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Questions and Answers
Pascal's mechanical calculator, invented in the 17th century, used levers to perform addition and subtraction.
Pascal's mechanical calculator, invented in the 17th century, used levers to perform addition and subtraction.
False (B)
Charles Babbage's calculation engine, a 19th-century device, consisted of five main components: input, processor, memory, output, and power source.
Charles Babbage's calculation engine, a 19th-century device, consisted of five main components: input, processor, memory, output, and power source.
False (B)
Ada Lovelace is credited with writing the first computer programs during the 18th century.
Ada Lovelace is credited with writing the first computer programs during the 18th century.
False (B)
Modern computers are characterized by being larger, more expensive, and slower compared to their historical predecessors.
Modern computers are characterized by being larger, more expensive, and slower compared to their historical predecessors.
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A keyboard allows users to interact with items on a computer screen by pointing and clicking.
A keyboard allows users to interact with items on a computer screen by pointing and clicking.
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Routers are primarily used to display the output of a computer's operations, such as text and images.
Routers are primarily used to display the output of a computer's operations, such as text and images.
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In an open electrical circuit, electrons flow freely through a complete pathway without interruption.
In an open electrical circuit, electrons flow freely through a complete pathway without interruption.
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A short circuit occurs when an electrical appliance is properly connected within an electrical circuit.
A short circuit occurs when an electrical appliance is properly connected within an electrical circuit.
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Glass is formed from molten rock that is heated to temperatures exceeding $2,000$ degrees Fahrenheit.
Glass is formed from molten rock that is heated to temperatures exceeding $2,000$ degrees Fahrenheit.
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Fixed pulleys are simple machines that alter the magnitude of force required to lift an object.
Fixed pulleys are simple machines that alter the magnitude of force required to lift an object.
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Study Notes
Early Computer History
- Early calculations used an abacus, a wooden rack with rows of beads.
- Blaise Pascal invented a mechanical calculator in the 17th century. Used gears for addition and subtraction.
- Charles Babbage designed a calculation engine in the 19th century. A complex device with input, processor, memory, and output components.
- Ada Lovelace wrote early computer programs.
Computer Evolution
- Mechanical components transitioned to switches controlled by numbers.
- Switches later replaced by computer chips to store information.
- Modern computers are smaller, cheaper, faster, and integral to daily life- a far cry compared to bulky early machines.
Computer Components
- Keyboards allow input via buttons with letters, symbols, and numbers.
- Monitors display typed information.
- Mice facilitate screen interaction through selection.
- Routers connect computers to the internet.
Electrical Circuits
- An electrical circuit requires a power source like a battery to move electrons.
- A closed circuit has a complete loop with no breaks, allowing electron flow.
- An open circuit is broken, interrupting flow
- A short circuit occurs without an electrical appliance.
Glass Manufacturing
- Glass is made from molten sand at extremely high temperatures (over 3,000°F).
- Glass is transparent and an amorphous solid, structurally similar to a liquid.
- Molten glass can be poured, shaped, blown, or mixed with materials to create various shapes and forms.
Simple Machines: Fixed Pulleys
- Fixed pulleys change force direction.
- A fixed pulley applies equal upward force on a load to compensate for the downward force.
- They make work easier and safer.
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Description
Explore the fascinating journey of early computing devices from the abacus to modern computers. Learn about key figures such as Blaise Pascal and Ada Lovelace, and how technology has evolved over centuries to shape our daily lives. This quiz covers important components and their functions in contemporary computer systems.
