Quiz: Defining Engineering Problems

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 speed at which the car is moving.

• 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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Which step must be completed before an engineering solution to a problem is considered useful?

• a list with many criteria needs to be made

• the problem must first be precisely defined

• a list with many constraints needs to be made

• the solution should address many different problems.

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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 the 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. She decides to use the engineering design process to find a solution. Which of these describes how she can conduct 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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A large group of research laboratories are looking to buy science equipment. The picture shows a large glass graduated cylinder they are currently purchasing from company A. They would like to have new graduated cylinders that are lightweight and durable. They must also be much cheaper than the glass cylinders and delivered quickly. Company B is offering to design and make a new version of this cylinder, which will be made of plastic and much smaller. Which evaluation describes how well company B is meeting the laboratories’ needs?

• Company B is meeting the criteria.

• Company B is meeting the constraints.

• Company B is meeting the criteria and constraints.

• Company B is meeting one criteria and one constraint.

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Which of the following are possible criteria for the design of an airplane glider that incorporates a shoe box?

• The glider must fly a minimum distance and carry a certain weight.

• The glider must be painted blue and have wheels.

• The glider must be made only of metal and glass.

• The glider must be able to float on water.

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List two possible constraints for the glider design.

• Weight and material strength

• Color and logo design

• Pilot's age and favorite color

• Number of passengers and ticket price

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Rewrite each stated problem to more precisely define the problem.

• Rewrite each stated problem to more precisely define the problem.

• Summarize each stated problem.

• Ignore each stated problem.

• Expand each stated problem.

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