ELE 206 Technical Writing: Mechanism Descriptions

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Questions and Answers

What is the function of a 33 ohm 1W carbon film resistor?

To impede the flow of electric current (correct)

To amplify electric signals

To increase the flow of electric current

To store electric energy

What is the wattage of the carbon film resistor mentioned in the text?

0.5 Watt

1 Watt (correct)

5 Watt

2 Watt

What is the tolerance of the 33 ohm carbon film resistor?

5% (correct)

10%

20%

What is the purpose of a qualifier in technical writing?

To provide objective information Signup and view all the answers

What is the expectation of the reader's background?

Average technical background Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the reference book mentioned in the text?

Pocket Book of Technical Writing for Engineers and Scientists Signup and view all the answers

Who is the author of the reference book mentioned in the text?

L. Finkelstein Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the reference book published?

2008 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of describing mechanisms in technical documents?

To enable the target audience to understand the device's functionality and characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a mechanism description?

It highlights the physical characteristics and attributes of the device Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a mechanism?

A piece of rock Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of considering the target audience's background when describing mechanisms?

To tailor the description to the audience's level of understanding Signup and view all the answers

What is a common purpose of describing mechanisms in technical documents?

To develop a patent application Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following attributes is typically included in a mechanism description?

The device's weight or mass Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a mechanism and a device?

A mechanism is composed of multiple parts, while a device is a single unit Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of a mechanism description?

The device's physical characteristics and attributes Signup and view all the answers

What type of descriptions are written for experts?

Specialized mechanism descriptions Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of including visual aids in mechanism descriptions?

To explain complex technical concepts Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of mechanism descriptions in terms of physical characteristics?

Physical characteristics related to operation and standards Signup and view all the answers

What is assumed about the audience in the example of writing a mechanism description for the resistor?

They have average technical knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What type of description is required in the example of writing a mechanism description for the resistor?

General description Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of writing a mechanism description?

To communicate technical information effectively Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a visual aid that can be used in a mechanism description?

Diagram Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of including functional attributes in a mechanism description?

To describe the device's operational capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a qualifier in a technical definition?

To provide an objective view of the defined term Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of separating a concept into distinct categories?

Classification Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of add-ons in a technical definition?

To provide additional information about the defined term Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the process of identifying the unique characteristics of a concept?

Differentiation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of extension in a technical definition?

To add subjective information to the definition Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the uncertainty or vagueness of a concept?

Ambiguity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a technical definition?

To provide a detailed and specific understanding of the concept Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of considering the reader's background in a technical definition?

To ensure the definition is accessible to readers with varying levels of knowledge Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the 'Appearance' section in a technical description?

The physical characteristics of the mechanism Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Parts' section in a technical description?

To list the components of the mechanism in a logical order Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended order for describing the parts of a mechanism?

The order used in the logical listing of the mechanism parts Signup and view all the answers

What should be included in the description of each part or component of a mechanism?

Details as needed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the 'Discussion' section in a technical description?

To provide a detailed description of each part or component Signup and view all the answers

What should be the focus of a technical description of a mechanism?

The physical characteristics and components of the mechanism Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of using a logical listing of the mechanism parts in a technical description?

It helps readers to understand the composition of the mechanism Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach for describing the components of a mechanism in a technical description?

Describing each part in the order used in the logical listing of the mechanism parts Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mechanisms

Mechanisms are physical devices composed of two or more parts that together perform a function.
Examples of mechanisms include electric circuits and microscopes, but not a piece of rock or a bolt.

Characteristics of Mechanisms

Mechanism descriptions focus on physical characteristics and attributes of the device and its constituents.
Characteristics include shape (geometry, dimensions, topology), appearance (color, texture), manufacturing attributes (material, finishing), and weight or mass.
Functional attributes and theory of operation may also be included in the description.
Visual aids like photos, diagrams, and figures are useful for writing mechanism descriptions.

Writing Mechanism Descriptions

Specialized mechanism descriptions, like specifications, are written for experts and focus on physical characteristics related to operation and standards of operation.
General mechanism descriptions are written for a broader audience and may include explanations of functional attributes and theory of operation.

Example: Resistor Description

The description of a 33 Ohm, 1 watt, 5% carbon film resistor includes its physical characteristics, such as shape, appearance, and manufacturing attributes.
The description also includes its functional attributes, such as impeding the flow of electric current.
The description is written for an audience with average technical knowledge.

Technical Definitions

Technical definitions include classification, differentiation, add-ons, qualifiers, and extensions.
Technical definitions aim to precisely define a term, considering the audience's background and the context of the definition.

Technical Definition of a Resistor

A resistor is a circuit component that impedes the flow of electric current.
The technical definition includes the resistor's physical characteristics and functional attributes.

Mechanism Description of a Resistor

The mechanism description of a resistor includes its appearance, parts, and detailed description of each part.
The description follows a logical order, listing the parts and then describing each part in detail.

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Description

Learn about the importance of visual aids in technical writing, especially when describing mechanisms. This quiz covers the key aspects of writing mechanism descriptions, including functional attributes and theory of operation.