Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Other courses

Chapter 12: Chemical Kinetics

1. Reaction Rate & Stoichiometry

For aA+bB→cC+dD:

Rate = −(1/a)∗Δ[A]/Δt = −(1/b)∗Δ[B]/Δt = (1/c)∗Δ[C]/Δt = (1/d)∗Δ[D]/Δt

• Rate is always positive. Reactants are negative, products positive.
• Ex: 2NO2​→2O2​. If Rate of disappearance of NO2​=0.010: Rate = −(1/2)∗(0.005 M/s. Rate of formation of O2​=0.005. Rate of formation of NO=20.005 M/s=0.010.

2. Rate Laws & Reaction Order

Rate = k[A]m[B]n

• k: Rate constant (temp-dependent)
• m,n: Reaction orders (exp. Determined)
• Overall Order = m+n
• Method of Initial Rates: Compare two experiments where only one reactant's conc. Changes. (Rate/Rate) = ([A]2​/[A]1​)
  • If Rate x2 when [A] x2 ⟹m=1 (1st order)
  • If Rate x4 when [A] x2 ⟹m=2 (2nd order)

Understanding English Clause Structures

Relative Clauses

• Adnominal Relative Clauses

  These clauses depend on and refer back to a noun. They can be restrictive (e.g., 'The house that I bought is small,' where 'that' functions as a direct object) or non-restrictive (e.g., 'John, who is my brother, is tall'). Their syntactic function is to modify the noun, acting as the antecedent.

• Nominal Relative Clauses

  These clauses have no explicit antecedent; the relative pronoun acts like a noun (e.g., 'What I bought was a house').

• Sentential Relative Clauses

  In these clauses, the antecedent is a whole clause, with the relative pronoun referring back to the entire preceding clause.

Complement Clauses

Complement clauses function as complements of larger constructions.... Continue reading "English Clause Types and Relativizer Dynamics in Singapore English" »

Introduction to Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Definition of CFD: CFD is the process of mathematically predicting physical fluid flow by solving the governing equations using computational power. Every CFD analysis uses a mathematical model and numerical method based on the Navier-Stokes (N-S) equations. Physical properties are calculated based on defined operating conditions.

Main objectives:

• Minimize the cost of the system
• Understanding and comprehension of the problem
• Improve behavior
• Reduce the time and cost of the design stage

3 Fundamental Principles:

1. Mass is conserved
2. F=m*a (Newton's 2nd Law)
3. Energy is conserved

Mass Conservation Principle: The rate of increase of mass in a fluid element equals the net rate of flow of mass into the fluid element.... Continue reading "CFD: Understanding Fluid Flow Through Computational Analysis" »

Understanding the distribution of sample means is crucial in statistics. Let's analyze two distinct scenarios.

MLB Player Salaries in 2012

In 2012, there were 855 major league baseball players. The mean salary was \(\mu = 3.44\) million dollars, with a standard deviation of \(\sigma = 4.70\) million dollars. We will examine random samples of size \(n = 50\) players to understand the distribution of their mean salaries.

Distribution of Sample Means

To describe the shape, center, and spread of the distribution of sample means, we apply the Central Limit Theorem (CLT). The CLT states that for sufficiently large sample sizes (typically \(n \ge 30\)), the sampling distribution of the sample mean will be approximately normal, irrespective of the population... Continue reading "MLB Player Salaries & Dark Chocolate's Vascular Health Impact" »

Understanding Virtualization

Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual (rather than physical) version of something, such as a server, storage device, network resource, or even an operating system. It allows multiple virtual instances to run on a single physical system, increasing efficiency and flexibility by abstracting hardware resources from software environments.

Types of Virtualization Technologies

• Server Virtualization: Dividing a physical server into multiple virtual servers, each with its own OS and applications. Example: Using hypervisors like VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, or KVM.
• Desktop Virtualization: Enables users to run a desktop environment from a centralized server. Example: Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), Citrix,

Threat Actors: Who Are the Attackers?

Threat Vectors: How Attacks Occur

When engaging with the work of others, writers must clearly signal their position regarding the claims being reported. These linguistic resources help establish alignment (agreement) or distance (disagreement/skepticism).

Neutral Projection Language

Neutral Verbal Projection

Used when simply reporting a claim without immediate judgment:

• claim
• propose
• suggest
• indicate
• argue

Neutral Mental Projection

Includes all mental verbs used neutrally (e.g., believe, think).

Resources for Aligning and Distancing

The Second Spanish Republic (1931–1939)

Proclaimed after King Alfonso XIII went into exile.

First president: Niceto Alcalá-Zamora; government led by Manuel Azaña.

Key reforms:

Education: More public, secular, and free schools; aimed to reduce illiteracy.

Church-State separation: Religion removed from schools (secularization).

Women’s rights: Women gained the right to vote in 1933.

Land reform: Attempt to redistribute land from large landowners to poor farmers—slow and controversial.

• Opposition: The Church, army, landowners, and right-wing groups opposed the reforms, increasing social tension.

Main Political Parties

Left-wing:

CNT: Anarchist; anti-state, pro-worker strikes.

PCE: Communist; inspired by the USSR, promoted proletarian dictatorship.... Continue reading "Understanding the Spanish Civil War: A Concise Analysis" »

Washback: Concept and Implications in Language Education

Definition

Washback (or backwash) is the effect that tests have on teaching and learning. It refers to how teachers change their teaching practices and students change their learning strategies in response to a test.

Types of Washback

• Positive Washback: Encourages beneficial practices (e.g., more communicative language teaching).
• Negative Washback: Leads to undesirable outcomes (e.g., teaching to the test, increased stress, ignoring untaught skills).

Who Washback Affects

• Teachers: May adapt content, methods, and assessment styles.
• Students: May focus on test strategies over communication.
• School Authorities: May make curriculum or resource decisions based on test results.
• Educational Systems: Can

.NET Framework and Its Core Components

The Microsoft .NET Framework is a comprehensive and consistent programming model developed by Microsoft for building applications with visually stunning user experiences, seamless and secure communication, and the ability to model a range of business processes. The .NET Framework is a software development platform used for building and running Windows applications. It provides a controlled programming environment where software can be developed, installed, and executed primarily on Windows-based operating systems.

Key Components of .NET Framework:

1. Common Language Runtime (CLR): The CLR is the execution engine for .NET applications. It provides core services such as:
   • Memory management (garbage collection)
   • Thread