10. Input, output devices, energy and general terms

Question 1

What is inclusive design?

Answer 1

That designers should aim to design products that can be used by as many people as possible, including people with disabilities and those of different ages

Question 2

What is the primary user?

Answer 2

The main user of the product or system

Question 3

What is a stakeholder?

Answer 3

A person, group or organisation that has an interest in the product or system

Question 4

What is a product designed with ergonomics in mind more likely to be?

Answer 4

It is more likely to be easier and more straightforward to use

Question 5

What are some new and emerging technologies?

Answer 5

• Automation
• Robotics
• Smart technology

Question 6

What are electronic circuits made up of?

Answer 6

Different components that are designed to carry out a specific function

Question 7

What 3 main stages are the electronic system made from?

Answer 7

• input
• process
• output

Question 8

How do inputs work?

Answer 8

• Inputs are sensors that can monitor, sense or measure physical factors such as: temperature, pressure, weight, sound
• Sensors produce an electrical signal in response to what they are sensing
• This signal is sent to the processing part of the system
• On many systems, the push button is the sensor that sens a signal when pressed

Question 9

What are the simplest input devices and why?

Answer 9

• Push buttons and switches
• They only have 2 signals - on and off
• When not pressed they send an ‘off’ signal
• The ‘off’ signal means no voltage is being sent
• When pressed they send an ‘on’ signal
• This means all the voltage in the circuit is being sent

Question 10

What are output devices?

Answer 10

They produce audible or visual indicators such as light or sound

Question 11

What are the most common output devices?

Answer 11

• lights
• speakers
• motors

Question 12

What are the 2 different types of batteries?

Answer 12

• alkaline batteries
• rechargeable batteries

Question 13

What are rechargeable batteries?

Answer 13

batteries that are better for the environment and more economical in the long run (high initial purchase price). their lifespan decreases with every charge

Question 14

What are alkaline batteries?

Answer 14

they are the most common type of domestic batteries, they are disposable but contain chemicals that are bad for the environment

Question 15

How is nuclear energy generated?

Answer 15

• nuclear fuel undergoes a controlled chain reaction in the reactor to produce heat - nuclear to heat energy
• heat is used to change water into steam in the boiler
• the steam drives the turbine (heat to kinetic energy)
• this drives the generator to produce electricity - kinetic to electrical energy

Question 16

What is biomass energy?

Answer 16

energy gained from burning wood or other organic matter. burning biomass releases carbon emissions, but has been classed as a renewable energy source in the EU and Un legal frameworks, because plant stocks can be replaced with new growth

Question 17

How does a thermal power station work?

Answer 17

1. it burns fuel such as coal, oil or gas, in a furnace to produce heat - chemical to heat energy
2. this heat is used to change water into steam in the boiler
3. this steam drives the turbine - heat to kinetic energy
4. this drives the generator to produce electricity - kinetic to electrical energy

Question 18

How is hydroelectricity generated?

Answer 18

• in a hydroelectric power station water is stored behind a dam in a reservoir. this water has gravitational potential energy
• the water runs down pipes (potential to kinetic energy)
• the turbine is connected to a generator to produce electricity (kinetic to electrical energy)