Understanding Material Classification and Properties

Classification of Materials: The most general classification of materials is as follows:

a. Metal: Ferrous, Nonferrous
b. Nonmetallic: Organic, Inorganic

Ferrous Metals: Ferrous metals, as their name suggests, have iron as their main component. Their main features include high tensile strength and hardness. The principal alloys are obtained with tin, silver, platinum, manganese, vanadium, and titanium.

The main products of representatives of metallic materials include gray iron castings, malleable iron,

Read More

Water Contamination: Sources, Effects, and Mitigation

Water Pollution: An Overview

Water pollution is the introduction of harmful materials, energy, or conditions that degrade water quality. It stems from the release of substances or energy forms that alter the natural composition of water, with the degree of contamination depending on its intended use. Water pollution is primarily caused by human activities.

Types of Contamination

Diffuse: This type of contamination has a wide area of impact and no specific point source (e.g., natural runoff).

Point Source:

Read More

Oceanic Lithosphere and Plate Tectonics

TEMA – 8. Plate Tectonics

Oceanic Lithosphere

Study Skills.

For seabed analysis, the following methods are used:

  • Surveys to identify rocks.
  • Sonar to map the undersea terrain.
  • Geophysical research cruises collecting seismic and magnetic data.
  • Submersibles designed for direct observation and sampling.

Undersea Structures

  • Continental Shelf. Submerged prolongation of the continent. Maximum depth 200 meters.

  • Continental Slope. Steep (40%) slope to the edge of the continental shelf.

  • Abyssal Plain. Area of low slope.

Read More

Universe Formation, Structure, and Evolution

Origin of the Universe

Universe: Set of all matter and energy existing in space. The observable part is the observable universe.

Cosmology: Science that studies the universe.

Age

13.7 billion years. Events: Discovery of America; Birth of Jesus Christ; Beginning Egyptian empire; Appearance of Homo sapiens.

Dimensions

The universe is measured using a unit called a light-year, which corresponds to the distance light travels in one year.

Composition

  • 73% dark energy (counteracts gravity)
  • 23% dark matter (does
Read More

Asturian Architecture: Royal Influence & Pre-Romanesque Style

Asturian Architecture

The architecture was driven by the Kings.

Characteristics

  • Prevalence of the basilica form.
  • Curvilinear and volumetric designs.
  • Emphasis on line, masonry, and blocks.
  • Tall buildings with arched vaults, transverse arches, or ribs (prelude to Romanesque).
  • Arches resting on attached columns, linked by arcs (Romanesque influence).
  • External buttresses.
  • Horseshoe arches, sometimes decorative or supportive.
  • Fluted columns, Corinthian capitals (vertical or helical), tapered and double inverted.
Read More

Non-Conventional Energy Sources: A Deep Dive

Non-Conventional Energy Sources

Solar (heliothermal, photovoltaic), wind, geothermal, tidal, other sources (wave, ocean thermal), and biomass (including MSW) are key non-conventional energy sources.

Solar Energy

Solar energy can be utilized in two ways: heat (absorbing energy and transforming it into heat) and photovoltaic conversion (directly converting solar energy into electrical energy).

Heat from Solar Energy

A collector absorbs solar radiation and transfers it to a fluid, significantly increasing

Read More