History and Components of Computers

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Questions and Answers

Which invention from the 17th century utilized moving parts to perform addition and subtraction?

Analytical Engine

Mechanical Calculator (correct)

Computer Chip

Abacus

Who is credited with writing the first computer programs?

Ada Lovelace (correct)

Alan Turing

Blaise Pascal

Charles Babbage

What was a key characteristic of Charles Babbage's calculation engine?

It was a small, portable device.

It relied on electrical circuits and switches.

It incorporated input, processor, memory, and output components. (correct)

It used beads on rows for calculations.

Which of the following best describes the historical evolution of computer components?

From moving parts to switches to computer chips. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a computer keyboard?

To input text, numbers, and symbols. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which device allows a user to visually interact with and select items on a computer screen?

Mouse (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a router in computer networking?

Connecting computers to the internet. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of a closed electrical circuit?

It has a complete path for electron flow. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In a series circuit, what happens if one resistor fails and causes a break in the circuit?

None of the resistors in the circuit will work. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental component of an electrical circuit?

Switch (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes alternating current (AC) from direct current (DC)?

AC voltage can be regulated by transformers, while DC voltage cannot. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of voltage in the context of electric current?

To provide the force needed to move electric current along a circuit. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental raw material used in the production of glass?

Melted sand heated to extremely high temperatures. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which property of glass is described by the term 'amorphous solid'?

Its structural similarity to a liquid, lacking long-range order. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In glassmaking, what is the purpose of pouring molten glass onto liquid tin?

To create a perfectly flat and smooth surface for windows. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a fixed pulley in a simple machine system?

To change the direction of the force applied to lift a load. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does a fixed pulley affect the magnitude of force required to lift a load?

It keeps the magnitude of the force the same, only changing its direction. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common application for molten glass?

Pouring onto liquid nitrogen for rapid cooling and hardening. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does 'hertz' measure in the context of alternating current (AC)?

The number of cycles the current completes per second. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is using a fixed pulley considered 'easier and safer' even though the force magnitude remains the same?

Because it allows the force to be applied in a more convenient direction, like pulling down. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

History of Computers

Early calculations used an abacus, a wooden rack with rows of beads.
Blaise Pascal invented a mechanical calculator in the 17th century, using gears for addition and subtraction.
Charles Babbage created a calculation engine with input, processor, memory, and output in the 19th century.
Ada Lovelace wrote early computer programs.
Computers evolved from mechanical parts to switches, then computer chips, becoming smaller, faster, and more affordable.

Computer Components

Keyboards input text using buttons for letters, numbers, and symbols.
Monitors display typed information.
Mice allow users to interact with on-screen items.
Routers connect computers to the internet.

Electrical Circuits

An electrical circuit involves a power source (like a battery), conductors, and an electrical device, moving electrons.
A closed circuit allows electron flow with no gaps.
An open circuit has a gap or switch that stops electron flow.
A short circuit occurs without an electrical appliance.
Conductors allow electricity to flow.

Series Circuits

A series circuit has multiple resistors (devices) connected in a single line, with only one path for current flow.
If one resistor breaks in a series circuit, the entire circuit stops working.

Types of Current

Direct current (DC) flows constantly from negative to positive.
Alternating current (AC) flows in a wave pattern, oscillating between negative and positive at specific frequencies (Hertz).
Voltage is the force that moves current; transformers can regulate voltage in AC circuits, but not DC.

Glass Production

Glass is made by melting sand at extremely high temperatures (over 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit).
Glass is transparent and an amorphous solid structurally similar to a liquid.
Glass can be poured, molded, blown, and mixed to create different products.

Simple Machines: Pulleys

Fixed pulleys change the direction of force.
Force applied to one side of a rope (in relation to the pulley) lifts a load on the other side of rope, while the force remains the same.
Pulleys make lifting tasks easier and safer.

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Description

This quiz covers the evolution of computers from early calculating devices to modern technology. It explores significant inventions and components, such as the abacus, mechanical calculators, and essential computer parts. Test your knowledge about key figures and the basics of electrical circuits.