Defining Engineering Problems (G6U1L2)

Engineers are trying to solve the problem of constructing solar cells that are more affordable.

Which question will engineers most likely ask first to help define this problem?

• What is the most cost-effective design process?

• Will cloudy days affect solar energy?

• Which materials are commonly used?

• Do people prefer solar energy?

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The picture shows a design for a solar-powered car.

What is the most likely reason the designers of this car would have needed to use research skills?

• The designers needed to calculate the car’s speed.

• The designers needed to create a three-dimensional computer model of the car.

• The designers needed to find out which materials have previously been used to create similar cars.

• The designers needed to brainstorm new ways of integrating solar energy technology into cars.

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Wind turbines are used as a source of clean renewable energy in rural areas. Their design was changed because of public concerns about possible disruptions to everyday life.

Which statement best describes the approach that was used to evaluate the design?

• It considered corporate needs.

• It considered societal needs.

• It was mainly concerned about the effects on wildlife.

• It was mainly concerned with the efficiency of the turbines.

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Engineers have been designing a ship that can move through large ocean waves safely. After research, they decide that new criteria and constraints will improve the design of the ship.

Which action will they most likely take in dealing with the new criteria and constraints?

• Build the ship according to the original plan.

• Scrap the plan and start the design process again.

• Consider the constraints only and revise the design process.

• Reframe the criteria and constraints to match the additional research.

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A storeowner notices an increase in shoplifting of jewelry and other small items. She decides to use the engineering design process to find a solution to her problem.

Which of these describes how she can conduct background research to find a possible solution?

• She can make signs warning shoplifters to beware.

• She can hire security guards for the jewelry cases.

• She can install and monitor video cameras near the jewelry cases.

• She can require customers to leave all bags at the front desk when they arrive.

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Jeremy’s science class is designing models of an airplane glider that incorporates a shoebox as part of the glider.

What is one possible criteria for the glider design?

• The glider should be able to fly at least 10 meters.

• The glider should be made entirely of recycled materials.

• The glider should have a wingspan of less than 2 meters.

• The glider should be painted in bright colors.

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Jeremy’s science class is designing models of an airplane glider that incorporates a shoebox as part of the glider.

What is one possible constraint for the glider design?

• The glider should reach a top speed of at least 10 meters per second.

• The glider should weigh less than 500 grams.

• The glider should be thrown from a high place.

• The glider should have wings.

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Society has a number of problems that science tries to address. One of these problems can be generally stated as:

● Design a computer that can be used by the visually impaired.

Rewrite the stated problem to more precisely define the problem.

• Determine the best way to teach blind students how to use a computer.

• Design a computer that has sound and a braille keyboard.

• Find the best way to store large amounts of electronic information.

• none of these

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Society has a number of problems that science tries to address. One of these problems can be generally stated as:

● Develop ways to feed more people.

Rewrite the stated problem to more precisely define the problem.

• Explore methods of farming that can be used to produce more food per acre of land.

• Design a tool that makes farmers' work easier.

• Develop a faster way to cook food within the home.

• none of these

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Charlia is creating a design for an airplane that can carry 1,500 to 3,000 people.

Why would there be a need for an airplane with this constraint?

• To win an award

• To reduce the number of flights needed

• To offer luxury services to a large group

• To test new aviation technology

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