We are at a dilemma in terms of power. The best thing that we have going for us as humans is nuclear fission, but that is far too dangerous. There is another form of nuclear energy known as nuclear fusion, but that is still under development. The major problem is the inability to produce more energy than the amount put in. Are we plagued with inefficiency of power for the remainder of our existence? Hardly, that is unless someone will "step up" with an innovative approach. Yes, I am referencing Nikola Tesla, the Lost Wizard.
Back in the olden days of Edison and the light bulb, Edison hired Tesla to create a more efficient form of electrical power. I will not go into the whole history of Edison and Tesla, but I will sum it up that Tesla succeeded with Alternative Current. This was vastly superior to Edison's Direct Current, the direct flowing of electrons from one area to another. AC involves the alternating current of electricity to give power. This gave more power than DC and would reach much farther distances. So, are we to just wait until another Tesla comes up with a magical idea? No. Let put this this into perspective about what really went on.
Direct Current is simple. Electrons flow from one area to another. Like static electricity from your hand to the door knob or vice versa. Alternative Current is more complicated, but far more interesting. It reminds me of a video I saw from MIT OpenCourseWare with Professor Lewin.(not sure if I spelt the name right) I strongly encourage anyone reading to check out any of his lecture videos. They are truly worth seeing; perhaps, some of the best lectures I have ever seen. Anyway, he rubs a balloon against his head and hair, giving both the balloon and his head a negative charge. (I believe negative or possibly positive. Let's assume negative) With the balloon stuck to his head, he turns on a device that emits the opposite charge. (Going to assume positive) At this, the balloon rushes over because the negative charge is attracted to the positive charge. Once the balloon makes contact, it springs back to the head. The negative charge (excess electrons) was (were) removed from the balloon, and the balloon became positively charged (lack of electrons). Because his head was still negatively charged, the balloon was attracted back to the head where the balloon will gain excess electrons once it makes contact with his head. It was truly hilarious to watch the balloon repeatedly bounce back and forth between the device and the Professor's head, but it was also fascinating to watch how quickly and efficiently electrons are moving to give this balloon an alternating path. It all made sense, but it was not as nearly as simple as direct current. At a time where all anyone knew was that electrons flowed to positively charged sources from negatively charged sources, the premise of alternating current was truly advanced and (most importantly) creative. It was a creative approach to solving the problem to make electrical energy much more efficient. This was the key for alternating current. It did not take magic to create, just an innovative mind with a different perspective.
This is how we can use nuclear fusion. We haven't been able to do it because we have not been looking at it the right way. We need to look at it like Tesla, not magically, creatively. I strongly think we can attain usage of nuclear fusion; we just need the right creative mind for it.
Lastly, I would like to encourage anyone to check out Epic Rap Battles of History: Tesla vs. Edison. If you know the history between Tesla and Edison or perhaps a Tesla, check it out on Youtube. It truly is an entertaining video that I think portrays Tesla as the epic, scientist he is.
No comments:
Post a Comment