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VCE Physics/Unit 1/AoS 1/Investigation
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/An investigation related to thermal physics
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.