Physics 171.121, Physics of Human Energy Use

Course Description
In this course we will explore the basic nature of energy and heat, the physical principles underlying how we derive energy from various sources (fossil fuels, nuclear power, solar energy, and others) and use that energy in a variety of applications (space heating, transportation, etc.).   In addition, we will examine the physics of energy use's environmental consequences.

Lecturer: Prof. Julian Krolik
              531 Bloomberg
              (410)-516-7926
              email: jhk@jhu.edu
              office hours: drop-in

Textbooks:
                Energy and the Environment, 2d. edition by Robert Ristinen and Jack Kraushaar
                        Although the list price is $116, you can buy it for $79 from Amazon or ~$60 from an Amazon-linked reseller
                    Sustainable Energy--Without the Hot Air by David MacKay
                        $50 list, $33 from Amazon, or a free download in PDF from  www.withouthotair.com
                    
Optional References: Renewable Energy, edited by Godfrey Boyle and Energy Systems and Sustainability, edited by Godfrey Boyle, Bob Everett, and Janet Ramage.
                 Although focussed on the British context, this pair of books gives a lot of useful detail about energy sources,  both conventional and renewable, particularly with regard to engineering and economic/social issues.


Class Meetings: MTW 11:00am--11:50am
                                     511 Bloomberg

Prerequisites:  Any flavor of General Physics: 101/102, 103/104, or 105/106.

Assignments:  TBD