Defining Engineering Problems Unit Test

Engineers are trying to solve the problem of constructing solar cells that are more affordable. Which question will help engineers to define the problem?

Choose the correct answer.

• Which materials are commonly used?

• Will cloudy days affect solar energy?

• Why do people prefer solar energy?

• How many people use natural gas?

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Emissions from burning fossil fuels negatively impact the environment. Which step should engineers take first to precisely define this problem?

Choose the correct answer.

• gather materials for building a solar-powered car

• list all the pollutants that affect the environment

• research the sources of fossil fuel emissions

• draw a diagram of a car burning bio-fuel

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Which statement is a consideration that could limit a design intended to remove plastic pollution from ocean water?

Choose the correct answer.

• The design should look appealing to investors.

• The design should not harm marine organisms.

• The design should remove plastic from ocean water.

• The design should collect plastic as quickly as possible.

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Wind turbines are used as a source of clean, renewable energy in rural areas. The original design generated large amounts of electricity by allowing the blades to spin very fast. The design was changed because of public concerns about noise and the danger to wildlife. Which statement describes the approach that was used when originally designing wind turbines?

Choose the correct answer.

• It considered corporate needs.

• It was concerned with preventing harm to wildlife.

• It was a trade-off between efficiency and public preference.

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

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NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

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?

Choose the correct answer.

• 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 store owner notices an increase in the shoplifting of jewelry and other small items. She decides to use the engineering design process to find a solution to her problem. She needs a low-cost solution that will be active while the store is open. She is concerned about customers being offended by any actions, so she wants a solution that is less visible to customers. Which of these possible solutions best meets her criteria?

Choose the correct answer.

• • 
    

    She can hire security guards for the jewelry cases

• She can make signs warning shoplifters to beware.

• She can install and monitor hidden 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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A research laboratory wants to buy new equipment. The picture shows a large, glass graduated cylinder they currently buy from Company A.

The lab set the criteria for the new graduated cylinders as lightweight, non-breakable, and delivered quickly. The constraints on the design are that the cylinders must be less than $5.00 each and they must measure at least 100 mL of liquid. Company B can very quickly make and deliver graduated cylinders that are plastic, are larger than the current cylinders, and cost $5.50 each. Which statement evaluates how well Company B can meet the laboratory’s needs?

Choose the correct answer.

• Company B is meeting the criteria but not the constraints.

• Company B is meeting the criteria and the constraints.

• Company B is meeting the constraints.

• Company B is meeting the criteria.

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The candles in the photo are a solution to a well-defined problem. What problem do these candles solve?

• Warming up the room for the diners.

• Lighting the entrance to the room.

• Lighting the dinner table without using electricity.

• Lighting up the table brightly enough to read a book.