Physics education research, electronic materials, and the musings of Christopher Moore, Ph.D.

Powdered doughnuts are good for you! At least, if you’re interested in solar power. Yes, even you can build your own solar cell using powdered doughnuts and tea leaves.

Here is an interesting article about biofuels posted at Functionalism In Action by Ian Conrad: There is so much hype, today, about biofuels. They are seen as the savior of our nation — especially corn-ethanol; especially if one were to compare the subsidization that goes on here. But is this the right approach? The article [...]

I’ve decided to participate in the OneBillionBulbs project and have begun replacing my old incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving fluorescent bulbs. I encourage everyone else to join the ilovephysics.com group and begin saving money and energy. The graphic will remain on the right side of the page. Hat tip: Kn@ppster and Glen Reynolds.

Fuel cell devices directly convert chemical energy into electricity by electrochemical reactions, and have received recent interest due to their lack of moving parts and relatively clean operation. Various types of fuel cells are currently discussed in the scientific literature, though polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFC) show characteristics that would make them suitable for automobile [...]

I have a pure policy piece today. It’s about energy, so I think it is fair game for ilovephysics.com. Republicans are using rising gas prices to foist an election year gimmick on us, and Democrats are pulling out the “Big Oil” bogeyman to scare us into voting for them. Both camps are full of … [...]

Gas prices have soared bolstering arguments for alternative energy sources. But are these alternatives any better? Any cheaper? Let’s see. The recent price spike in the U.S. is not due to a global shortage of oil. Hurricane Katrina disrupted several major oil refineries and has hindered distribution to the 48 states, causing a very local [...]

George W. Bush and John Kerry both have plans to decrease our reliance on foreign oil supplies. But will energy independance follow shortly after either man’s inaugaration? Ronald Bailey in this report makes clear that we shouldn’t hold our breath. In his last state-of-the-union address, Bush said one of his energy goals was “to promote [...]