Friday, January 31, 2020

Evaluation sheet of key research studies Essay Example for Free

Evaluation sheet of key research studies Essay I decided not to revise anything for the essay part of the exam paper. This was because I felt that I had done enough research for my specialist modules and would be able to recall it when needed. In the weeks leading up to the exam I spent about 30 minutes a day going over various chapters in my study skills folder, and if there was a particular item I had trouble with I would make a note of it and go over it again the next day. Finding time at home to revise was a bit of a problem and I found that the best time was in the evening when the children had gone to bed. This meant that I was sometimes quite tired when I tried to revise and wasted some sessions simply because I could not absorb any information. In future I may choose to do my revision somewhere other that at home, for example, the library. This means I will be away from the distractions of children and phone calls. I will also give my friends and family a copy of my revision time-table so that they know not to bother me. I felt that we were given enough information before the exam to know what to expect though I would have liked to have seen a copy of an old paper and perhaps given the opportunity to have a go at completing one. When we were allowed to look at our paper I read it through once before answering any questions. Once I had done this I first answered the questions I did not need to think about too much before going on to the others, and if there were any I did not know then I left them blank. I then went onto the essay question and decided which to do, though I found making a choice difficult as I did not know how I would get on once I had started. Once I got started on the essay I realised the mistake I had made by not revising my specialist modules. I wanted to be able to include examples, statistics or case studies in my essay by could not remember any. Once I had completed the essay I went back to the questions and any that I did not know the answer to I guessed. I then proof read the whole paper and corrected some errors which I had missed. If I could have done thing differently I would have planned my revision better to avoid distractions. I found that spending 30 minutes a day trying to revise while cooking dinner and running around after the children does not work. Before the exam I was not nervous but I think this was to do with the fact I did not have time to think about it too much. I also think that I did not take it as seriously as I should have and therefore did not revise enough. While waiting outside the exam hall I seemed to catch nervousness from other people but cannot see any way to avoid this. During the exam I was more nervous than I expected and was really aware of how quickly the time was passing. I wanted to work out how much time I could spend on each section, but this seemed to make me feel worse as I could not remember how many points would be awarded for each. After the exam I felt a bit disappointed as I feel my lack of revision meant I could not do my best. Dealing with stress during my revision sometimes helped. It made feel more awake sometimes, though this was often short lived and I usually ended up feeling worn out. Stress often meant I could not concentrate properly and I would try to do too much in one session. In future I will try to avoid the negative affects of stress by taking regular breaks, planning my revision better, finding a better location for my revision, not revising when I am tired and taking revision more seriously. I also think that revision is something that should be a continuous process not only used just before an exam. Reviewing work monthly or termly is something that I will try in the future.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

Experiment to Compare the Enthalpy Changes of Combustion of Different Alcohols :: GCSE Chemistry Coursework Investigation

Experiment to Compare the Enthalpy Changes of Combustion of Different Alcohols Introduction: This plan will try to outline how the experiment of comparing changes of combustion of different alcohols will be conducted and what results are expected. Background When chemical reactions take place they are often accompanied by energy changes. Chemical reactions most frequently occur in open vessels. That is, they take place at constant pressure. Enthalpy refers to energy at constant pressure (volume may vary). Enthalpy: An example is best to illustrate to show enthalpy works. Methane - how much energy does its molecules contain? The first thing needed is the amount of methane present = 1 mole (16 g). What ever its value, the total amount of energy in a given amount of a substance (sometimes called the Heat energy content) is known as the enthalpy, denoted H. Methane is a fuel to get energy from it, react it with oxygen. CH4(g) + 2O2(g) CO2(g) + 2H2O(l) The above chemical equation shows that 2 moles (64 g) of oxygen molecules are required to burn 1 mole of methane. Again, it is impossible to know the total enthalpy (heat energy content) of the oxygen. Likewise, we can't know the total heat energy content of 1 mole of CO2 and 2 moles of H2O (the products). Enthalpy Change H = (HCO2 + 2HH2O) - (HCH4 + 2HO2) In general, H = Hproducts - Hreactants But remember, this is theoretical; it is not possible to determine the absolute value of the enthalpy of a chemical element or compound. However, H values for chemical reactions can be obtained. They can be measured experimentally, or calculated using Hess's Law (see later), or worked out in other ways. Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions When chemical reactions take place they are often accompanied by heat changes. The system (the reactants which form products) may give out heat to the surroundings, causing them to warm up. In this case the reactants have more stored energy (greater total enthalpy) than the products. Such chemical reactions are said to be exothermic. The system may take heat from the surroundings, causing them to cool down. In this case the reactants have less stored energy (less total enthalpy) than the products. Such chemical reactions are said to be endothermic. Exothermic reactions give out energy to the surroundings. Endothermic reactions take energy from the surroundings. Most reactions take place at constant pressure... It is possible to measure changes in heat energy that accompany chemical reactions. Most reactions take place in vessels that are open to the atmosphere, that is, they take place at constant pressure (volume may vary). The special name given to a change in heat energy content measured at constant pressure is enthalpy change.

Wednesday, January 15, 2020

Effects of Computers and Technology on Society Essay

The development of office computers in late 70s has made a major breakthrough in our present society. Although the earlier computers were used solely for the purpose of processing and transmitting military data, the realization on the use of computers bear out the office computers we have today. Office tasks have never been easier since the computers have been dedicated to complete such enormous and taxing jobs in data processing. Since then the work loads particularly in the office have become minimal and less stressful for the employees. Suddenly because of our innovativeness we began to explore more and come up with more sophisticated computers we use today. The earlier versions of computers were unpopular because they are bulky and with heavy features which makes them inappropriate for small offices. Thus most of them are installed on laboratories and engineering rooms. As computers continued to be innovated, their sizes have been greatly reduced but they are now faster and more reliable. They can now be used for word processing which is a very essential in processing documents. In the mid-80s the dimension of the computers continued to be lesser into portable desktops and can now be placed on top of office tables. Indeed they now evolved to be more compact, lighter, faster and more powerful. They can now run multiple programs and software at the same time. Then in the 90s the age of the Internet has arrived. From the introduction of powerful computers now comes the most usable means of transferring data and messages all over the world. Here is the now the world of the World Wide Web or the Internet. The Internet has developed into one of the most powerful medium for universal communication, mode of information provider, highway for electronic transactions and most convenient source for entertainment. The Internet link computers by phone lines and high speed digital lines which networked all computers that are spread out around the world. Technology which brought up the invention of the computer and the Internet has made everything possible. We have improved a lot by leaps and bounds. The Internet as today’s most ingenious form of technology has greatly influenced our lives. We can now find jobs just by browsing the Net, watch movies from different websites, search for anything and everything that is beyond our imagination, source out information on any subjects and conduct transactions with other people around the globe. It is now so easy to send messages just by typing our texts using our email address and with a click of a button can send the message to other emails. Transferring the message may just take few seconds. Another example to prove the efficiency of the Internet are the chat rooms that can transfer bulk of messages and pictures in seconds at the same time. These are only few but most usable contributions of the â€Å"technology† we use today. Since the Internet has become the highway for the largest and widest medium of communication and information exchange, business transactions and on-line commerce have developed into the most popular method in business operation. The largest online deals in the world such as the Stocks Exchange and the Foreign Exchange currency trading rely on the Internet to conduct business. In line with this technology, the computers, however, also became sophisticated and powerful to carry on the task of processing data and information hundred times better than what ordinary computers can do three decades ago. To frank and honest this is what people want – to invent and invest on technology to make things lot easier for us. Even ordinary house chores are now performed with the aid of the machines. We have invented washing machine, the dishwasher, the floor polisher, the air-conditioning system and the television for our entertainment. How wonderful it is to live in a world full of magic brought about by the gadgets, machines and equipment we make. But after all of these amazing things have been invented did it benefit the society in general? It is true that the inventions of machines have made things lot easier, faster and more precise. But do you know that since technology has greatly improved, millions of jobs have already been lost because they have become obsolete? As we advance in our future and develop more technology there is also displacement of man with their profession. We use to power everything by hand then by the machines and now by the computers. Why would manufacturing companies hire production people if they can mechanize and computerize every process in their factories? Why would car makers hire people for car assemblies where they can buy machines that are programmed and automated? Machines does not take their break, do not complain about abuse and no need for any insurance? Obviously because of our â€Å"technology†, people are getting phased out of their circulation and depriving them to earn their living. The computers, the Internet, the game gadgets, cell phones and accessories have also loosen our touch with the reality thus our bond with our families are also affected. The realization of the technology which has widened man’s contact into the outside world has in a way confined him to smaller virtual world that rely on technology alone and not on physical attributes (Ghimire 2006). On the side of the economy, however, the negative impacts are obviously caused by the advancing technology. It is true that many people preferred engaging on technology-based education have benefited with the continuing trend in science. But what happened to those who did not earned degrees or does not have knowledge with the trend? How can they cope up with the world that is being run by this technology? Would they remain to be at the bottom of the ladder because the skilled people take all the best opportunities? Since the early 70s, computerization started to liberalize workforce, American workers with non-degrees begin to feel the squeeze. This is because the technology has started to manage the world in a more synchronized and automated manner. The most favored jobs have turned the table in favor of the educated and the skilled. To cope up with the development, courses in relation to technical skills, computer and software engineering and programming were offered. Today, the people who dominate the highest income brackets come from among those who specialize in this field. The jobs for the unskilled have become leaner and the demand for their services was greatly reduced making them poorer, ignorant and unfit for employment. According to L. Mishel, Director for Research on Welfare Reform Network, the hazard on the development of information age is that while the technology can replace workers with cheaper cost, this trend might become self-destructive with the economy because there will not be enough purchasing power to push the economy onward while we lead our lives into the future. To ease the effect of technology on people, Mishel suggested that there must be political action to make societal evolution beneficial to everybody (Smith 2007). But although the technology has affected those who are untrained, the computers and the Internet have produced a digital world of information and accessibility. Almost everybody can now reach out to the Internet. You only have to go online to order goods, books, clothes or even groceries and it will be delivered directly to you. The Internet also benefits the older people because they can now email people they want to get in touch with. If you happen to feel sick and want to check for yourself about the symptoms you have you can check from the Internet to avoid health hazards. Moreover, the computers and the Internet have created a world full of opportunities. Jobs are being created and obtained everyday because there are always new jobs entering the Internet sphere. This is especially beneficial for those who have skills with regards to Information Technology. Based from the 2005 – 2006 National Association of Colleges and Employers, the regular computer engineer can earn more than USD53, 000 a year for their first year of employment while the entry level management can make up to USD 38,000 as well. Even small businesses have greatly benefits from this technology. Business owners can now advertise their product through many websites and can organize employee schedules with programs like Microsoft Excel. There are also online educations today that many universities offer and the opportunities are getting larger. It is projected that by the year 2009, one in every ten students will be enrolled in an online degree program. However, there are always disadvantages from the advantages. Now the backlash from this advantage does involve risk with every person registered on the Internet. Identity theft has always been the number one crime in the United States. Although programs are constantly created to protect users from Internet hackers and scammers, there are also lots of experts who use their knowledge to commit fraud in their favor. Billions of dollars are being stolen because of identity theft, scams and online fraud. Unfortunately only few of them are getting caught and usually the discovery was too late before the harm has been done. Even the movies and TV series which are supposed to be legally shown only on cinemas and televisions are also being shown on the Internet without proper license and agreement with the producers. Recently the Writer Guild of America demanded payments from the owner of the domains. In effect, the rights of producers, TV stations, actors and actresses are violated and the chances to earn from these shows are lost. Sadly as the worlds of computers are here to stay there are always dangers in getting scammed in every step of the way (Weidenfeld 2008). And so as the technology changes in its fast paced environment we, as users also changes as well. Let’s just hope that we could always cope up with any changes that the age of information and technology can bring us. There would be transformation and modification, of course but with less time to prepare we may probably make the wrong choices and our technology even it was intended to develop can destroy us (Graves 1990). Summary Computers and the Internet are two of the most brilliant discoveries of man. Life has never been easier with their aid. Computers are the most used and essential equipment in the office or even at home. Everybody almost have it because of its functionality and usage. The Internet on the other hand has succeeded in building gaps between people, races and cultures and provides us the opportunities to explore all things that exist here and beyond our world. But while we are joyful of the benefits of these forms of technologies not everybody is at their advantage. From the very first introduction of computerization, the untrained and the unskilled began to feel the hardships of being uncompetitive. The technology has created jobs according to its own trend. If you are unskilled and wants to earn a decent living you have to sweat it out to and can be able to earn minimum wage while the new generation of computer experts enjoy their chances in their virtual world. This is the general belief of some observers. Analysis According to the points presented, there are always advantage and disadvantage at any prevailing discoveries of man. Man is a very adaptable creature and he makes discoveries according to his needs. The Internet and the computers have naturally eased up our burdens with our jobs, communication and commerce. But with this technology there is the theory that lots of people still blame technology as the culprit in decimating their chances to be competitive. Accordingly, people living on rural societies as well as the older people and the unskilled feel that they are always left out with the technology making them helpless and useless. But my personal opinion relies not how quantitative the advantaged of technology to most people but how the technology could benefit all people in any society. Technology does shape our future but our future depends on every fiber in our society which means that the people alone are shaping the future not the technology. Technology is merely the product of our modernization and innovation that is continuously taking us higher to new realities and development. But we lest not forget that technology can also be erased, altered or reprogrammed because the society is making the technology themselves. However, the complexities of the issues discussed here is that has the introduction of the computers and the Internet really affected our society in general? True enough the untrained and the uneducated can find it hard to participate with the virtual world. But does technology was created to rationalize people according to their capabilities? I think not. Whether we like it or not our technology with computers and the Internet will continue to advance and so there are no chances in going back to pick those that have been left out. There are always two sides of the coin here. It is up for the people to choose. If we are people with strong mind and interest to cope up then we can be able to discover how wonderful the technology can bring. Computers and the Internet are not complicated, adaptable, beneficial and educating people continuously. Whatever jobs and opportunities you wanted can be found in the Internet regardless of what you can do. Just look around and observe. Even children, the elderly and disabled people can benefit from the technology. Education, jobs, opportunities and communication is now empowered by our technology. The old days of manual labor is almost over. We invent things to make things easier and there is nothing wrong with doing the job the easy way. If there are people who are against of this technology it maybe because they are closing their mind with it. The Internet offers all kinds of prospects in learning, opportunities and information. It is only right that we have to take advantage everything that it offers because for sure we would definitely grow with it References: Ghimire, Shakti. 2006. â€Å"Effects of Computers and the Internet on Society. † in Student Operated Press. Vero Beach, Florida: SOP. org. Graves, James. 1990. â€Å"Technology and It’s Effect on Society†. Smith, Hakeem. 2007. â€Å"How Emerging Technology Affects Modern Society. † Weidenfeld, Kelly. 2008. â€Å"Effects of computers and the Internet on society † Helium.

Tuesday, January 7, 2020

Gilgamesh, Achilles and the Human Condition Essay

Gilgamesh, Achilles and the Human Condition Gilgamesh and Achilles, each heroes of their respective epic tales, embody the whole array of typical heroic attributes. They stand above. They are men set apart. They operate somehow in that area that lies between average mortals and the gods themselves. They are stronger, faster, more wily than those they face in battle. They overcome. They are men who stand alone in their various strengths. They are also susceptible to weakness. Each of them, at pivotal times in their stories, are reduced to debilitating grief. They are brought low. At least for a moment, they are given the clarity to see some of the errors in their ways. They stand alone. But it is now different from the typical†¦show more content†¦Maybe these heroes, in being given the opportunity to see who they really ought to be, are faced with the fact that their actual selves are in fact in direct opposition to their true selves i.e., the selves they could and should be. As each of these episodes plays out, however, the reader is confronted with the question of whether or not these moments of breakthrough are ultimately fruitful. In other words, do the heroes, in fact, learn anything? In order to address this problem, it is necessary to grapple a bit with the tension between the potency of fate versus that of free will in these tales. Are these characters even able to learn? Are they able to make free choices regarding the unfolding of their lives? Or are they predestined to follow the classic path of the tragic hero? Is there any such thing as the Choice of Achilles? What does all this say about the human condition, not just in literature but for ordinary, everyday human beings? Do we have any control over the type of persons we become? Is there a fixed destiny in store for all of us? Some combination of the two? Before these larger questions can be addressed, it is necessary to begin with the texts before us. And in order to learn something about the significance of these moments of vulnerability and breakthrough for these heroes, it is important to establish the respective contexts from which they arise. The immediate cause for Gilgameshs being broughtShow MoreRelatedHeros and Sidekicks Eastern Western and Modern Mythology. Achillies and Patroclus, Gilgamesh and Enkidu, Batman and Robin1713 Words   |  7 Pagesrelationships between Gilgamesh and Enkidu in the Epic of Gilgamesh, Achilles and Patroclus in the Iliad, and Batman and Robin in the graphic novel Death in the Family. This essay will explore the similarities and differences between these important pieces of literature. The three mythologies are quite different in relation to the three pairs’ relationships with each other. The Iliad takes place during the Heroic age on the Peloponnese and the kingdom of Troy. 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