Physics SIA Meeting 2:

Online meeting on Microsoft Network (MSN)
Time: 11.0am- 1.00pm
Date: 9th February 2008
Attendance: Joan, Jiali and Marie

Note:
Mr. Ang has commented from the 1st proposal that our research focus was unclear and whole topic of "radioactive waves" were too wide. Also, Singapore does not make use of nuclear power to generate electricity. Thus, he suggested for us to focus our area of research on Indonesia's plan to construct a nuclear power plant in Java as Indonesia is a neighbouring country, and if it really constructs the nuclear power plant, there is a possibility that Singapore would be affected by the radioactive waves emitted if there is a nuclear energy leak.

Our group agreed to use his idea because we are able to relate to Mr. Ang's idea better since the topic involves Singapore and our neighbour country, Indonesia. Also, our project would be more specific and targeted at a problem instead of simply researching on "radioactive waves".

Agenda:
1) Scope of our research
2) Delegation of tasks
3) Setting of deadlines for the tasks

Scope of Research

1) What exactly is nuclear power?
- Definition of it
- List the physics principles of nuclear power related to the "green" issue

2) Why is there a need to develop a nuclear power plant in Java?

- What will the nuclear power plant be used for?

3.1) Problems underlying the construction of the nuclear power plant.

- Being located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and volcano eruptions
- How does this fact affect the plan to construct a nuclear power plant in Indonesia?

3.2) Impacts of the construction of the nuclear power plant.

- Impacts of the nuclear reactors on the environment in Indonesia, Singapore and/or other neighbouring countries as well, relating to each country's fragile and limited resources
- List of the pros and cons of having the nuclear power plant in Java
- Justifying to a larger extent whether the nuclear power plant is beneficial or harmful to the environment.

4) Other alternatives to replace Nuclear Power

- Analyze the pros and cons of each alternative methods -> whether it is more environmental-friendly?
- Are these alternatives better than the current plan to use nuclear power?

Delegation of Tasks

Points 1 and 2 ------------------------------- Jia Li
Point 3.1 ------------------------------------ Joan
Point 3.2 ------------------------------------ Marie
Point 4 -------------------------------------- Jia Li and Joan

Ps: The three of us will post our individual research findings in this online journal. Articles and pictures will be included to enhance understanding of research. It is not necessary for us to strictly stick to our individual parts, thus there will be minor editings and changes done to each individual research by our team members who is not in charge of that area of research.

Deadlines

Points 1 and 2 --------------------- 03 April
Point 3.1 --------------------------- 06 April
Point 3.2 --------------------------- 15 April
Point 4 ----------------------------- 25 April

For the poster and presentation aspect of our physics project, we decided not to worry about them as they is due in Term 3. It is important for us to get our research done first as the poster is largely a summary of our research.