Human Development Chapter 1: Introduction

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following statements regarding SI prefixes is correct?

The symbol for $10^{-21}$ is 'z'.

All symbols for prefixes greater than $10^3$ are lowercase.

The prefix 'micro' uses the symbol 'mc'

The symbol 'da' represents a prefix that is a multiple of ten. (correct)

Which of the following is a key difference between the cgs and SI unit systems regarding mass?

The cgs system and the SI system both use the same standard unit for mass.

The cgs system uses the kilogram, while the SI system uses the gram.

The cgs system uses the pound, while the SI system uses the kilogram.

The cgs system uses the gram, while the SI system uses the kilogram. (correct)

What is the conversion factor between feet and meters?

1 ft = 30.48 m

1 ft = 3.79 m

1 ft = 0.45359327 m

1 ft = 0.3048 m (correct)

Which volume measure is the largest?

One barrel of oil. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following units is standard across the SI, cgs, and fps systems?

Time (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an application of technological development?

Reducing manufacturing costs (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a method of achieving advancements in technology?

Systematic experimental design (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role do human senses play in the development of tools and technology?

They are the primary motivators for innovation (C) Signup and view all the answers

The manufacturing of primitive stone tools and fire required what kind of understanding of fundamental measures?

A qualitative appreciation (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the earliest mentioned method for time measurement?

Star gazing (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the notches on bones, wood, and stone during the Upper Paleolithic period?

To keep records or tallies (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of the concept of time?

It can be qualified comparatively as longer or shorter. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was unique about the Egyptian method of dividing the day?

They divided it into unequal intervals. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is responsible for maintaining both scientific and commercial metrology in the United States?

NIST (C) Signup and view all the answers

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) was primarily established to address what specific issue?

Improve the quality of the rail system. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which organization has the authority to set standards that can become law through treaties or national standards organizations?

The International Organization for Standards. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the ISO's procedure for making a standard?

Preliminary work item. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Besides the United States, which countries have their own national standard body named in the text?

England and Germany (A) Signup and view all the answers

How many standards does the ASTM maintain?

Over 12,000. (B) Signup and view all the answers

When was the British Standards Institute (BSI) founded?

<ol start="1901"> <li>(C)</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the ISO regarding its nature and membership?

Non-governmental organization representing over 100 countries. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What material was used to create the 'International Prototype Kilogram'?

90% platinum and 10% iridium alloy (D) Signup and view all the answers

The original definition of the meter was based on what measurement?

A fraction of the Earth's circumference from the equator to the North Pole (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for switching from a platinum bar to a platinum-iridium bar for the meter standard?

To increase its hardness and decrease wear (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the only SI base unit that is still defined by a physical artifact?

The kilogram (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the reference temperature used when the gram was first defined as the mass of a specific volume of melting ice?

0 °C (A) Signup and view all the answers

In 1956, changes were made to the definition of the second due to what reason?

The Earth's rotation slows with time. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the current definition of a meter?

The distance that light travels in a vacuum in 1/299 792 458 seconds. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is a base unit in the International System of Units (SI) with a prefix?

Kilogram (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common factor that can lead to accidents in industrial processes?

Ignoring alarms and operating equipment outside design specifications (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why might operators choose to ignore alarms in a process?

Because the alarms become a nuisance due to frequent false positives (A) Signup and view all the answers

What motivated the French National Assembly to create a rational system of measures?

To move away from locally defined and inconsistent measurements (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk demonstrated by spraying cold water on a hot vessel wall?

The potential for an explosion if the water spray stops (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recognized methodology for assessing safety hazards?

Cost-Benefit analysis (A) Signup and view all the answers

Besides general safety, what other aspects do engineers typically assess in a process?

Occupational health, ergonomics, fire safety, and product stewardship (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of instrumentation in process safety management?

To serve as a cornerstone for process safety (A) Signup and view all the answers

Originally, how was the meter defined in relation to a pendulum?

The length of a pendulum where the half-cycle was equal to 1 second (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of tally sticks in medieval Europe?

To serve as legal proof of transactions, especially for those who were illiterate. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What were the initial driving factors behind the development of numbering systems in ancient civilizations?

Requirements for collecting taxes, lending, land surveying, and irrigation. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which civilization is credited with the earliest written records of metrology?

The Sumerians. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What mathematical concepts were found on Sumerian clay tablets dating from 1800-1600 BC?

Algebra, reciprocal pairs, and quadratic equations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the 60-second minute, 60-minute hour, and 360-degree circle?

The Sumerians' sexagesimal numeral system. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'metrology' primarily encompass according to the definition provided?

The science of measurement, including theoretical and experimental measures, standards, and quality control. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a core element of metrology related to the reliability of measurements?

The analysis and quantification of uncertainty in measurements. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why is enforcing standards a critical aspect of metrology in consumer and industrial settings?

To ensure the quality and safety of products and processes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1: Introduction

Experimental methods and instrumentation are crucial for systematic and quantifiable measurements in human development and civilization.
Tool-making, language, and complex social organization distinguish Homo sapiens from other animals.
Animals demonstrate experimental behavior, like cheetahs estimating distance before chasing prey, and tools modification by chimpanzees, beavers, and crows.
Human tool-making methods evolved from basic chopping tools to more complex methods, creating sharper edges and different functions, from 650000 to 170000 BC.
Humans utilize instruments (like those for measuring mass, time, temperature) in daily life, with applications in clothing, food, technology, and daily activities.

1.1 Overview

Systematic, quantifiable measurements have been central to human progress.
Animals also exhibit experimental, adaptive, and tool-using behaviors.
Human methodologies to improve function or outcome have evolved, distinguishing human from animal activity.
The methodology of making tools and fire is an example of early human methodological sophistication.
Human use tools to make tools, and use methodology to improve functionality and outcome.

1.2 Metrology

Metrology is the science of measurement, drawing from Greek roots metron (measure) and logos (logic, study).
It encompasses instruments for measurement, standards, procedures, quality control, and documented accreditation.
Metrology includes theoretical and experimental methods for accurate and repeatable data in both scientific procedures and engineering.
National and international metrology standards ensure quality control and safety in products.
Examples of standards organizations include ASTM, DIN, NIST, and others.

1.3 Scientific Method

The scientific method is a structured approach to explore and answer questions or observations.
It involves steps of questioning, literature review, hypothesis formation, experimental design and execution, data analysis, interpretation, and communication.
Scientific processes include experiments that use instrumentation and equipment, with calibrations, careful data analysis to address the initial hypothesis.

1.4 Industrial Quality Control

Industrial metrology's role is critical to ensure accuracy and consistency (in the laboratory and field).
Industrial metrology requires measurements in harsh conditions, considering time and costs, in addition to environmental conditions (like temperature, dust).
Redundancy in measurement equipment and tools (like pressure and temperature sensors) prevent interruptions and maintain plant operation safety during accidents or equipment issues.

1.5 Units of Physical Quantities

Throughout history, civilizations have developed systems for measuring time, distance, and weight.
The SI system (Système International d'Unités) is an internationally recognized standard system for describing physical quantities.
Base units (e.g., meter, kilogram, second) and derived units (e.g., newton, joule) represent physical concepts.
Units conversions are needed between various systems (e.g., cgs, fps to SI system), like converting pounds to kilograms or feet to meters.

Additional Tables and Concepts

Tables provide details of international standards organizations, SI base units, SI coherent derived units, and SI recognized units.
The introduction describes the importance of metrology, experimental methods, the scientific method, and quality control in industrial contexts.

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Description

Explore the foundational concepts of experimental methods and instrumentation in human development. This chapter highlights the evolution of tool-making and the role of systematic measurements in distinguishing humans from other animals. Delve into the adaptive behaviors exhibited by various species and the significance of instruments in daily life.