Electrical Choices

Which Fuse should I use? How safe is a UK Plug? What is a trip switch? - Frightening ideas and choices from students.

Drexel University chemical engineers create a new Li-S battery that outperforms rival Batteries.

A group of Drexel University chemical engineers have found a way to introduce sulfur into lithium-ion batteries which has improved the capabilities of the battery. The discovery is a new way of producing and stabilizing a rare form of sulfur that functions in carbonate electrolyte, which is the electrolyte gel used in commercial Li-ion batteries. This development would not only make sulfur batteries commercially viable, but they would have three times the capacity of Li-ion batteries and last more than 4,000 recharges. Previous versions of the Li-S batteries have already been shown to have improved performance in experimental settings using an ether electrolyte, rather than using the traditional carbonate. But these batteries are not be commercially viable. Replacing the cathode in Li-ion batteries with a sulfur one would alleviate the need for sourcing cobalt, nickel and manganese, which are toxic.

Using the Pasco weather Sensor in the Storm Eunice

 Using the Pasco weather Sensor in the Storm Eunice

Storm Eunice

 My @pascoscientific weather sensor ready and recording the weather and wind speeds. Just going to leave the sensor outside and stay inside today. #StormEunice #iteachphysics 

Modelling a Lift

 Creating an Attwood Machine to simulate a lift. Took the students ages to work out why it wouldn't connect to @pascoscientific Capstone. Looked at motors attached and the changing force required.

Titrations

 Learning to do accurate titrations is important. Rather than doing one we have a go at doing 20-30 getting better and better learning new skills. We start practising with water to improve accuracy. #iteachchemistry #Science #STEM

Spark from a wimshurst machine

 

Trying to capture the spark from a Wimshurst machine is far more difficult than I imagined. I had to take loads of photographs to get one. I tried using the video and capturing an image but that has not as good as I wanted, but high speed motor drive got it every time.