EGEE 401
Energy in a Changing World

Introduction

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Unit 1: Energy Principles – Lesson 1: Energy Forms

About Unit 1 and Lesson 1

What is "energy"? Technically defined as "the ability to do work," energy is the hot in heat, the glow in light, the push in wind, the pound in water, the sound of thunder and the crack of lightening. It is the pull that keeps us (and everything else!) from simply flying apart, and the promise of spring deep in an acorn. It is all the same, and it is all different. How does a gallon of gas move a car 20 or more miles? How can faraway falling water cause the lights in my house to operate? Before launching into our conversation about the energy industry and its changing role in our world, in Unit 1, we consider the fascinating essence of energy in nature, including its many forms and transformations. We'll review systems of measurement and other basics, like energy vs. power and the first law of thermodynamics.

What will we learn in Lesson 1?

With the successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • describe energy in many natural forms;
  • relate energy to power;
  • work with energy-related units of measurement and convert between systems;
  • relate energy concepts to the world around you.

What is due for Lesson 1?

The table below provides an overview of the requirements for Lesson 1. For details regarding the assignment, refer to the page(s) noted in the table.

Please refer to the Calendar in CANVAS for specific time frames and due dates.

Lesson 1 Requirements
REQUIREMENT LOCATION SUBMITTED FOR GRADING?
Reading: Energy Explained (designated sections), US Energy Information Administration. Page 2 No
Lesson 1 Activity: Complete Lesson 1 Activity. (It's in CANVAS, under Modules, Unit 1) Page 4 Yes
Unit 1 Discussion: Energy's Pace of Change. (It's in CANVAS, under Modules, Unit 1) Page 5 Yes

Questions about EGEE 401?

If you have any questions, please post them to our Questions about EGEE 401? discussion in CANVAS. Use this Discussion for general questions about course content and administration. I will check it daily to respond. While you are there, feel free to post your own responses if you, too, are able to help out a classmate or have a related question.