Lecture #28, Monday, June 1st

I continued with photovoltaic cells and discussed P-N junctions. After finishing this discussion I started to discuss batteries.

We also discussed alkaline, rechargeable, and lithium ion batteries. The most exciting research conducted to day is on lithium ion batteries. Early on in the first computers using lithium ion batteries it was not uncommon for them to cause fire. Now further developments have been done and the technology is increasing to the point where we might have a battery that will recharge in 10 seconds.

I briefly touched on hydrogen fuel cells and will conclude the practical application part of the redox unit with corrosion then talk about nuclear chemistry on Wed. On Friday I will go over the evaluation comments and give a lecture that is very close to my heart and will hopefully be as an inspiring of a lecture as you will see. Please try to make it and feel free to bring any friends.

Lecture #27, Friday, May 29th

Today I finished up the main content in the Electrochemistry unit. I talked about electrolysis and the stoichiometry of a redox reaction and did several calculations that will be helpful for experiment #29.

We then discussed photovoltaic cells. I gave a very brief description during class, but if you wanted to see a more in depth explanation click on this link, which explains How Solar Cells Work. Another article found here discusses how the cost of photovoltaics has been decreasing over the years as well.

Poster Session #3 Thursday 6:30 pm

The last and final poster session was great! I was very impressed by the quality of everyone's poster from the entire class and I hope the reports look to be just as good as the posters.

I will have some awards to hand out on the last day of class to some of the groups so be sure to be in attendance the last day of class.