40 Questions
What is the function of a 33 ohm 1W carbon film resistor?
To impede the flow of electric current
What is the wattage of the carbon film resistor mentioned in the text?
1 Watt
What is the tolerance of the 33 ohm carbon film resistor?
5%
What is the purpose of a qualifier in technical writing?
To provide objective information
What is the expectation of the reader's background?
Average technical background
What is the title of the reference book mentioned in the text?
Pocket Book of Technical Writing for Engineers and Scientists
Who is the author of the reference book mentioned in the text?
L. Finkelstein
In what year was the reference book published?
2008
What is the primary purpose of describing mechanisms in technical documents?
To enable the target audience to understand the device's functionality and characteristics
What is a key characteristic of a mechanism description?
It highlights the physical characteristics and attributes of the device
Which of the following is NOT an example of a mechanism?
A piece of rock
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
What is a common purpose of describing mechanisms in technical documents?
To develop a patent application
Which of the following attributes is typically included in a mechanism description?
The device's weight or mass
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
What is the primary focus of a mechanism description?
The device's physical characteristics and attributes
What type of descriptions are written for experts?
Specialized mechanism descriptions
What is the purpose of including visual aids in mechanism descriptions?
To explain complex technical concepts
What is the focus of mechanism descriptions in terms of physical characteristics?
Physical characteristics related to operation and standards
What is assumed about the audience in the example of writing a mechanism description for the resistor?
They have average technical knowledge
What type of description is required in the example of writing a mechanism description for the resistor?
General description
What is the primary goal of writing a mechanism description?
To communicate technical information effectively
What is an example of a visual aid that can be used in a mechanism description?
Diagram
What is the purpose of including functional attributes in a mechanism description?
To describe the device's operational capabilities
What is the main purpose of a qualifier in a technical definition?
To provide an objective view of the defined term
What is the term for the process of separating a concept into distinct categories?
Classification
What is the purpose of add-ons in a technical definition?
To provide additional information about the defined term
What is the term for the process of identifying the unique characteristics of a concept?
Differentiation
What is the purpose of extension in a technical definition?
To add subjective information to the definition
What is the term for the uncertainty or vagueness of a concept?
Ambiguity
What is the primary goal of a technical definition?
To provide a detailed and specific understanding of the concept
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
What is the primary focus of the 'Appearance' section in a technical description?
The physical characteristics of the mechanism
What is the purpose of the 'Parts' section in a technical description?
To list the components of the mechanism in a logical order
What is the recommended order for describing the parts of a mechanism?
The order used in the logical listing of the mechanism parts
What should be included in the description of each part or component of a mechanism?
Details as needed
What is the primary purpose of the 'Discussion' section in a technical description?
To provide a detailed description of each part or component
What should be the focus of a technical description of a mechanism?
The physical characteristics and components of the mechanism
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
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
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.
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.
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