VCE Physics/Unit 1/AoS 1/Investigation

Introduction
Text to come.

Relevant Dot Points from the Study Design

 * apply thermodynamic principles to investigate at least one issue related to the environmental impacts of human activity with reference to the enhanced greenhouse effect:
 * proportion of national energy use due to heating and cooling of homes
 * comparison of  the  operation  and  efficiencies  of  domestic  heating  and  cooling  systems:  heat  pumps;  resistive  heaters;  reverse-cycle  air  conditioners;  evaporative  coolers;  solar  hot  water  systems;  and/or  electrical resistive hot water systems
 * possibility of homes being built that do not require any active heating or cooling at all
 * use of  thermal  imaging  and  infrared  thermography  in  locating  heating  losses  in  buildings  and/or  system  malfunctions; cost savings implications
 * determination of the energy ratings of home appliances and fittings: insulation; double glazing; window size; light bulbs; and/or electrical gadgets, appliances or machines
 * cooking alternatives:  appliance  options  (microwave,  convection,  induction);  fuel  options  (gas,  electricity,  solar, fossil fuel)
 * automobile efficiencies: fuel options (diesel petrol, LPG and electric); air delivery options (naturally aspirated, supercharged and turbocharged); and fuel delivery options (common rail, direct injection and fuel injection)
 * explain how  concepts  of  reliability,  validity  and  uncertainty  relate  to  the  collection,  interpretation  and  communication of data related to thermodynamics and climate science.