However, on Wednesday, we started a lab stations activity. There are approximately 8,000 worksheets to complete! Just kidding. There are about 7 lab stations. Most are using some time of computer program to analyze temperature, current, voltage, circuits, and other interactive lessons.

III. Question

What is the importance/what are the advantages to understanding the polar system?