Electrochemistry and Solar Energy
Energy is consumed every minute of our life. When we use the computer, flush the toilet, take the bus, eat a mango, we are using energy. Increasing demand for abundant and renewable energy fuels the search for new sources of energy across the world. In this class, you will explore two sources of alternative energy. In the first part of the class, you will explore energy transfer in chemical reactions between metals. You will then use that knowledge to make a battery or plate one type of metal on another. In the second part of the class, you will investigate solar energy by studying the radiation energy from a similar light source, a light bulb. You will then use that knowledge to efficiently make and characterize your own solar cell. This is one of two lab classes offered, both of which will also teach you introductory programming, data analysis, data representation, and scientific communication skills. You will also conduct a 3-week independent project at the end of the course with mentorship to possibly turn it into a start-up.
