ET Chapter 1.pdf

Chapter 1 Energy, Power, and Transportation Technologies  Learning Objectives After reading the chapter and reviewing the materials presented the students will be able to: 1.Discuss the importance of the study of energy, power, and transportation. 2.Expl...

Chapter 1 Energy, Power, and Transportation Technologies  Learning Objectives After reading the chapter and reviewing the materials presented the students will be able to: 1.Discuss the importance of the study of energy, power, and transportation. 2.Explain various factors affecting technological development. 3.Describe the elements of a technological system. 4.Recognize the inputs of a technological system.  Introduction All citizens need to know how to make good decisions about the development of energy. Factors to consider include economic, environmental, political and social. Tradeoffs solve one problem, only to create other problems.  Energy Energy is defined as the ability to do work. Without energy resources, there would be no ability to produce power. Without power there would be no modern conveniences. Most of the energy utilized in the United States comes from fossil fuels. Energy is divided into nonrenewable and renewable categories. Renewable energy sources include wind and solar.  Power Power is defined as the rate at which work is performed. There are 3 main forms of power: electrical, mechanical, and fluid. Electricity is used for lighting, heat, tools, and appliances. Fluid power is ideal for pure strength applications like in construction equipment. Electrical power is converted to mechanical power in an electric drill. Fluid power is converted to mechanical power in a backhoe.  Transportation Transportation is defined as the movement of people or products from one place to another. Various modes of transportation are land, water, air, and space.  Environmental Impacts and Looking Ahead to the Future It is unfortunate that energy technologies that improve our life also pollute our environment. Consumption of coal and gasoline are responsible for much of our pollution.  Studying Technology and Science Science is the body of knowledge related to the natural world and its phenomena. Technology is the body of knowledge related to the human made world. The scientific method pursues knowledge by observation and experimentation. Technological method is problem solving to yield products through researching and testing.  Technological Systems A system is a combination of parts that work to accomplish a desired result. All technological systems consist of inputs, processes, and outputs. Feedback provides information on how a system is performing.  System Inputs The system inputs are the resources needed to begin a system. The resources include people, knowledge, material, energy, time and finance. People create, design, and maintain systems. Capital includes storage buildings, roads, computers and vehicles. Finance is money used to buy the resources used to begin a system.  System Processes The inputs feed into the process portion of the technological system. The process changes the inputs to produce the outputs. People manage systems. For example people who manage bus lines route the schedule of the buses.  Outputs The outputs are the end results of a system. Inputs and processes assist in reaching the output. An example of a desired output would be a safe and successful trip from point A to point B.  Goals of a System Societal goals may include maintaining a high standard of living. Society puts restrictions on technological systems – cars need to pass an inspection. We like our products to function properly and safely.  Seven Major Technological Systems 1. Agricultural systems produce outputs by growing plants and raising animals. 2. Communication systems are associated with the dissemination of information and ideas. 3. Construction systems include creation of residential, commercial, and industrial structures. 4. Energy and power systems gather energy and convert it to useful power. 5. Manufacturing systems transform raw material to useful products. 6. Medical systems maintain health and treat injuries and illnesses. 7. Transportation systems move people and products from one place to another.  Summary All citizens need to make good decisions about energy, power, and transportation. Factors to consider include economic, environmental, and political and social. Energy is defined as the ability to do work. Power is defined as the rate at which work is performed or energy is expended. There are 3 main forms of power: electrical, mechanical, and fluid. Science is the body of knowledge related to the natural world and its phenomena. Technology is the body of knowledge related to the human made world. The scientific method pursues knowledge by collection of data. Technological method is problem solving to yield products through researching, testing. All technological systems consist of inputs, processes, and outputs. Feedback provides information on how a system is performing or has performed. Seven Major Technological Systems: 1. Agricultural 2. Communication 3. Construction 4. Energy and power, 5. Manufacturing 6. Medical and 7. Transportation systems.  Homework 1. What are 3 main forms of power? 2. Explain technology and the technological method. 3. What are 3 parts of technological systems?