Watch The Science of Energy: Resources and Power Explained

TV-PG
1969
1 Season

The Science of Energy: Resources and Power Explained from The Great Courses Signature Collection is an in-depth exploration of the world of energy and power. Hosted by well-known geophysicist Michael E. Wysession, the show delves into the fascinating history and science of energy, from ancient times to the cutting-edge technologies of today.

Throughout the course of the show, viewers are taken on a journey through the many different resources and systems that provide us with energy. From coal and oil to solar and wind power, the program covers it all, providing detailed explanations of how each source of energy works, its benefits, and its drawbacks.

One of the key topics explored in the show is the history of energy, tracing the development of energy technologies from the use of fire by early humans to the rise of fossil fuels and the advent of renewable energy sources. This historical perspective helps viewers to understand how our relationship with energy has evolved over time and provides valuable insights into the potential paths we may take in the future.

In addition to exploring the history of energy, The Science of Energy also looks at the science behind power generation, providing detailed explanations of how different types of energy are generated and transmitted. This includes topics such as thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, nuclear reactions, and more.

Throughout the show, Wysession brings his extensive knowledge of geophysics to bear, using his expertise in earth sciences to explain how the natural world can be harnessed to provide us with energy. He also explores some of the more cutting-edge technologies currently being developed in the field of energy, including fusion and advanced nuclear reactors.

One of the great strengths of The Science of Energy is its ability to explain complex scientific concepts in a way that is easy to understand for a general audience. Whether discussing the intricacies of energy systems, the fundamentals of thermodynamics, or the properties of different types of fuel, Wysession has a gift for breaking down complicated ideas into simple terms without sacrificing accuracy or detail.

The show is also highly engaging, with a lively and accessible tone that makes it enjoyable to watch. With stunning visuals, detailed animations, and clear explanations, viewers are sure to come away from The Science of Energy with a deep understanding of the many different resources and systems that power our world.

In summary, The Science of Energy: Resources and Power Explained is a comprehensive and engaging look at the world of energy and power. With insightful commentary, clear explanations, and stunning visuals, the show offers a fascinating exploration of the history and science behind our power systems. Whether you're a student of science, an engineer, or just someone curious about the world around you, The Science of Energy is definitely worth a watch.

The Science of Energy: Resources and Power Explained is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between and on The Great Courses Signature Collection

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Seasons

24. Energy Trends: Planning for the Near Future

March 4, 2016

According to Professor Wysession, thereï¿½Ûªs no easy solution to the worldï¿½Ûªs energy future. Going through many of the sources explored in previous lectures, he estimates how much energy weï¿½Ûªll need, what sources are (and will be) available to us, and how to think realistically-and optimistically-about our energy consumption.

23. Probable and Possible Future Energy Sources

March 4, 2016

Look ahead to the possible (and probable) advancements in the areas of energy resources. Youï¿½Ûªll cover the growth of tidal and wave energy, the difficulty of nuclear fusion, the energy potential of earthquakes and supervolcanoes, and giant space arrays of solar panels designed to capture even more solar energy.

22. Energy Sources: Economics and Politics

March 4, 2016

Professor Wysession outlines some of the major economic and political forces shaping the development of the worldï¿½Ûªs energy resources. Youï¿½Ûªll learn how hidden costs can affect the economics of supply and demand, how governments can incentivize and dis-incentivize energy industries, and the complexities of international agreements (and trade wars).

21. Energy Efficiency: Technologies and Trends

March 4, 2016

Where is energy commonly being wasted? How does one become a more efficient energy user? This lecture is filled with takeaways to help anyone (from home owner to car driver to CEO) become more energy efficient in a range of sectors and settings: industries, transportation, residences, and commercial buildings.

20. Energy Needs for Transportation

March 4, 2016

Transportation is an enormous part of our global total energy consumption. From planes to trains to automobiles, learn how scientists are working to make popular modes of transportation as fuel-efficient as possible. Also, explore the topic of electric cars and whether or not theyï¿½Ûªre truly more efficient than gas-powered ones.

19. Energy Storage Technologies

March 4, 2016

The sun doesnï¿½Ûªt always shine, and the wind doesnï¿½Ûªt always blow. So how do we store renewable energy from these and other sources for later? Focus on several basic (as well as high-performance and high-volume) technologies for storing the surplus of energy we can get from sources such as wind and solar farms.

18. Geothermal Energy

March 4, 2016

Go deep underground for a look at geothermal energy. Topics include the energy budget of our planet, two main ways of using geothermal energy, five different technologies used for hydrothermal power systems (including dry steam power plants), and the concept of shallow ground source heat pumps (GSHPs).

17. Biofuels: Biodiesel and Ethanol

March 4, 2016

Liquid biofuels like biodiesel and corn-based ethanol are the most rapidly growing forms of biomass energy in the 21st century. Here, survey some of the many intriguing chemical reaction routes that transform solid plant biomass into liquids with high-energy densities. Then, ponder some of the economic and political implications of biofuels.

16. Hydroelectric Power: Electricity from Water

March 4, 2016

Hydroelectric power continues to be the planetï¿½Ûªs largest renewable source of electricity. In this lecture, Professor Wysession discusses the benefits of hydroelectric power (no CO2 production, free fuel) and drawbacks (environmental disruption); how hydroelectricity generation works; run-of-the-river and impoundment-style power plants; and the basics of the water cycle.

15. Wind Power and Electricity

June 1, 2020

Wind power is another growing source of renewable energy. First, discover how giant wind turbines provide us with energy. Then, get a brief history of how humans have tapped into wind's potential and the meteorology of how wind works. Finally, learn the best regions for wind power and the advantages and drawbacks of using wind turbines.

14. Solar Power and Electricity

March 4, 2016

The biggest area of growth for solar energy: transforming sunlight into electricity with the aid of solar panels. Go inside the world of photovoltaic solar panels to find out how they convert sunlight into functional power. Also, take a closer look at other solar-related technologies, like solar troughs, solar towers, and Stirling engines.

13. Sunlight: Inexhaustible Energy Source

March 4, 2016

Sunlight is a literally inexhaustible source of energy. Discover why (and how) the sun gives off light, how much sunlight energy the earthï¿½Ûªs surface gets in an average day, how much land weï¿½Ûªd need to supply all our energy needs through sunlight, and some of the geographical problems with solar power.

12. The Nuclear Fission Fuel Cycle

March 4, 2016

Professor Wysession explains how uranium is used to make electricity through the process of nuclear fission, from acquiring uranium-bearing rocks to disposing of leftover nuclear waste. Afterwards, learn some of the upsides of nuclear energy (including its nearly unlimited power) and its downsides (such as its inability to become decentralized or portable).

11. The Science of Nuclear Power

March 4, 2016

Travel to the subatomic level for a fascinating exploration of how nuclear energy is generated. Itï¿½Ûªs an eye-opening lecture that touches on everything from nuclear fission and radioactive decay to the inner workings of nuclear power plants and the attendant fears and concerns of core meltdowns.

10. Understanding Carbon Dioxide

March 4, 2016

Carbon dioxide is a pollutant so significant to human civilization that Professor Wysession devotes an entire lecture to it. If CO2 is only 0.04% of the atmosphere, how can it be so harmful? Is global warming a natural process? What actions can we take to reduce the dangers of CO2?

9. Fossil Fuel Energy: Issues and Concerns

March 4, 2016

Fossil fuels, while abundant and portable, come with a significant list of drawbacks. Focus now on the various financial, environmental, and health concerns surrounding our continued reliance on fossil fuels (such as coal fires and oil spills). Then, examine some recent technological and legislative efforts to combat these problems.

8. New Petroleum Directions

March 4, 2016

Peer into the future with this look at some of the newest trends in oil and gas production. Professor Wysession explains the difference between conventional and unconventional oil, the geology of oil sands and oil shales, and the risks of fracking (which can cause earthquakes and other serious damage).

7. Petroleum: Chemistry, Retrieval, and Use

March 4, 2016

In the first of two lectures on petroleum, examine the science behind this common fossil fuel: how itï¿½Ûªs formed, how itï¿½Ûªs found and processed, how itï¿½Ûªs transported, and how itï¿½Ûªs used. Youï¿½Ûªll also gain insights into related topics, including geologic structures such as anticlines and the growth of the petroleum industry.

6. Coal: Convenient, Energy-Dense Fuel

March 4, 2016

Understand one of energyï¿½Ûªs most polarizing topics: coal. Where does coal come from, and how does it develop? What makes coal ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½cleanï¿½Û or ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½dirtyï¿½Û? Why do certain nations have the largest coal reserves? What are some advantages to coal energy? And how does strip mining impact the environment?

5. Chemical Energy, Biomass, and Photosynthesis

March 4, 2016

Turn now to chemical energy, the potential energy resulting from the position of atoms within molecules. After an overview of photosynthesis (perhaps the universeï¿½Ûªs most amazing form of energy conversion), learn how combustion transforms biofuels into light and heat, and how energy density affects the transportation of biofuels like petroleum.

4. Electricity: Ultimate Energy Converter

March 4, 2016

Discover what makes electricity such an attractive vehicle for energy. Learn how electricity can come from oil, coal, solar, and other forces, and how electricity travels through wires with the help of voltage. Also, examine recent advances that make it easier for us to choose where we source our electricity.

3. Heat: The Transfer and Flow of Energy

March 4, 2016

One of the first forms of energy that humans learned to use is heat. Youï¿½Ûªll examine three ways heat flows (radiation, convection, conduction); make sense of the heat flow equation and the concept of entropy; and go inside the inner workings of a ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½heat engineï¿½Û machine.

2. Energy: Forms and Conversion for Use

March 4, 2016

Energy is a fundamental part of our universe-in a sense, the universe is energy. Here, Professor Wysession introduces you to the many fascinating forms energy takes, including potential, kinetic, mechanical, and thermal energy. He also explains how energy is measured to make you more fluent in €œenergy-speak€ for the coming lectures.

1. Energy and Human Civilization

March 4, 2016

How much energy is required to power human civilization? What is it that makes our cities, factories, homes, and cars so energy inefficient? How can the average individual affect energy directions? Find out in this overview of how energy touches everything from engineering and economics to biology, chemistry, and geophysics.

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Where to Watch The Science of Energy: Resources and Power Explained

The Science of Energy: Resources and Power Explained is available for streaming on the The Great Courses Signature Collection website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Science of Energy: Resources and Power Explained on demand at Amazon Prime and Amazon.