Abstract
This paper looks at black holes in terms of the most prevalent theories. It first, defines what we have come to understand as a black hole. It then touches upon how black holes are documented and measured. Thirdly, it examines the black hole believed to be at the center of our own Milky Way galaxy. Finally, it explores the prevalent hypothesis that black holes are in fact the genesis of all galaxies.

From the Paper
"Gravity is the cause of black holes. A black hole is the unlimited and irresistible force of ultimate gravity in the universe. To understand how a black hole is created, it is helpful to understand a bit about the basics of gravity. Imagine shooting an arrow into the sky. The harder you shoot the arrow, the farther it will go in attempting to escape the pull of the Earth's gravity. If you were to use a big enough bow with enough force you could help the arrow reach speeds exceeding 7miles per second which is the escape velocity for the Earth. Escape velocity indicates the minimum speed necessary to beat the pull of the planet's gravitational core (Cowen , 390). The strength of the gravitational pull of the core is determined by the density and mass of the core. The denser and more massive that the core is, the greater the gravitational pull. If you were to drop a ball to the center of the earth, the gravitational forces would crush it into an ever shrinking volume requiring even greater amounts of force to help it reach escape velocity. As the greatest theoretical speed for any physical object in the universe is that of light (which travels at 186 thousand miles per second) a mass large and dense enough can actually exert so much force that not even light can achieve escape velocity. The object that can pull even light into it and keep it from escaping is a black hole."

Tags:earth, gravity, milky, way, galaxy

Abstract
This paper explains how if it were not for Albert Einstein the world would be a lot different today as his discoveries and theories lead the way for physicists.

From the Paper
"When ever the phrase great mind or genius is mentioned usually one name comes to mind, and this name is Albert Einstein. This is so, because Einstein may very well have been the greatest mind of the twentieth century. Einstein revolutionized modern scientific thinking and was a master of physics and mathematics. From an early age Einstein showed skills and interests rare among others his age. From the beginning Einstein was destined for something special."

Tags:biography, scientist, relativity

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss and analyze the topic of gasoline prices in the United States and offer some insight as to why they are so high. Specifically, it answers the question "Do Americans really have a right to complain?" It also discusses European gas prices, and why they are higher than America's, as well as some alternative fuels that might help ease gas prices in the United States.

From the Paper
"American gas prices may be higher than we have ever encountered before, but they are much lower than gas prices around the world. American drivers are spoiled. They tend to drive large, inefficient vehicles, and then rant about the high price of gasoline. They drive long distances for work and play, using more gasoline per capita than residents of many foreign countries. American drivers also rely heavily on their vehicles, rather than using more efficient and fuel-friendly alternatives, like carpooling or public transportation. We depend too much on foreign oil, a resource that is non-renewable. We need to develop more alternatives to our dependence on gasoline by researching more efficient fuels and automobiles, like the hybrids that have recently been developed by Honda and Toyota, which use a mixture of gasoline and electricity to provide better gas mileage while using less gasoline. Our dependency on oil must stop, or one day, our children will wake up to world without gasoline."

Tags:crude, oil, SUV, automobile, OPEC

Abstract
Describes Isaac Newton's "Principia Mathematica" as the greatest scientific work ever created. Examines his creation of the foundation upon which modern science is built.

From the Paper
"Isaac Newton lived during the scientific revolution of the 17th century. While men like Kepler, Galileo, and Descartes had shaped a new view of nature, Newton organized and expanded all the scientific knowledge..."

Abstract
This paper details how Galileo Galilei affected history by discovering the potential of the telescope, pioneering new approaches to science, and challenging the authority of the Catholic Church.

From the Paper
"Galileo Galilei was a mathematician, an astronomer, and a physicist who made several significant contributions to modern scientific thought. During his life, he made many scientific discoveries, often in contradiction with the centuries-old ideas of the Greek philosopher Aristotle. These contradictions led to great conflict with the Catholic Church; however, he emerged as a symbol to others who oppose unyielding authority and champion scientific progress. As James Reston's biography Galileo makes clear, Galileo is a historical figure who affected history by discovering the potential of the telescope, pioneering new approaches to science, and challenging the authority of the Catholic Church."

Tags:astronomy, galilei, galileo, mathematics, physics, science

Abstract
This is an informative paper on what exactly a black hole is and what scientists have theorized about black holes. The paper examines the formation of black holes, past research on black holes and pondering questions still unanswered today.

From the Paper
"Ever since you were old enough to know what the sky, moon and stars were, you have always imagined what is actually up there? One of the most fascinating ideas of all is the mysterious and scary thought of a BLACK HOLE! This is perfectly normal because even today scientists are still pondering over that same question - what is a black hole and does it exist? Theories that at one time seemed reasonable are now laughed at, our skies hold an infinite space which we will never be able to explore, as a result, our questions will be infinite as well."

Tags:astronomy, black, holes, science, stars, universe, infinity

Abstract
Discusses an experiment of the shielding of radiation. The experiment uses fluid flow measurements and the method of continuous flow to determine the coefficient of viscosity. Includes the calculations and results of the said experiment as well as diagrams. Discusses the conclusions and several human errors that happened when carrying out the experiment.

From the Paper
"There are two different ways water can flow this can be either streamline or turbulent. When a liquid has a streamline its particles flow in regular and smooth paths called streamlines. In this type of motion the viscous drag opposing the flow is proportional to the average velocity of the liquid. In turbulent flow, the particles have irregular motion therefore the viscous drag is proportional to the square of the velocity. "

Tags:experiment, physics, practical, report, shielding, nuclear, oscillation, spring, constant, spiral

Abstract
In order to make a judgement of the physics viability of nuclear power as an energy source for Australia, this paper explains how nuclear energy is produced, disposed of, sourced, and maintained in light of Australia's unique environment and population distribution. The paper discusses the efficiency of using nuclear energy as well as Australia's huge availability of uranium and its ample waste storage space. The paper concludes that nuclear energy is definitely a viable method of energy for Australia but recommends that stringent laws and regulations be made to enforce adequate training of nuclear staff to minimise the risk of disasters. The paper includes a diagram of how nuclear power is produced and a map of mining locations in Australia.

From the Paper
"Nuclear energy is generated by the fission of the uranium 235 isotope. U-235 is the ideal fuel for power generation because it is able to sustain a chain reaction and release energy. Uranium for fuelling nuclear generators is mined in Australia as low-grade ore. Only 0.3% of this ore is pure uranium, and after crushing, chemical treatment and concentration, only 0.7% of this residual is the required U-235 isotope. In order to ensure an induced chain reaction is sustainable, this nuclear fuel needs to be enriched (i.e. concentrated) so that the U-235 concentration is approximately 5%. (Rapkins, Rossiter, Walding, 1999)"

Tags:uranium, fission, enrichment, isotope, radioactivity, chain, reaction, atoms, neutrons

Abstract
The paper defines black holes and explains what they are made up of. The paper explores common misconceptions surrounding black holes, as well as other mysteries. Finally the paper examines theories regarding how black holes eventually end.

From the Paper
"Black holes, one of space's greatest phenomenons, appear to be tremendous concentrations of matter, usually at the center of a galaxy; however, smaller back holes are possible. The matter is in the form of neutrons, protons, and electrons, tightly packed together by their mutual gravitational attraction. The beautifully descriptive name comes from the fact that light cannot exit from a Black hole. They are suspected to form in the death and collapse of a star that began with more than10 times the sun's mass (those with less mass become white dwarfs or neutron stars)."

Tags:galaxy, Albert Einstein, radiation

Abstract
The following paper aims to find the force required to move blocks of different weights across different surfaces, thus finding a value for friction and comparing the results with that of a textbook and recording any differences. The conclusion found in this paper is that friction is directly proportional to the weight force applied and is measured in terms of the coefficient of friction, represented by the Greek letter mu (m).

From the Paper
"The coefficient of friction is the ratio of the frictional force present and the normal reaction to the mating surfaces and is represented as,
m = Ff - Rn
Rn = Normal reaction, weight force
Fn = Frictional force
But may also be worked out by dividing the force required in Kg by the weight of the object. Eg the force required to move a 25Kg object is 5Kg so to work out the coefficient of the object we would divide 5 by 25 to give a coefficient of 0.2.
Because of this the surface area of the block is independent to that of the coefficient and is not needed when determining a value for friction.
The coefficient of wood against wood is 0.35 giving a relatively low value for friction whereas rubber against concrete is 0.8 meaning it would be hard to slide rubber on concrete. The coefficient can be greatly reduced if a lubricant of some sort is applied in between the surfaces as it forms a layer preventing the bumps on the surfaces rubbing together making it easier to slide the objects past each other."

Tags:equipment, human, error, molecule