Fibonacci and Tidal Energy History

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Questions and Answers

What was Fibonacci primarily known for in the modern world?

The discovery of gunpowder

The invention of the hourglass

The development of tidal mills

The spread of the Hindu-Arabic numeral system (correct)

How does a tidal mill operate?

Collecting rainwater for energy generation

Utilizing the rise and fall of tides to move water (correct)

Harnessing energy from wind and solar power

Using steam to power a wheel

What was a significant reason for the invention of the hourglass?

To measure unequal hours in navigation

To create a decorative item for churches

To provide an accurate timepiece for sea travel (correct)

To replace the use of sundials

What was the main purpose behind the invention of the Thor washing machine?

To reduce manual labor in washing clothes Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of ancient Chinese alchemists during the Tang Dynasty?

To find a potion for immortality Signup and view all the answers

Who invented the first electric-powered washing machine?

Alva J. Fisher Signup and view all the answers

In what century was gunpowder known for military use in China?

850 A.D. Signup and view all the answers

Which invention preceded the electric washing machine and utilized a hand-powered drum?

James King's machine Signup and view all the answers

What materials make up gunpowder?

Potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur Signup and view all the answers

What significant outcome resulted from the experiments on dog pancreases in 1920?

Discovery of insulin Signup and view all the answers

What technology was used for spinning fiber for the last 5,000 to 8,000 years?

Drop spindle Signup and view all the answers

What was a key benefit of using an hourglass over a water clock for navigation at sea?

Less affected by the motion of the ocean Signup and view all the answers

Which group of individuals was responsible for the discovery of insulin?

Frederick Banting and Charles Best Signup and view all the answers

Why did Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver struggle to profit from their barcode invention?

They sold their patent too early and for too little Signup and view all the answers

What was the first product to be added to the barcode system?

A pack of Wrigley's chewing gum Signup and view all the answers

Who was the engineer credited with creating the first mobile phone?

Martin Cooper Signup and view all the answers

When did the patent for the barcode expire?

1969 Signup and view all the answers

What invention is considered the earliest special-purpose mechanical washing device?

Washboard Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main challenges in developing early cell phones?

High costs and bulkiness Signup and view all the answers

What notable feature does Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provide?

Drop protection from 1.6 meters Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do bifocal lenses provide?

They treat both nearsightedness and presbyopia. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of Sergio Canavero's project on human head transplants?

To achieve life extension Signup and view all the answers

Who invented Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic?

Leo Baekeland Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant characteristic of the first mobile phone created by Martin Cooper?

It weighed approximately 1.1 kg Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary use of paper ring binders?

To provide protection for loose sheets of paper. Signup and view all the answers

What specific form of disease did Valery Spiridonov suffer from?

Werdnig-Hoffmann disease Signup and view all the answers

What material was Bakelite derived from?

Fossil fuels Signup and view all the answers

In what year was Corning Gorilla Glass introduced?

2007 Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the first synthetic plastic, Bakelite, invented?

1907 Signup and view all the answers

What functionality does a paper ring binder typically have?

It allows easy access to and organization of papers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Bakelite?

Derived from natural sources Signup and view all the answers

What year did Friedrich Soennecken patent paper ring binders?

1886 Signup and view all the answers

Who invented the medical incubator?

Fe del Mundo Signup and view all the answers

What year did Roberto del Rosario develop the Sing Along System?

1975 Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Roberto del Rosario's patent infringement case in 1996?

The court ruled in his favor. Signup and view all the answers

What type of diseases has Benjamin D. Cabrera focused on in his research?

Mosquito-borne diseases Signup and view all the answers

For what achievement was Benjamin D. Cabrera honored with the Philippine Legion of Honor?

Work with filariasis Signup and view all the answers

Benito S. Vergara is recognized for his expertise in which area?

Rice physiology and photoperiodism Signup and view all the answers

What has Vergara's research contributed to in rice production?

Tolerant rice varieties for flooding and cold Signup and view all the answers

Which Filipino inventor developed the world's first karaoke machine?

Roberto del Rosario Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Antecedents in Inventions and Innovations

Fibonacci, a key figure in mathematics, introduced the Hindu-Arabic numeral system to Europe through his book Liber Abaci in the early 13th century.

Tidal Energy and Mills

Tidal mills utilize the natural rise and fall of tides for energy.
A dam is constructed at tidal inlets to create reservoirs, allowing water to flow through one-way gates during high tide, which powers water wheels when the tide recedes.

Hourglass as a Timekeeping Device

The hourglass was necessary for accurate timekeeping in sea travel, as water clocks were affected by ocean motion.
Before the 14th century, time was measured in unequal hours; however, equal hour measurement became essential for navigation.

Gunpowder Development

Ancient Chinese Taoist alchemists, in search of an immortality potion, accidentally invented gunpowder around 850 A.D.
Composed of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur, its military use expanded during the Tang, Song, and Yuan Dynasties.

Spinning Wheel

The spinning wheel transformed the production of fibers and paper, previously spun by hand using drop spindles.
It remains essential in marking paper quality and preventing forgery through manufacturer's marks.

Bifocal Lenses

Bifocal lenses, invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1784, address both nearsightedness and presbyopia, with a lower section for close-up viewing.

Paper Ring Binders

Friedrich Soennecken invented ring binders in 1886 to store and protect hole-punched papers.
These binders typically feature spring-loaded or lever arch mechanisms and are often made from plastic and metal.

Synthetic Plastics

Leo Baekeland developed Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic, in 1907 as a substitute for shellac, suitable for mass production.
Bakelite enabled the rise of a variety of synthetic plastics derived from fossil fuels, including polystyrene and nylon.

Electric-Powered Washing Machine

The Thor, created by Alva J. Fisher in 1908, was the first electric washing machine designed to reduce manual laundry labor.
Prior inventions included hand-powered machines and washboards, facilitating domestic cleaning tasks.

Insulin Discovery

Dr. Frederick Banting and his team in 1920 discovered insulin through experiments on dog pancreases, leading to effective diabetes treatment methods.

Barcode Invention

Norman Joseph Woodland and a partner invented barcodes in 1948 but faced financial struggles; they sold the patent to RCA in 1952.
The first barcode scanned was on Wrigley’s chewing gum, with commercial use starting after the patent expired.

First Mobile Phone

Martin Cooper developed the first mobile phone, originally termed “car phones,” at Motorola in 1973.
Early devices were bulky, had limited battery life, and were significantly heavier than modern versions.

Corning Gorilla Glass

Corning International created Gorilla Glass in 2007, designed for mobile devices to be lightweight yet tough and scratch-resistant.
It has improved drop protection, surviving falls from shoulder height more effectively than other glasses.

Human Head Transplant Proposal

Italian neurosurgeon Sergio Canavero announced a human head transplant project in 2013, aiming for life extension.
The operation was planned for December 2017, with Valery Spiridonov volunteering as the recipient facing Werdnig-Hoffmann disease.

Contributions of Filipino Innovators

Fe del Mundo invented the medical incubator, significantly aiding in the care of premature infants.
Roberto del Rosario developed the patented karaoke machine, affirming his rights in a case against a Chinese company.
Benjamin D. Cabrera innovated treatments for mosquito-borne diseases and earned accolades for his work on filariasis.
Benito S. Vergara advanced rice production through research on flowering responses to photoperiodism and improving flood and temperature tolerance.

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Description

Explore the historical significance of Fibonacci and his contributions to the Hindu-Arabic numeral system in Europe. Learn about alternative energy sources, specifically tidal energy, and its usage in medieval Europe. This quiz covers key figures and technological advancements from the Middle Ages.