Langston Hughes Essay Example for Free

Langston Hughes Essay Langston Hughes had become one of the most resounding names in American Literature. Of course, the primary reason for his success would be his adept use of words and the message he wants to convey. However, his racial profile could have also come into play in his popularity. But no one could deny the talent of Hughes in his work. His works display intricate design and a significant message such as on â€Å"Salvation. † Langston Hughes had become one of the best known writers because the messages that he wants to convey are of great value to the society, particularly the value of being proud of one’s race. He was born into a relatively large family wherein he had eight siblings. His parents had separated and he had to be taken in by his grandmother. Unfortunately, his grandmother died and again he had to be taken in by family friends. This unstable custody of Langston Hughes could direct us to the assumption that he did not live a happy childhood. Although, it could also lead us to the assumption that his unstable childhood had profoundly influenced him to be writer later in life. At a very young age, Langston Hughes was seemingly being trained unknowingly by the people around. As a child, he used to listen to the black American oral tradition of storytelling. His young mind was inculcated with the value of race to an individual. As the young Langston Hughes develops consciousness about the things that are happening around him, he is introduced to the bitter realities of life. During Hughes’ time, racism is a prevalent problem of the society. This aspect of his biography is one of the most likely reason why Langston Hughes had become a writer. His passion to fight racism is one of the main driving force of his writings. His first poem was titled â€Å"Crisis†, which was published in 1921. The concept of salvation had captivated the mind of Langston Hughes. And in relation to his writing, he may have wanted to convey how people like him, who experiences racism, experience real salvation. His works seemingly suggests that salvation could be found from within one’s self. His messages for the young people are seemingly a call for being saved from the oppression set against them by the society. If Langston Hughes did not become a writer, it is likely that he would have become a full time activist against racial discrimination. His concern for the society, especially for Black Americans is something that even he could not dismiss easily. One of his best known work is on the poem â€Å"The Negro Speaks of Rivers. † From the title alone, the readers are already hinted that this poem would be about race, as hinted by the term â€Å"Negro. Although there could be multiple readings about the poem, the point is that it is a beautiful poem. Hughes may have wanted to tell the world that Black Americans are just as good as any race in terms of poetry. The poem is like Hughes’ statement that dares racists to say to question if Black Americans could write beautiful poems. All in all, Langston Hughes had become of the best known writers because he had become the voice for the underrepresented black community. In many respects, he had introduced the black community to the world.

Online Learning V.S Traditional Classroom Learning Essay Example for Free

Online Learning V.S Traditional Classroom Learning Essay I think whether it is online learning or traditional class learning both should be taken into consideration when planning to further education. I personally did not consider the facts when I decided to further my education. I had started out in a traditional classroom but soon after realized it was not the right choice. It was hard to fully apply myself when I was attending a traditional classroom because I was a working wife and mother. Online learning and traditional learning will show that both of these are great options depending on who the student may be and which educational program the student has chosen. Online learning and traditional learning each have their merits and faults. Online degrees have become a perfect option for individuals who may not be able to enroll in a traditional classroom. When you compare the two learning classes, the biggest difference is that students studying online have the flexibility to attend classes at their own pace and time. In a campus-based classroom they require that students attend class a certain number of times every week, at specific times. Traditional class learning may not be the option for people who have children or work long hours. Learning online would be a better option for these people because they can make their own schedule for when they will attend class. Both online and traditional classes give students the opportunity to interact with other students and their professors. With a traditional classroom you can interact with students and professors face -to -face. In online learning there is no face- to -face interaction with classmates or instructors. Online learning interaction can consist of chat rooms, e-mail, main forums, and over the telephone. Traditional class students have a better advantage of understanding the materials because they can have that one –on- one time with the instructor face- to -face. It may be a little harder for online students to grasp the materials because they do not have that face- to -face interaction. Online learning and traditional class learning work assignments are similar and different in their own ways. In both online and traditional learning classes you still have assignments that have to be completed by a certain time. In the traditional class your assignments are done on paper and with online learning you have to submit your assignments on the computer. Also with traditional class learning one has the opportunity to present in front of their classmates, while online students do not have that option. They are only able to present their presentations to the instructors. In both classes you still have homework and you have to participate in class. Online learning requires you to participate and attend class a certain number of times but there is no specific times or days. They have the option to decide when that will be but with traditional class you have to attend class every day you are scheduled and participate every day. Earning a degree at a traditional college can be very expensive but obtaining a online degree can be a lot less expensive for students. Exceptionally less, but they offer students the same loan and grant benefits offered at a traditional college. Online schools and traditional schools offer the same financial aid packages. Students who attend a traditional class usually have to pay traveling cost and living cost. Online learning students do not have to pay these extra costs because they are learning from home and that requires no traveling. Also with online schools you do not have to pay for facilities like residence halls, dining halls, gyms and libraries. Most provide access to virtual libraries and some even have partnerships with local facilities. There are many similarities and differences between online learning and traditional class learning. The facts show that both are great options to consider, depending upon the person and his or her day- to- day schedule. One method to determine how well online learning and traditional class learning might work for you is to consider the benefits and disadvantages of both. Researching and planning ahead can help a person in deciding which would better fit his or her needs. I have found online learning to better fit my needs because I can make my own schedule concerning attending class. I am a mother and wife so I have many responsibilities and this option gives me time to take care of my household while still being able to obtain a degree at my own pace. Do the research to see which one is the right option for you at this time in your life. Most people think that their decision to go to college only affects them but it affects your family also. You have to still be able to do for your family and handle your business at home. I also suggest if you are attending a traditional college and it seems to be too overwhelming for you at times you should really consider trying the online learning. Becoming successful in life depends on the choices you make throughout life, whether they be good or bad choices. So choose wisely which learning class be it online learning or traditional learning is right for you and your family.

Leadership in project management.

Leadership in project management. 1: Introduction: Project Management is increasingly becoming an essential element in every organization due to the increase in the need for responding to the changes in the business environment with stiff competition as argued by K. G. Lockyer (2005). This is mainly because of the fact that an organization through the deployment of projects can easily respond to the competition and quickly accomplish the target to achieve competitive advantage in its area of business. Apparently this increases the need for an efficient Project Manager who not only has efficient project management skills but mainly effective leadership skills to lead the team comprising the project to accomplish the set tasks. In this essay the leadership essentials for a Project Manager are critically evaluated with examples in order to create profound understanding among the readers on the need for leadership and its effectiveness in Project Management. 2.0: Leadership in Project Management A project as defined by K. G. Lockyer (2005) has a specific time frame with defined start and end points and is expected to achieve an agreed set of targets with the deployment of resources both men and materials. This makes it clear that the project management not only requires efficient project manager but mainly an efficient project leader who can lead the team effectively. K. G. Lockyer (2005) further argues that the defined duration of the projects which by its very nature makes the project life cycle comparatively over a short period of time to the organization’s overall business process makes it clear that the leadership within a project management environment should not only be spontaneous but mainly focused towards the project and motivate the members of the team to achieve the targets within the agreed framework. The major traits for effective leadership in a project management environment expected out of a project manager are Motivation: Derek Torrington and Laura Hall (2001) argue that the motivation is a critical factor for the success of any projects irrespective of the size of investment. This is mainly because of the fact that the project in itself is of a defined duration and within this time frame the co-ordination and management of people with various skills at one place to achieve a common goal requires the project manager to motivate the members continuously. Alongside, it is also interesting to note that in case of projects, the personnel involved who work for the project manager possess measurable experience and have exceptional skills in their field of expertise. Hence motivation in this case is not the interest to work but to create a feeling of responsibility among the team members in order to encourage them to achieve the goals of the project. Jill Goski et al (2002) argues that the project manager will not only face the issue of motivating a team of highly skilled personnel but above all to enable th em work together towards the goal of the project where the issues of power and equity will sprout without having effective motivation skills by the project manager. The success of the Eden project in the UK to provide a variety of enlightening elements to the visitors in order to increase the visitors and raise funds for the Eden charity is a classical example for the success of motivation based leadership of the project managers in the project. Performance Appraisal Performance is an essential element to motivate the staff members in a project as argued by Gail Blackstone (2003). From the case study it is clear that the project involves the use of skilled architects whose performance in the project is the key element for the successful completion of the project itself. This makes it clear that in order to effectively motivate the architects it is essential to conduct regular performance review on a periodical basis by the project manager, which should reflect upon their contribution to the project and add value to their overall performance. Derek Torrington and Laura Hall (2001) further argue that the performance review is not only essential for the overall performance of an organization but for each individual segment of the organization especially the projects under progress within the organization. Hence not only the project manager should conduct performance review within the project but provide constructive review to the personnel embracing both the project goals and the organization’s vision. This makes it clear that he performance appraisal within the project management is not only necessary to motivate the personnel within the project but also to contribute to the overall success of the organization. Resource Allocation and management Bennet F. Lawrence (2003) argues that the project managers especially involved in the construction business should consider resource allocation as part of their leadership skills. This is because of the fact that due to the defined life cycle of a project, the resources deployed within the project should not only be accurate but also provide ample support to accomplish the goals of the project. The fact that the project treats the human resource as a refreshable resource (i.e.) a resource that can be shuffled and reshuffled within the project teams as per the requirement makes it clear that the leadership is essential in terms of resource allocation in order to effectively allocate the human resource without the issues of discrimination and de-motivation. This is mainly because of the fact that the frequent changes, which are integral to any project, could affect the nature of work of the people involved in the project, which sometimes may not be appreciated by the members. In order to overcome this issue of resource allocation and establish smooth transition of human resource within the project, it is thus essential for the project manager to effectively lead the members of the team. From the case study it is also clear that the allocation of the architects itself is considered as resource allocation which justifies the above arguments on leadership for resource allocation. Apart from the human resource factor, another major element of the resource allocation from a leadership perspective is the fact that the project when utilising common resources, it is the duty of the project manager to provide effective resource allocation that balances the sharing of resources as well as increases the effectiveness of the project. Furthermore, the fact that the resource allocation should not introduce conflict of interest among the members and also maintain optimum usage of the resources makes it clear that the leadership skills are essential in this area of management for the project manager on top of efficient planning and implementation. Planning Planning is an integral part of any project as argued by K. G. Lockyer (2005) who says that the project leadership embraces the effective planning. This is because, planning is essential not only to efficiently manage the project but also execute the stages of the project efficiently using the resources and the work force available. The fact that the transition of the project from one stage to another is possible only through the effective leadership of the project manager to identify the appropriate personnel for performing a specific role in a given stage and also effectively manage the transition of the leadership and power between leaders of the teams within the project, makes it clear that the planning and control of the plan is an essential leadership factor that should be possessed by the project manager. It is further interesting to note that in an organizational scenario, the term planning is mainly used different from leadership whilst in a project management scenario plann ing embraces leadership. This makes it clear that the planning and control of the plan is not only essential to effectively lead the project members but also deploy the optimum use of the resources within the project itself thus eliminating the wastage of resources. The increase in the use of parallel process and serial process techniques through the Gant charts further makes it clear that the effective planning is an essential leadership quality in order o effectively manage the processes and co-ordinate them together at appropriate points. 3: Conclusion and Recommendations From the above arguments it is clear that the leadership in the project management scenario requires the management tactics to embrace the leadership skills of the project manager. It is also established that the leadership within the project management environment is different to the trivial management environment since the changes accompanied in the project management environment is at a faster rate than in the traditional organization scenario. Hence it is recommended that the leadership in a project management scenario should be treated different to the traditional leadership training and that the managers are provided with the ample support to effectively lead their team to achieve the agreed target for the project. References: Books: Bennet F. Lawrence (2003), The management of construction : a project life cycle approach , UK: Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann Derek Torrington and Laura Hall (2001), Personnel Management HRM in Action, UK: Prentice Financial times Journals Gail Blackstone (2003), Performance Management in Project Management, UK: Journal of Personnel Management Goski et al (2002), A Model of Leadership Development, Public Personnel Management, Winter2002, Vol. 31 Issue 4, p517, 6p; (AN 9004393) K. G. Lockyer, (2005), Project management and project network techniques, UK: Prentice Hall Financial Times URL(s) http://www.edenproject.com/

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Essay: Importance of the Nighttime Forest

A Midsummer Night's Dream: The Importance of the Nighttime Forest  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night's Dream the dark forest is the center of the world, relegating Athens, center of the civilized Greek world, to the periphery. Day gives way to night, and mortal rulers leave the stage to be replaced by fairies. The special properties of night in a forest make it the perfect setting for the four lovers to set out on a project of self-discovery. Shakespeare implies that in darkness, reliance on senses other than eyesight leads to true seeing. In A Midsummer Night's Dream, the nighttime forest, by disrupting and transforming vision, forces introspection and improvisation that help the four lovers on their way to self-understanding. The darkness of the night setting seems particularly important in a play (and a culture) where the language of love relies so heavily on sight imagery. Fairy magic literalizes the connection between love and sight: appropriately, Oberon's love juice is applied to the eyes. In the language of the play, to look on or at someone is the most common metonymic expression for falling in love with a new person, or for spending time with the one you already love. Lysander steels himself and Hermia against the trial of separation with a call to "starve our sight / From lover's food till morrow deep midnight" (1.1, ll. 221-2). Vision and hunger together become the elements of Lysander's metaphor about lovers and separation; to see is to be with, and a lover's company is elevated in importance to the need for food and drink. But Hermia and Lysander are not going to see each other by the light of day. The scant light of midnight-midnight, when dawn and dusk are both equally far off-will provide a ll... ..." which connotes shallow feeling (Garber 10/13); the word "dote" is instead reserved for description of his former feelings about Hermia (4.1 ll. 163-73). His feelings for Hermia are the ones that have metaphorically been snuffed out by the dawn, "melted as the snow" before the sun (4.1 l. 163). What began in night as magic, as introspection and improvisation, has in daylight solidified into deep feeling. Although he speaks of Helena being "the object and pleasure" of his eye, the visual metaphor is accompanied by a proclamation of the faith and virtue of his heart's devotion (4.1 ll. 166-7). Introspection allows keener observation; new ways of looking enrich more ordinary types of sight. Night teaches the four lovers how to see more clearly during the day. Works Cited: Shakespeare, William. A Midsummer Night's Dream. New York: Washington Square Press, 1993.

Fashion and Semiotics Essay -- Sociology Semiology Symbolism

Ever since their invention many centuries ago, clothes have been used as a way of communicating. The message communicated relies on a number of factors including the social background of both the communicator and the receiver, and the context in which the message is communicated. Although at times the exact message or symbolism one is trying to portray may not be clear, it is evident that clothing has long been embraced as one of the best ways to project one’s desired personal image to those around them. For many centuries clothing was used namely as a form of symbolising one’s ascribed class and social honour. A good example of this was evident in Feudal European times when sumptuary laws were created in order to regulate and specify the clothing that could be worn by certain classes. In 1463 Edward IV went so far as to ‘[declare] that purple silk was to be the prerogative of the aristocracy’ (Finkelstein 1991, pg. 137). As purple dye and silk were both very expensive and sought after this declaration demonstrated quite simply that those who were in possession of such materials should command respect and were of high social standing. Eventually these laws were abolished as, instead of ‘confining people to their designated rank, the laws provoked an intense interest in fashion and a desire to transgress the codes, both in the process of prestigious emulation and as an act of rebellion’ (Craik, 1994, pg. 205). This abolition allowed groups and individu als to establish their own chosen style or ‘marker’ in order to indicate their place within society. By allowing such freedom, ascribed social status gave way to that which was achieved. This not only meant that many more people were able to engage in the ever-expanding culture of ‘Haute couture’ but also that honour was no longer perceived as a birth right but rather as something that could to be obtained. Such a shift in symbolism provided a way for those of not so noble a birth to portray themselves as the latter through a variety of means such as renting or stealing clothes and buying counterfeit copies (a common occurrence in today’s society also). In the late 18th century the Industrial Revolution occurred causing a huge shift in the ways in which clothing was produced and subsequently altering the ways in which clothing was perceived. For decades preceding industrialisation men and women of high so... ...o contextual influences and past experiences. Therefore it is almost impossible to pre-empt the ways in which others will perceive you. Over time ideas will change and therefore alter the ways in which we look back on past clothing choices. Whilst symbolism in fashion may no longer be subject to laws as it was in the 14th century or defined by strict social rules in the 17th century, the clothes we wear are still today subject to imposed social ideals. Apart from distinguishing one status group from another, a style of dress may also aid group cohesiveness, provide the individual with an identity and a feeling of belonging, and communicate the wearer’s attitudes and interests. The ways in which we interpret others and present ourselves for interpretation is the only true way that we can be individual. Symbolism in clothing may not seem as obvious or important nowadays as it was in times of extreme social bigotry, but it is still highly prevalent and has remained one of the most effective ways to project our desired image to those around us. ‘The state of a person’s clothes is synonymous with self respect and is a sign of responsibility’ (www. Pemberley.com/janeinfo/vebleis7.html)

Chesnutt’s Evolving Treatment of the Color Line Through Naturalism Essa

Chesnutt’s Evolving Treatment of the Color Line Through Naturalism in â€Å"A Matter of Principle† and The House Behind the Cedar’s Charles W. Chesnutt, a well-educated mulatto man, lived his life on ‘the color line.’ Chesnutt’s skin was very light and was sometimes mistaken for a white man. Chesnutt chose to identify himself as a black man, but in his works, his characters move back and forth across the color line and struggle with the world they exist in. The Wife of His Youth and Other Stories of the Color Line was published one year before The House Behind the Cedars and included the short story, â€Å"A Matter of Principle,† where Chesnutt clearly begins to explore what options are available to a mulatto man and his family, which will later evolve in Cedars. Chesnutt incorporates his philosophy of literary naturalism to show John Walden, Rena, and Mr. Clayton in relation to their surroundings and as governed by their instincts, passions, heredity and environment. The physical nature of a person carried great weight in the South. Both John Walden and Cicero Clayton are very light mulatto men with good educations, wealth, and clear ideas about how the world should work, mostly in their favor. The South Carolina society in which they exist considers the men black, despite their outer appearance and treats them as such. This treatment is often base and degrading causing the men to feel that they have been harmed by the small amount of black blood coursing in their veins. The reader is told that as a young boy, John Walden thinks that â€Å"the mirror proved that God, the Father of all, had made him white†¦having made him white, He must have meant him to be white† (The House Behind the Cedars 107) . The stories reveal John and Clayton’s u... ...erican Literature." Literary Movements. (Updated 02/22/03). (Accessed 12/08/03). <http://www.gonzaga.edu/faculty/campbell/enl413/natural.htm>. Chesnutt, Charles W. â€Å"A Matter of Principle.† The Wife of His Youth and Other Stories of the Color Line. NC: U of NC at Chapel Hill Electronic Edition, 1997. Chesnutt, Charles W. The House Behind the Cedars. NY: Penguin, 1993. Chesnutt, Charles W. â€Å"Letter to George Washington Cable.† 25, July 1890. â€Å"To Be an Author.† Eds. Joseph R. McElrath, Jr., and Robert C. Leitz, III. NJ: Princeton UP, 1997. Duncan, Charles. The Absent Man: The Narratives of Charles W. Chesnutt. Athens: Ohio UP, 1998. Works Consulted Keller, Frances Richardson. An American Crusade: The Life of Charles Waddell Chesnutt. Utah: BYU P, 1978. Wonham, Henry B. Charles W. Chesnutt: A Study of the Short Fiction. NY: Twayne Publishers, 1998.

Chemistry Form 4 Essay

INTRODUCTION All the objects that exist around us are made up of chemical substances. These objects exist an element, compound or mixture. All these objects contribute benefit to human kind. As time goes on, human has done many researches to ensure all these chemical substances will be enough for the use of themselves. Chapter 9 of Form 4 syllabus introduces the students with manufactured substances in industry. This is important for the students to appreciate the knowledge of chemistry that is still new for themselves. Personally, I think that this chapter is an interesting chapter as it revealed the way of scientist produces the material around me. It also gives me new knowledges of the uses of chemical substances that I usually found in the laboratories. I hope, by learning this chapter, I will be more interested in learning chemistry as it will help me in the future. All the equations from this chapter make me more understand of the previous chapters. OBJECTIVES * Understand the manufacture of sulphuric acid. * Synthesise the manufacture of ammonia and its salts. * Understand alloys. * Evaluate the uses of synthetic polymer. * Apply the uses of glass and ceramics. * Evaluate the uses of composite materials. * Appreciate various synthetic industrial materials. ALLOYS ARRANGEMENT OF ATOMS IN PURE METAL * Pure metal is soft and not very strong. * Atoms of pure metals have similar size and shape and are arranged closely but there is still space between the atoms. * When force is applied to pure metals, the atoms slide along one another easily. * This property causes pure metal to be ductile, that is, it can be stretched into a wire. * When knocked or hammered, metal atoms slide along one another to fill spaces between the metal atoms. * This property causes pure metal to be malleable, that is, it can be knocked or pressed into various desired shapes. MEANING OF ALLOYS * An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals mixed in a certain percentage. OR * An alloy is a substance formed from a mixture of metal and other elements. OR * An alloy is a solid solution that contains at least one metal. Most often an alloy will contain only two or more metals, but some alloys contain one or more metals along with a non-metal. * A foreign atom (impurity atom) may be atoms of other metals or non-metals such as carbon and silicon. * The process of mixing atoms of impurities with atoms of pure metal by melting is called alloying. PURPOSES OF MAKING ALLOYS Alloys are made to * Increase the strength and hardness of the metal * Prevent corrosion of the metal * Improve the appearance of the metal so that it is more attractive. ALLOY| PURE METAL ATOM| MAIN FOREIGN ATOM| STEEL| 99% IRON| 1% CARBON| STAINLESS STEEL| 74% IRON| 18% CHROMIUM,8% CARBON| BRONZE| 90% COPPER| 10% TIN| BRASS| 70% COPPER| 30% ZINC| PEWTER| 97% TIN| 2% COPPER1% ANTIMONY| DURALUMIN| 93% ALUMINIUM| 3% COPPER3% MAGNESIUM1% MANGANESE| COPPER NICKEL| 75% COPPER| 25% NICKEL| ARRANGEMENT OF ATOMS IN ALLOYS * Impurity atoms which are mixed may be larger or smaller than atoms of pure metal. * Impurity atoms fill the empy spaces between the atoms in pure metal. * Impurity atoms can prevent the layers of metal atoms from sliding along one another easily. * Due to this, an alloy is harder, stronger, less ductile and less malleable than its pure metal. EXPERIMENT TO COMPARE THE HARDNESS OF AN ALLOY AND A PURE METAL EXPERIMENT TO COMPARE RATE OF RUSTING BETWEEN IRON, STEEL & STAINLESS STEEL SOME EXAMPLES OF ALLOYS, ITS COMPOSITION, PROPERTIES AND ITS USES ALLOYS| COMPOSITION| PROPERTIES| USES OF ALLOYS| CARBON STEEL| 99% IRON1% CARBON| HARDSTRONG| * FRAMEWORK OF BUILDINGS & BRIDGES * FRAMEWORK OF HEAVY MACHINERY & BODY OF VEHICLES| STAINLESS STEEL| 74% IRON18% CHROMIUM8% NICKEL| SHINYSTRONGRESIST RUSTING| * MAKING CUTTLERY & KITCHEN WARE| MAGNALIUM| 70% ALUMINIUM30% MAGNESIUM| LIGHTHARDSTRONG| * MAKING AIRCRAFTS| PEWTER| 97% TIN3% COPPER, ANTIMONY| LUSTROUSSTRONG| * MAKING MUGS, CANDLE STICK & SOUVENIERS| SOLDER| 50% TIN50% LEAD| HARDSHINYLOW MELTING POINT| * MAKING OF SOLDER FOR ELECTRICAL WIRES| CUPRO-NICKEL| COPPER, NICKEL.% ACCORDING TO COLOUR| HARDSHINYRESIST CORROSION| * MAKING COINS| POLYMERS MEANING OF POLYMERS * Polymers are long chains of molecule made from combinations of many small molecules. OR * Polymers can be defined as large molecules composed  of numerous smaller, repeating units known as monomers which are joined by covalent bonds. * Small molecules that combine to form polymers are called monomers. * Polymerisation is a process of combining monomers to form a long chain of molecules. polymerisation polymer monomer * Polymers can be divided into two types: a) Natural polymer b) Synthetic polymer NATURAL POLYMER * A natural polymer is a polymer that occurs naturally. * Natural polymers are normally made by living organisms. NATURAL POLYMER| MONOMERS ( small molecules )| RUBBER| ISOPRENE| CELLULOSE| GLUCOSE| STARCH| GLUCOSE| PROTEIN| AMINO ACID| NUCLEIC ACID| NUCLEOTIDES| SYNTHETIC POLYMERS * Synthetic (artificial) polymers are man-made polymers that are produced from chemical compounds through polymerization. * Synthetic polymers are used widely in daily life. * Some examples of synthetic polymer and their monomer and their uses. TYPES OF POLYMER| MONOMER| USES| POLYTHENE| ETHENE| * MAKE BUCKETS, PLASTIC BAGS, RAINCOATS, FILMS, BOWLS & RUBBISH BINS.| POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC)| CHLOROETHENE ( Vinyl Chloride )| * MAKE WATER PIPES, ELECTRIC CABLES, MATS, VINYL RECORDS & CLOTHES HANGERS| POLYPROPENE| PROPENE| * MAKE ROPES, BOTTLES, CHAIRS, DRINK CANS & CARPETS| PERSPEX| METHYL-2-METHYLPROPENOATE( Methyl methacrylate )| * MAKE CAR WINDSCREENS, AIRPLANE WINDOW PANES & SPECTACLE LENSES (optical instruments)| NYLON| ADIPIC ACID & HEXANEDIAMINE| * MAKE ROPES, CURTAINS, STOKINGS & CLOTHES| POLYSTYRENE| STYRENE| * MAKE PACKING BOXES, BUTTONS & NOTICEBOARDS| EFFECTS OF THE DISPOSAL OF ITEMS MADE FROM SYNTHETIC POLYMERS ON THE ENVIRONMENT 1. Synthetic polymers are not biodegradable (not decomposed by microorganisms ). 2. The careless disposal of items made from synthetic polymers such as plastic causes environmental pollution. 3. The effects of burning & careless disposal of items made from synthetic polymers on the environments are as follows: a) Burning of synthetic polymers * Releases pollutants that endanger health such as smoke, gases that are smelly, poisonous & corrosive such as sulphur dioxide, pollutants that cause acid rain & the greenhouse effect. b) Careless disposal of synthetic polymers * Spoils the beauty of the environment * Causes flash floods during heavy rainfall * Endangers marine life like turtles that accidentally eat polymers such as plastic as its food. 4. The best way to manage used items made from synthetic polymers is to recycle them. 5. Plastics that are biodegradable can be used instead to reduce environmental pollution. GLASS AND CERAMICS * The main component of both glass and ceramic is silica or silicon dioxide, SiO2, which is obtained from sand. * Both glass and ceramic have the same properties as follow a) Hard and brittle b) Inert to chemical reactions c) Insulators or poor conductors of heat and electricity d) Withstand compression but not stretching e) Can be easily cleaned f) Low cost of production * 3 main differences between glass and ceramic: * Glass can be heated until molten repeatedly but not ceramics * Glass is usually transparent whereas ceramics are not * Glass has a lower melting point than ceramics USES OF GLASS USES OF CERAMIC TYPES OF GLASS a) FUSED SILICA GLASS b) SODA-LIME GLASS c) BOROSILICATE GLASS d) LEAD CRYSTAL GLASS COMPOSITE MATERIALS * Composite materials are produced from the combination of two or more different compounds such as alloys, metals, glass, polymers & ceramics. * The characteristics of the produced material are much more superior than those original components. * Several examples of composite materials & their uses are : a) Reinforced concrete * Made from a mixture of cement, gravel, sand, water, iron or steel to produce nets, rods or bars. * Strong, high tensile strength & cheap * Construction material for buildings, bridges, highways & dams b) Fibre glass * Made from silica, SiO2, sodium carbonate, Na2Co3, and calcium carbonate, CaCo3 * Good insulator of heat & electricity * Used to make protective apparel for astronauts & firefighters. c) Fibre optics * Made from glass, copper & aluminium * Enables information to be transmitted in light form at high speeds (speed of light) * Used in the field of communications to make electrical cables and in the field of medicine to observe internal organs without performing surgery. d) Ceramic glass * Produced by exposing glass that contains certain amount of metals to ultraviolet rays & heating it at high temperatures. * Withstand heat * Used to make cooking materials & rocket heads e) Photochromic glass * Produced from molten silica that is mixed with a little silver chloride, AgCl * Dark in colour when exposed to bright light ( ultraviolet ray ) & bright when in the dark. * Used to make opticl lenses & glass windows (windshields) of certain vehicles. Comparing the Properties of Fiber Glass with its original components The process of making glass and fiberglass Most glass is a mixture of a substantial amount of silica that derived from fine white sand or pulverized sandstone, combined with smaller amounts of an alkali like soda (sodium bicarbonate) or potash to decrease its melting point, and lime (from limestone) to help stabilize the mixture and eventually make the glass vigorous and water-resistant Whereas At the most basic level, a strand, or fiber, of glass, can be formed by  taking molten glass (made by melting silica sand, limestone, and soda ash, along with recycled glass) and forcing it through a small hole. Commercial fiberglass production engages a platinum bushing with up to three thousand holes in it, creating three thousand fibers at a time. Even though glass is brittle, these fibers are pretty flexible, because they are so thin. Advantage of using Photochromic glass in the making of spectacles Photochromatic lenses are activated by UV radiation. Thus it will darken up the glasses so that it can prevent our eyes from direct lights which leads to retinal damages or Photophobia. Other than that , Photochromic lenses are great for those that wear eyeglasses, who can not wear sunglasses unless they are prescription. With photochromic lenses, we can carry just one pair of sunglasses or goggles for all day and even night REFERENCE * http://www.chemistrymodule.blogspot.com/ * http://www.ehow.com/facts_5727690_meaning-alloy_.html#ixzz2VQ7Mc4k3 http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=fused+silica+glass&view=detail&id=2D0945BBDD1229AD3B5B4C431D552902CB8C2FB4&first=31&FORM=IDFRIR http://chem2u.blogspot.com/