Absorption spectroscopy and acetic acid

Absorption spectroscopy and acetic acid The absorbance of light, wavelength 632nm, was measured in an indicator solution at varying pH, and varying concentration, allowing for a Beer-Lambert plot to be constructed. This was then used to measure acetic acid uptake at the surface of deionised water and octan-1-ol coated water, allowing pH, and hence concentration, to be calculated from absorbance of the liquid. Introduction Surfactants are molecules which are able to form a surface across a liquid, and stop the interaction of foreign molecules with the solution without interacting with these molecules first. These are extremely useful since they often contain a hydrophobic and hydrophilic aspect, which interact differently to different molecules. Surfactants are used in the manufacture of paper, textiles and construction among others.[1] They are the main ingredient of detergents and they allow non-polar molecules to dissolve in polar molecules, such as oil into water. On the surface of the liquid, the surfactant will interact slightly differently. It will create a surface of hydrophobic tails. This will stop polar molecules from entering the liquid, since the liquid will appear to be a poor solution for the polar molecule to interact with. They also increase decrease tension of the liquid.[4] This barrier is expected to stop the acetic acid, used in part 3 of the experiment, interacting with the water solvent. If it does interact, the pH of the solution will lower due to acetic acids presence, and the indicator will show a change in colour. If no acetic acid enters the solution, no change should be observed or measured. Experimental Using de-ionised water, a reference light intensity was recorded. A 250ml solution (1) of 0.005% wt bromocresol green was then prepared, and absorbance was measured. 100ml was removed, and the pH adjusted using 0.1M sodium hydroxide and glacial acetic acid, and absorbance was noted at pHs between 3-6 at 0.3 increments. 50ml of remaining solution (1) was further diluted to solutions of 0.0025%, 0.00125%, 0.000625% and 0.0003125% concentration. Spectroscopic analysis of these concentrations was made, and a Beer Lambert graph plotted. A solution of unknown concentration was then spectroscopically analysed and its approximate concentration determined. This solution was then enclosed in a container with acetic acid, and spectroscopic readings taken every 30 seconds. This was repeated with fresh solution, with the addition of 0.2ml of octan-1-ol to the surface of the cuvette. Results The results for the pH change showed a curve, going from lower pH on the left to high pH on the right. This is a more quantifiable way of showing that as the Bromocresol turned blue at higher pH. This shows absorption toward the end of the spectrum of lower energy, (ie higher wavelength). So as pH increased, the absorbance of Bromocresol at 632nm increased too as it became blue. The next aspect of the experiment was to analyse how concentration affected the absorbance of Bromocresol green. As concentration of bromocresol green was altered, it was possible to draw a Beer-Lambert plot detailing how the absorption of the light changed with concentration of the Bromocresol Green. As would be expected, there is a straight line relationship between Bromocresol concentration and Absorbance except at higher concentrations, where the solution plateaus and becomes non-linear. Excluding this end point it is possible to derive the gradient, and hence the value of ?L. This was determined to be 36600. The Bromocresol solution of unknown concentration transmitted 0.222, making a LOG(Io/I) value of 0.67. Dividing this by the gradient gave the Bromocresol solution concentration to be 4.5710-6moldm-3. From this it is possible to determine the acidity of the solution using the Beer-Lambert plot as given above. Using an original pH, it is then possible to determine the concentration of the acetic acid on top of this, using simple equations associated with pKa and pH. From the information of Ka and pH, it is possible to calculate the concentration of acetic acid in the solvent. Error analysis Using error analysis and standard errors of instrumentation used, it is possible to construct the same graphs as above but with error bars. These are shown below. Discussion The calculations and graphs suggest that coating a solvent in octan-1-ol would encourage uptake of acetic acid, rather than inhibit it. This may be due to dimerzation or trimerzation of acetic acid (1) as it evaporates from the surface, making it more soluble in the partially polar octan-1-ol solution. Single carbon-oxygen bonds display less polarisation than carbonyl bonds do, and so it is likely that in this dimerised arrangement acetic acid more readily dissolved in the oil, in addition to acetic acid readily dissolving in organic solvents. Because of these reasons it readily crossed over from the relatively non-polar octanol to the polar water solvent, decreasing the pH of the Bromocresol containing solution in both the uncoated and octanol coated solutions. It is, however, most likely that the experiment was not successful. Alternative indicators, such as NH3, would have readily dissolved in water and increased the pH of the solution. It would also not have been able to dissolve in the octanol due to the higher polarity and availability of the nitrogen lone pair. Because of this it would have been a better indicator of the presence of a surfactant than acetic acid. Acknowledgements I would like to thank my demonstrators M. Azwani Mat Lazim and Miss Olesya Myakonkaya for their advice on the experiment. References R. J. Farn, Chemistry and Technology, Blackwell Publishing (2006) pp. 6. L. L. Schramm, Surfactants: fundamentals and applications in the petroleum industry, Cambridge University Press (2000) pp. 7. R. J. Farn, Chemistry and Technology, Blackwell Publishing (2006) pp. 6. K. S. Birdi, Handbook of surface and colloid chemistry, CRC Press (1997) pp. 338. P. Atkins, J. De Paulo, Atkins Physical Chemistry 8th Edition, Oxford Publishing (2006) pp. 432. P. M. S Monk, Physical chemistry: understanding our chemical world, John Wiley Sons (2004) pp. 225. V. H. Agreda, J. R. Zoeller, Acetic acid and its derivatives Volume 49 of Chemical industries, CRC Press (1993) pp. 96.

Essay on Picture of Dorian Gray: A Jungian Analysis :: Picture Dorian Gray Essays

   The Picture of Dorian Gray begins with Basil describing his fascination with Dorian, and ends with his masterpiece reverting to its original splendour. He describes his reaction to Dorian in these words: "When our eyes met, I felt I was growing pale. A curious sensation of terror came over me. I knew that I had come face to face with some one whose mere personality was so fascinating that, if I allowed it to do so, it would absorb my whole nature, my whole soul, my very art itself." (6) Such a reaction is not a reaction to another human being. It signals an intimation of something super-human. The word "fascinating" comes from fascinum, which means "spell." A fascination is caused by unconscious factors. It grips us; it holds us in its power; it acts upon us. The expression "face to face" suggests an image of a "god" -- cf. Jacob's experience at Peniel (Gen. 32.30) or Moses in the Tabernacle (Ex. 33.11). Dorian as both Dionysos and Apollo corresponds to both Jung's definitions of the Self: "a god-image in the psyche," and a "complexio oppositorum" (Vol. 9.ii; par. 73; also CW 11.283). For Jung held that a god-image must be a mixture of opposites "if it is to represent any kind of totality" (CW 13.289). According to Jung, the Self is an autonomous archetypal image, which symbolizes something towards which the individual is striving. An experience of the Self thus represents an intimation of a meaning which the individual has not yet assimilated. The individual's task is to integrate the meaning implicit in his or her particular experience, but not to identify with it, for this would signal psychological inflation. Basil lives only for his art (56). He is afraid of life, because it is capable of exerting an influence over him which he feels as threatening. He is afraid of Dorian, because Dorian personifies the Dionysian side of his own personality which he has repressed. Thus he needs Dorian, because only through Dorian can he feel that he is alive. The contrast between them is suggestive. Basil is fascinated by what he himself is not. The attributes which he finds so fascinating stand in "compensatory" relation to him. But, instead of seeing his fascination as symbolic of a need to develop the Dionysian side of his own personality, he seeks to perpetuate his experience through art.

Causes and Effect of Pollution in Our Environment Essay

INTRODUCTION This chapter presents the overview of the topic about the causes and effects of air pollution to our environment. The term air pollution is a mixture of natural and manmade substances in the air we breath such as fine particles produced by the burning of fossils fuel ground level ozone, which is a reactive form of oxygen that is a primary component of urban smog and noxious gases such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and chemical vapors. The health effects of air pollution have been reported in research studies over the past 30 years. These effects include respiratory diseases such as asthma, cardiovascular diseases changes in lung development in children. What pollutants affect air quality? A few air pollutants, called criteria air pollutants, are common throughout the United States. These pollutants can injure health, harm the environment and cause property damage. The current criteria pollutants are carbon monoxide, lead nitrogen oxide, ozone, particulate matter with aerodynamic size less than or equal to 10 micrometers, and sulfur dioxide. What are the causes of air pollution? There are many causes of air pollution examples of these are burning of plastics, vehicles, heavy factories and scattered garbage.  These research aims to give and share information and knowledge to the readers regarding to the topic. The purpose of conducting this research is to emphasize on how pollution affects are mankind and the environment. It will also help us to know more about pollution and how we can avoid and save our mother earth. And what are the causes and effects of air pollution. The objectives of these research is to understand the environment and its component to human life, it gives information about the cause and effects brought by the fast spreading of pollution, it also determine the sources of pollution. As the fast moving fluid medium in the environment the atmosphere has always been one of the convenient place to despise of unwanted materials. Ever  since we first used fire, the atmosphere has been a sink for waste disposal. Read more:  Essay About Haze CHAPTER II DISCUSSION I. INDOOR POLLUTION We have to spend a considerable of effort and money to control the major outdoor air pollutants but we have only recently become aware of the danger of indoor air pollutants. The EPA has formed that indoor concentration of toxic air pollutants are often higher than outdoor. Furthermore, people generally spend more time inside than out and therefore are exposed to higher closes of these pollutants. In some cases indoor air in home has chemical concentrations that would be illegal outside or when the workplace. Under some circumstances compounds and styrene can be seventy time higher indoor air than in outdoor in. II. POLLUTION CONTROL For dater stationary and mobile sources of air pollutants the most reasonable strategies for control have been to reduce, collect, capture or retain the pollutants before they enter the atmosphere. From an environmental view point, the reduction of emissions through energy efficiency and conservation measures, we disease pollutants control for selected air pollutants. A. POLLUTION CONTROL: PARTICULATES Particulates emitted from fugitive, point, or area stationary source are much easier to control than are the very small particulates of primary or secondary origin release from mobile sources, such as automobile. As you learn more about these very small particles, we will have to devise new methods to control them. Particulates from fugitive sources must be controlled or site so the wind does not blow them the atmosphere. Methods include protecting open areas controlling dust, and reducing the effects of wind. B. POLLUTION CONTROL: AUTOMOBILES Control the pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and hydro carbon in urban areas is but achieved through pollution control measures for  automobiles. Control of this material will also limit ozone formation in the lower atmosphere. Since ozone forms through reaction, with nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons in the presence of sunlight. Nitrogen oxides from automobile exhaust are controlled by recirculation exhaust gas diluting the air to fuel mixture being burned in the engine. Delusion reduces the temperatures of combustion and decrease the oxygen concentration in the burning mixtures, resulting in the production of fewer nitrogen oxides. Unfortunately the same process increase hydrocarbons emissions. Nevertheless, exhaust the circulation the reduce nitrogen oxide emissions has been common practice in the United States for more than 20 years. C. POLLUTION CONTROL: SULFUR DIOXIDE Sulfur dioxide emissions can be reducing through basic measures performed before, during or after combustion. Technology to clean up coal so it will burn more cleanly is already available. Although the cause of removing sulfur mix fuel more expensive, the expense must be balanced against the long term consequences of burning sulfur- rich coal. Changing from high- sulfur coal low sulfur coal seems solution to reducing emissions of sulfur dioxide. In some regions, this change will work. Unfortunately most low sulfur coal in the United States is located in the Western part of the country, whereas, must coal is burn in the east. Thus, transportation is an issues use of low- sulfur coal is a solutions only in cases where it is economically feasible. III. GENERAL EFFECTS OF AIR POLLUTION The effects of air pollution on vegetation are numerous. They include damage to leaf tissue, needles and fruit reduction in growth rates are sufficient of growth, increase susceptibility to a variety of diseases, pests, and adverse weather and disruption of reproductive processes. Air pollutants is a significant factor in the human death rate for many large cities, for example, it has been estimated that in Athens, Greece, the number of death is several times higher on days when the air is heavenly  polluted and in Hungary, where are pollution has been a serious problem in recent years. Air pollution effects many aspects of our environment its visual qualities, vegetation, animals, soils, water quality, natural and artificial structures and human health. Air pollutants affects the visual resources by discoloring the atmosphere and by reducing visual range and atmospheric clarity so that the visual contrast of distant objects is decrease. IV. CLEAN AIR LEGISLATION The clean air act amendments of 1990 are comprehensive revelations enacted by the U.S congress that address acid rain, toxic emissions, ozone depletion, and automobile exhaust. In dealing with acid deposition, the amendments established limits of the maximum permissible emissions 0f sulfur dioxide from utility companies for new coil. The 1990 amendments also call for reduction emission of nitrogen dioxide by approximately 2 million from the 1980 level. Greater reduction would be difficult because large amount of nitrogen oxide emissions are related to automobiles, rather than to coal burning power plants. The clean air amendments also deal with ozone depletion in the stratosphere. The goal is to end the production of all CFC and other chlorine chemicals and steps by 2030. Environmentalist can also purchase these permits to keep them from being bought by utility companies, forcing the utility companies to use more vigorous pollution abatement techno. Buying of permits by environmentalist however, has not been a major factor. An innovative aspect of the legislation is to provide incentives to utility companies to reduced emissions of sulfur dioxide by providing marketable permits that allow companies to buy and sell the right to pollute. VII. SOURCES AND CAUSES Motor vehicle emissions are one of the leading causes of air pollution. China, United States, Russia, Mexico, and Japan are the world leaders in air pollution emissions, however, Canada is the number 2 country ranked per capita. Principal stationary pollution sources include chemical plants, coal fired power plants, oil refineries petro chemical plants nuclear waste  disposal activity, incinerators, large livestock forms, PVC factories, metals production factories, plastics, and other heavy industry. Some of the more common soil contaminations are chlorinated hydrocarbons heavy metals, MTBE, zinc, arsenic, and benzene. Ordinary municipal landfills are the sources of many chemical substances entering the soil environment emanating from the wide variety of refuse accepted especially substances illegally discarded there, are from pre- 1970 landfills that may have been subject to little control in the U.S or EU. There have also been some unusual releases of poly chlorinated dibenzodioxins, commonly called dioxins for simplicity such as TCDD. Pollution can also be the consequences of a natural disaster. For example, hurricanes often involve water contamination from sewage, and petrochemical spills from ruptured boats or automobiles. Larger scale and environmental damage is not uncommon when coastal oil rings or refineries are involved. Some sources of pollution such as nuclear power plants or oil tankers can produce widespread and potentially hazardous releases when accidents occur. In the case of noise pollution dominant source class in the motor vehicles producing abut ninety percent of all unwanted noise worldwide. A. HUMAN HEALTH Adverse air quality can kill many organism including human. Ozone pollution can cause respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, threat inflammation, chest pain, and congestion. Water pollution causes approximately 14,000 deaths per day, mostly due to contamination of drinking water by untreated sewage in developing countries. Oil spiles can cause skin irritation and rashes, Noise pollution induces hearing loss, high blood pressure, stress, and sleep disturbance. B. ECOSYSTEMS Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen can cause acid rain which reduces the PH value of soil affect other organisms in the flood web. Smog and haze can reduce the amount of sunlight received by plants to carryout photosynthesis. Invasive species can out compete native species plants can contribute debris and biomlecules that can alter soil and chemical compositions of an  environment, often reducing native species competitiveness. Biomagnifications describes a situation where toxins may be pass through tropic levels, becoming exponentially more concentration in the process. C. OZONE Ozone is a gas. It can be good or bad depending on where it is â€Å"good† ozone occurs naturally about 10 to 30 miles above the earth surface. It shields us from the seems ultraviolet rays. Part of the god ozone layer is gone destroyed by manmade chemicals. Without enough god ozone, people may get too much ultraviolet radiation. This may increase the risk of skin cancer, cataracts and immune systems problems. â€Å"Bad† ozone is at ground level. It forms when pollutants from cars, factories, and other sources react chemically with sunlight. It is the main ingredient in smog. It is usually worst in the summer. Breathing lead ozone can be harmful causing throat irritation worsening of asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, and even permanent lung damage, if you are regularly exposed to it. VIII. OUTDOOR AIR POLLUTION: POSSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS What symptom does air pollution cause? Air pollution can irritate the eyes, throat and lungs. Burning eyes cough and chest tightness are common with exposure to high levels of air pollution.  Different people can react very differently to air pollution. Some people may notice chest tightness are cough, while others may not noticed any effects. Because exercise requires faster deeper breathing, it may increase the symptoms. People with heart disease such as angina or with lung disease asthma or emphysema may be very sensitive to air pollution exposure, and may notice symptoms when others do not. CHAPTER III CONCLUSION This chapter presents the discussion entitled the causes and effects of air pollution to our environment.  Air pollution discussed treats pollution as a result of the rapids rise of the human populations and one of the causes of changes of the environment  which usually being about destruction of biotech communities. The causes and effect of air pollution in our environment cannot be abolish if only the people abuse and neglect the significance of environment and the community.  So, I therefore conclude that the cause and effect of air pollution to our environment can avoided if we make proper used in the environment in the importance and cleanliness of this and needed of human life. In setting standards to protect public health from the effect of air pollutants the concept of their holds may not be useful because certain population groups are very sensitive and effects and detected even at low levels. To enable the development of effective risk reduction strategies based on qualitative and quantitative knowledge, further data analysis and more comprehensive monitoring is recommended. In addition to the pollutants discussed in this study, other aspects of air pollution should also be addressed in the development of air pollution policy in Europe. These include air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, persistent organic pollutants, certain metals, certain volatile organic compounds, and nitrogen trichloride. The combined effects of the urban air pollution mix also an important issue that remains unresolved. BIBLIOGRAPHY Bolkin B. Principle of Environment Science Inquiry and Application 2nd Ed. Boston: mc Graw-Hill 2004 Cunningham M. Environmental Science Earth as a Living Planet. John Wiley and Sons. Inc. 2005 James S. Earth Science; World Worth, Publication Co. C1998 Kurt F. Annual Edition: Social Problem; Mc Graw- Hill/ Duskin C2003 Oledan T. The Case for Pollution Prevention, Environment and the Law. Vol. VI No. 9 March 2007 Saspa J.P. Environment. Poison in the Air Free Press Vol. XCIV No. 3 January 18,2002 Schaeter T. Sociology -9th Ed. Boston; Mc Graw –Hill Int’l. C2005 Smitch L. Environmental Geology – 6th Ed. Boston: Mc Graw – Hill C2003 Soriano L. Save Mother Earth. Environmental Science Manila: Phoenix Publication: C1995 Thomas M. Elements of Ecology -14th Ed. Addition Wesley Longman Inc. C2002

The Rise of Jeffersonian Democracy essays

The Rise of Jeffersonian Democracy essays Though the American War of Independence had simmered and officially ended by the turn of the eighteenth century, another revolution was rising within the United States. Immediately following the Treaty of Paris was an era of political upheaval in the states. Stability was in sight after the formation of the Federalist Party. However, conflicting views were rampant in the new republic, mainly in the opposing political party of Jeffersonians. These political views gained more and momentum until the Revolution of 1800, where the entire system of government was changed in a peaceful movement. Thus, the first three decades of the United States marked a period of instability and inner struggles. Following the expulsion of British politics in America came confusion regarding the new United States government. After the Articles of Confederation were drafted, the United States became a confederation of thirteen states with a weak central government. However, a group of people, led by Alexander Hamilton, proposed re-writing the political order of the country. They advocated a federal government, with a strong central nucleus. This group of advocators became known as the federalists, with policies similar to the Tories of Great Britain. As a result, the Constitution of the United States was drafted and ratified by the necessary amount of states. The first president, George Washington, was greatly influenced by Federalist Hamilton. Following the Whiskey Rebellion, George Washington sent a militia out to silence these radicals. This increased his power and the power of the federal government dramatically. Also, the Bill of Rights was established, giving the common man m any essentials rights. In addition to these, the tenth amendment allowed states some power over issues that the central government did not control. However, some states wanted more sovereignty over the central government. This group of people advocated...

Descriptive Piece Essays - Free Essays

Childhood Memory/ Descriptive Piece Essays - Free Essays Childhood Memory/ Descriptive Piece Every fortnight I was faced with the taunting experience of retrieving the eggs and every fortnight the task became more and more daring. Each morning at Nonis (grandmother) house a war between the chickens and I emerged from the normally silent yard, a war that separated all good from the world and emphasized death, destruction and danger. Every morning at Nonis house the boy that I was turned into a manly structure, ready for battle. The sun beamed through the old wooden shutters as the light splashed across his dormant eyes, beckoning him to awaken and absorb the early morning warmth. Each ray of light produced a comforting sensation persuading the boy to emerge from his overnight coma and venture out beneath the newborn sun. The warmth soon turned to a chill as a noise from the far corner of the backyard seized everything that was pleasant. The chicken sounds were calling him, reminding him of his duty..tempting him. Awakening very slowly the boy began to prepare himself for battle, just the way his grandfather had told of his experiences. The boy began to prepare himself both physically and mentall, knowing that one mistake could be the difference between failure and success. The young boy was ready and the beast that lived inside of him was to be exposed to a morning of frightful duties. The young boy was now the beast and the beast was the young boy and with the two minds combined a war was about to begin. He marched with enormous confidence until he reached the large back door that was the gateway to either treasures or torment. A fear inside him was released as he opened the door and proceeded with his mission to recover the prized treasure. He had all senses alert and functioning, ready for any enemy attack from the large, distrustful chickens. His knees and elbows slid along the wet dew of the morning grass like a snake carefully maneuvering its body, hiding from any danger. In front of him was a large cluster of grapevines that blocked any vision or path towards the enemies' barracks. There was no way around the large tangled knot, as this method would expose his route of attack to the enemy. Having no other option the cunning boy had no choice but to go through the vines. His body becoming a large grapevine, ducking and weaving through the tangled domain. The vines did not appreciate his presence and every meter he gained a new gash tore open the bare skin on his legs. He sensed the pressure build as he reached the forefront of the enemy barracks. Before him was a large rusted structure which foreshadowed any positive aspects which had arisen from the attack. The enemy headquarters oozed with a vibe of danger and evil. He decided not to turn back and thus moved onwards. His mission was established and all his knowledge and expertise was then crafted into an attempt to conquer what was rightfully his. He slowly invaded the enemy fortress that was covered by a wide expanse of rust and debree. Slowly and quietly he maneuvered his way around the shed, carefully he did not to make any sudden movements or sounds so as to alert the enemy. He held his position momentarily and observed if there was any movement evident inside the enemy fortress. He stalked the enemy and he felt the enemy stalking him. He then reached the opening of the fortress. A large corrugated iron door separated the young boy from victory and this large barrier to entry was an unexpected obstacle and delay. The door was so big that the latch to grant access into the disgusting pit was not accessible. His plans were disrupted and so he used all of his knowledge to overcome this unexpected occurrence. There wasn't into the fortress and this small dilemma began to be extremely costly time-wise. Due to this loss in time my enemy slowly began to gain advantage over me and I knew that I had to act quickly in order to save my mission. In the far bottom corner of the shed I could see a small opening. Obviously my

Investigation and Analysis of Technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Investigation and Analysis of Technology - Essay Example The practise of using social media platforms for various purposes has increased with time. Social media platforms have become avenues for social communication and interaction. In fact, socialisation has increased tremendously as more people become connected to the internet. Facebook, Online gaming, and Twitter are considered the most widely used social media platforms. Millions of people across the world spend considerable time on social platforms interacting in different contexts. Making friends has been reduced to a click of a button. Using social media makes it possible to communicate and share information to many people simultaneously. Additionally, it makes it easy to follow news updates, emerging issues and interact with the world with ease. Online gaming such as Sony PlayStation Network (PSN) offers an entertainment and recreational platform. Twitter on the other hand offers a platform for quick and instant sharing of real time information for socialisation and other contexts as well (Ryan 2-4; Smith 6-7; Christakis and Fowler Web). However, the practice of overwhelming dependency on social media raises alarm as reality sets in. For instance, natural socialisation where people meet face-to-face has been greatly hampered. Overuse of Facebook as a social platform has greatly hampered natural socialisation. ... ent experienced when interacting naturally is evidently missing when social media platforms are used for interaction (Smith 15-17; Christakis and Fowler). Online gamers have been signalled for neglecting their human instincts as they become increasingly addicted to online games. Korea is one of the countries with high number of online gamers. Incidences have been reported whereby, a mother supposedly let her child die of hunger as she was busy feeding an online child. Another person shot his mother when she interrupted his online game and actually stole her credit card to purchase more gaming time. Another child fell on a rail track when playing video game while walking (Smith 1-3). The greatest trade-off, however, is compromise on health. Cases of obesity, overweight and sedentary lifestyles have been greatly attributed to overwhelming use of social media platforms. For instance, many people spend countless hours chatting on Facebook without considering the health implications. Lack of exercise becomes a predisposing factor to so many diseases and health conditions. The situation is even worsened by the fact that many people use social medial platforms for recreation after spending much time sitting in office chairs. Ideally, increased used of social networking has resulted in increased health problems (Ryan 7-11; (Christakis and Fowler Web). For this essay, I interviewed a few of my friends who are of my age. Additionally, interviewed two of my neighbours, who are about 50 years to see what they think of social networking. It was disturbing to see the difference in opinions between these two groups. My friends felt that social networking was the best thing that ever happened to them. According to one of my friends, â€Å"I can have as many identities as possible without

Professional Development Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Professional Development Analysis - Assignment Example It may range from designing, manufacturing and testing of mechanical engines, turbines or other devices to their maintenance and overhaul. The choice of professional development pathway is crucial because the choices in this regard are often irreversible. It is a make or break decision which may pave the way of all future successes or may cause irreparable loses. An early and correct decision is therefore of core importance for all engineering student. They have to weigh various aspects of their personal tendencies and professional trends to strike a balance somewhere which can prove fruitful in the long run. As discussed above the variety of mechanical engineering branches and fast pace advancements in the field can make the choice of a professional track quite difficult and it may require extra bit of knowledge and a methodical approach to arrive at a correct decision. Various techniques and methods that I have employed to make it a correct decision include SWOT analysis, Time Mana gement skills, and use of Spider diagram. It is important to understand that all these methods are simply a way to provide a big and clear picture of main objective and how to approach it. 2. SWOT Analysis SWOT is an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. The term was first introduced by Albert Humphrey at Stanford University in 1960s and 1970s. (Marquis, 2009, p. 143). SWOT analysis is the a common tool used in strategic planning, specially it is a preferred professional development planning tool because it takes care of both, the internal and external factors that may affect a strategic plan. Strengths and Weaknesses are personal or internal characteristics that may hamper or assist the final outcome of strategic goal whereas opportunities and threats are the external factors accountable for the success or failure of a strategic plan. In SWOT analysis these factors are analyzed to determine the probability of success for a specific achievement. SWOT analysis can impact the strategic plan for the professional development if personal strengths and weaknesses are analyzed realistically and rationally. The individual has to be honest in assessing his own weakness because a wrong assessment would result in future failure. This might also provide a chance to correct the personal shortcomings and to overcome the weaknesses overlook in past. However, it is important to understand that SWOT is a subjective analysis and everybody has different strengths and weakness moreover, everybody does not come across same opportunities and threats. a) Goal Definition The selection of an ultimate objective as the purpose of strategic plan is the first step in SWOT analysis. This defines the final goal to be achieved using the strengths and opportunities while avoiding the threats and weaknesses. In mechanical engineering defining this final state is a bit difficult due to versatility of the subject and branches it assumes. I have a determined objective of b ecoming an aeronautical engineer, a branch of mechanical engineering deals with designs, simulations, manufacturing and maintenance of flying machines which may include airships and fighter plans. I have planned to do masters in aerospace engineering on completion of graduation and later on a doctorate in the same discipline will further bring me nearer to my professional career. b)