Power Resources

Classification of Various Power resources for a Car: Petrol, Diesel, and Electricity

Definition

Power resources is a kind of energy which we can use to cook, provide heat and light.

Most people today fill up their car with different qualities of petrol, because that's what the average car takes. They don't usually consider an alternative for the petrol that they load into their cars. Although petrol is widely used, it is not the only source for a car to get its power from; diesel and electricity are alternatives to the general petrol used by most cars. Although different from each other, diesel and electricity are alternatives to the average gasoline received at a gas station. Diesel is a more concentrated type of fuel that is usually used by big automobiles because they require a lot of power in a little amount of time. Electricity is a method that uses the power of batteries to produce a low horsepower but, nevertheless fast automobile. Electric cars are generally created to be soundless and environment friendly. The purpose of this paper is to classify and educate the reader of the different types of fuel available for an automobile to use: petrol, diesel, and electricity. The general petrol, used by most people, is usually the only type of fuel accepted on the average car in the United States today.

The general petrol, more commonly known as gasoline, is the most readily available source of power for one's car today. This is because gasoline is generally cheap and readily available. Gasoline is defined by Poltcor as a "petroleum-derived liquid mixture consisting mostly of aliphatic hydrocarbons and enhanced with aromatic hydrocarbons toluene, benzene or iso-octane to increase octane ratings, primarily used as fuel in internal combustion engines" (Poltcor 3). Most automobiles rely on this type of gasoline today. At gas stations, the general grades available are 87, 89, and 93. Each of the numbers represents the quality of the gasoline, 87 being the lowest, usually named Regular and 93 being the highest, usually named Supreme. Generally, the gas prices in the U.S. are cheaper than overseas. However, the gas price has been rising over past few years because of some issues with the Middle East. Even with this problem in the Middle East increasing the gas price regularly, the U.S. maintains its ranking as one of the cheapest places to get petrol, or gasoline. Although gasoline is cheap, it is demanded of every person to have an automobile and since automobiles rely on gasoline, the gasoline distributors have the advantage that the public is willing to pay high prices for gasoline, if it's the cheapest around.

Diesel is a type of fuel that is similar to the petrol discussed above. Rudolf Diesel was a German engineer that invented the diesel fuel available today (Bolhms 17). In the car engine, there are valves that help compress gasoline. When gasoline is compressed, it releases heat and that heat can be used to do work. When gasoline is compressed in a valve, the fuel injector lights the fuel so that the heat is anticipated and can be easily controlled. However, when diesel is being used, the fuel injector is not as necessary because the fuel comes "pre-charged". This is why diesel powered automobiles are more powerful: they can output a lot more power in a shorter amount of time due to the less time it takes to compress it in an engine. Diesel poses more of a risk than gasoline in automobiles. Gasoline is flammable and, in some cases explodes but, diesel is more sensitive than gasoline, since it is more compressed. This requires that diesel be specially taken care of. Since diesel is more flammable than gasoline, it means that any little disturbance could arouse the fuel inside and, there is a chance it might ignite. If ignited, the diesel fuel tank probably will explode, like a bomb, due to the different conditions it's surrounded in. Diesel, although a powerful source of energy, is not very environmental at all. Diesel pollutes the air with carbon dioxide far more than gasoline and, therefore would speed up the theoretical Greenhouse Effect. Almost the opposite of diesel, electricity can be a valuable source of energy when it comes to cars.

Electricity is probably the least thought of power source for a car, because not many are seen on the streets in the U.S. Even though electricity has its downsides, it's quite environmental and soundless. Electricity is a unique fuel type for the car because it is not a liquid and, it is rechargeable. So technically, an electrical battery doesn't have to be replaced! One great reason to switch to electricity as a power source for one's car is because electricity is far more readily available and easily accessible. Electricity also reduces our dependence on petroleum and opens up a new field to get car energy from. Usually, electricity is found to be more energy-efficient than a petroleum fuel and, doesn't release noxious exhaust fumes, generally almost zero exhaust fumes at all. More and more cars are being made that are supported by electric power. This shows a general movement in the right direction, to help protect our movement. My personal opinion is that electricity should be our main source of energy for a car because, as explained above, it's noiseless, environment friendly, and never needs to be replaced, only recharged.

Although diesel and electricity are different types of fuel that can be used today to substitute for gasoline, they are not widely known for their major drawbacks. Diesel is a powerful source of energy for cars. Although it is very powerful, it is also very risky to be widely used by all people. Diesel is highly more explosive and flammable than regular gasoline so, most people would be afraid to load their cars or other automobile with this. Electricity is also a great source of energy for the car. The problem is that the general battery used in electric cars can be very expensive. It can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $20,000, depending on the quality of the battery. The zero emission policy is an illusion because of the source of the electricity. The electricity used is formed by nuclear fission. Nuclear fission produces a lot of toxic waste but, doesn't release it into the atmosphere. The "time between charges and charging time greatly impedes the use of electric cars" (Bernham 61).

Although gasoline is more widely known, it is not always the best type of power source for a car. Diesel and electricity can also be used as alternatives but, each one has their drawbacks. Diesel is not as safe as gasoline and gasoline is quite flammable. Electricity takes too long to charge and lasts only a little while. If the battery power is increased, then the electric car will be more widespread and probably used more in society. Gasoline might be cheaper and a little less quality than diesel but, it is more readily available and safe. Gasoline might not be as environment friendly as electricity but, it can last a much longer time. Because of these reasons, gasoline is the main power source for cars today but, is not the only one. Different automobiles depend on different fuels, as they require different levels of energy. Henry Ford once said "Wealth, like happiness, is never attained when sought after directly. It comes as a by-product of providing a useful service" (Coutlin 60).

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Doing Business in Panama

DOING BUSINESS IN PANAMA

Definition of Business

A person's regual occupation, profession, or trade.

Business Customs & Etiquette

Punctuality is appreciated by business people, as is giving your host enough time to plan for your arrival. Thus, you should make appointments at least one week in advance. When you meet with your Panamanian colleagues, a handshake is a normal greeting. Do not rush into a meeting with talk of business right away. Your associates are more likely interested in getting to know you first. The exchange of business cards is important. If it is possible, get them printed in Spanish. This goes for any other literature you will be using for business matters.

Executives and general managers are expected to wear suits, whereas low-level managers usually wear panabrisas, shirts left untucked and worn over trousers. Foreign businessmen should always wear dark suits on their first visit, but later may wear panabrisas if their business associates do at the next meeting. Businesswomen should wear dresses or skirts and tailored blouses. Since Panamanian women are now moving into higher managerial positions, there should be no difficulties for women doing business.

Be aware of the importance of titles: "Licenciado" for a BA holder; "Doctor" for a Ph.D., lawyer or medical doctor; "Arquitecto" for an architect and "Ingeniero" for an engineer.

There are some anti-American feelings felt in Panama. To prevent an uncomfortable situation by saying something that may offend, avoid discussing local politics, the former Canal Zone and racial issues.

Business Hours

Office hours are usually Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to Noon, and then 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Importance of Relationships

Expect to invest a considerable amount of time developing good rapport and a pleasant, relaxed relationship before discussing business. Establishing an atmosphere of trust is a precondition to a successful business relationship.

Good topics for small talk are football (soccer), Panamanian history, literature and places to visit as well as information about your home town and region. You will probably need two or three visits to the country before you can expect to do serious business. Like other Latin Americans, Panamanians value deep, long-lasting relationships.

Orientation to Time

The clock ticks at a different speed for the fun-loving Panamanians. You might find yourself waiting an hour or more for your local counterpart. Visitors should always make it a point to be punctual.

Hierarchy, Status and Respect

In Panama one's status depends more on social class, education and family background than on personal achievement. Business visitors can enhance their status by displaying a lively interest in intellectual pursuits, dressing elegantly and staying in top hotels.

Expressive Communication Style

A warm and friendly people, Panamanians tend to be talkative, nonverbally expressive and open about showing emotion in public. Don't be offended if you are sometimes interrupted in mid-sentence -- conversational overlap is not rude in Panama. Do however avoid direct confrontation during negotiations.

Never expect to get down to business quickly. Panamanians need some time to get to know you.

Meeting and Greeting

Men and women shake hands warmly when introduced and again when departing. Visiting men should expect to shake hands with another male for a considerable length of time -- take care not to withdraw your hand prematurely.

Touch Behavior

Panama is definitely a high-contact culture. After they get to know each other two men will shake hands and touch each other on the elbow or forearm, perhaps slap each other on the back or shoulder. Male friends will exchange the embrace while women friends brush cheeks with a kissing motion of the lips.

Interpersonal Space

In another sign of friendliness Panamanians stand very close to each other when talking.

Eye Contact

Panamanians maintain strong eye contact with the person they are conversing with.

Dress Code

Male executives tend to wear fashionable three-piece suits. Office workers wear the two-piece version. Male visitors should note that proper business attire always includes long-sleeved shirts, even in hot weather. Women in business wear elegant suits or dresses as well as blouses and skirts. Blouses and jackets may have short sleeves.

Forms of Address

Although Panamanians interact fairly informally, business visitors need to take note of certain customs. Address your business counterparts by his or her last name only. Expect to move to a first-name basis fairly soon but do wait until the Panamanian party starts using your given name.

Meeting Protocol

Expect frequent interruptions during business meetings, especially in government offices. This is not regarded as rude or improper behavior.

Wining and Dining

Wise negotiators include plenty of time for socializing during these drawn-out discussions. If you wish to entertain a high-level executive, ask his secretary to recommend a restaurant. It is important to host your counterpart only at elegant, prestigious establishments. Similarly, business visitors should only stay in top hotels while in Panama.

Women drink wine, spirits and liqueurs -- beer is considered a man's drink. Panamanians normally eat a light breakfast between 7 and 9 am and a substantial lunch between noon and 2 pm. Dinner usually starts after 7 pm but dinner parties don't normally get underway until after 10:00 pm.

Avoid using the side of your fork to cut anything and do not pick up food of any kind with your hands. Although they are a very expressive people, Panamanians do not like a lot of conversation during meals. Wait until coffee is served before talking business, unless your counterpart introduces the topic.

Gift Giving

Good gifts to bring from abroad for men are music tapes and small electronic gadgets such as good quality calculators. For women, perfume. If invited to dinner at home bring chocolates, champagne or a container of fresh strawberries. Avoid purple flowers, which are associated with funerals.

Women in Business

Female business visitors who dress and act professionally encounter no great barriers to getting things done in Panama. Unwanted male attention should be politely but firmly ignored.

Exchanging Favors

Panamanians frequently ask friends and business acquaintances for small and large favors and expect these requests to be granted. Be very careful of asking favors of Panamanians however. They might very well agree to do what you ask even if they would much rather not since refusing you would be rude.

Bargaining Approach

Panamanians are known as tough bargainers, not afraid to turn down offers rather bluntly. Such frankness is however not intended to be rude or confrontational - they simply want you to know where they stand.

Tactics/Dirty Tactics

Negotiators may give wrong or distorted factual information or use the excuse of ambiguous authority giving conflicting impressions about who in their party has the power to make a commitment. Other tactics are designed to put opposing negotiators in a stressful situation physically or psychologically so that their giving in is more likely. These include uncomfortable room temperatures, too-bright lighting, rudeness, and interruptions. Another dirty trick is specific bargaining pressures including extreme or escalating demands, threats to stop negotiating, delays and a take-it-or-leave-it attitude.