Chapter 2

Question 0

Scientific method

Answer 0

Make observations and develop a question about the observations 
Develop a tentative answer to the question- hypothesis
Design a controlled environment to test 
Collect data
Interpret the data
Conclusion
Compare conclusion and hypothesis 
Conduct additional experiments

Question 1

Mono lake, California

Answer 1

Inflow diverted for LA water supply
Prediversion water level 6417 ft
Historic low water level 1982 6372 ft
Lake would be too salty for marine life by 2013

Question 2

Observations

Answer 2

Made by any of the five sense of instruments that measure beyond what we sense

Question 3

Inference

Answer 3

Generalization that arises from a set of observations

Question 4

Fact

Answer 4

Observations about a particular thing agreed by

Question 5

Hypothesis

Answer 5

Type of statement used 
   When scientists wish to test an inference 
    Can be disproved
If a hypothesis has not been disproved 
    Is still not proven true
    Only found to be probably true

Question 6

Controlling variables

Answer 6

A valid scientific experiment keeps all variables constant, except the independent and dependent variables

Question 7

Controlled experiment

Answer 7

An exact duplicate of an experiment is compared back to a standard control

Question 8

Independent variable

Answer 8

The altered variable

Drives dependent variable

Question 9

Dependent variable

Answer 9

This may cause a change in another variable in the experiment
Outcome

Question 10

Model

Answer 10

Simplified representation of system

Question 11

Deductive reasoning

Answer 11

Initial definitions and assumptions
Logical reasoning
Drawing conclusions

Question 12

Inductive reasoning

Answer 12

Scientific method
Limited set of observations
Drawing conclusions

Question 13

Uncertainty

Answer 13

Experimental errors 
Systematic errors 
Accuracy
Precision
Precise measurements may not be accurate

Question 14

Theory

Answer 14

Models that offer broad, fundamental explanations of many observations

Question 15

Pseudoscience

Answer 15

Ideas that are
Untestable
Lack of empirical support
Based on faulty reasoning or poor scientific methodology

Question 16

Decision making

Answer 16

Formulate a clear statement 
Gather information
List alternatives
Predict consequences and probability 
Choose the best solution 
Policy makers are rarely scientists 
Scientific education of all is essential

Question 17

Engineering

Answer 17

The discipline dealing with the art or science of applying scientific knowledge to practical problems

Question 18

What do engineers do

Answer 18

Apply math and science principles to help solve practical problems
Create something new or improve something old
Assist managers, politicians, the public, etc. on understanding the implications of technology in addressing important issues
Communicate

Question 19

What is design

Answer 19

Design is a process
Statement of problem
Defining constraints and evaluative criteria 
Developing alternatives
Choosing best (optimum) alternative
Implementing alternative
Evaluating implementation
Feedback and redesign

Question 20

Statement of problem

Answer 20

Establish need
Develop parameters of problem
Usually open ended

Question 21

Defining constraints and evaluative criteria

Answer 21

Constraints 
  Economic 
  Physical
  Legislative 
Evaluative criteria
   Methods used to choose best alternative
Often economics

Question 22

Developing alternatives

Answer 22

Analysis and synthesis
Technical feasibility
Economic feasibility

Question 23

Choosing best (optimum) alternative

Answer 23

Optimization
Subjective
Objective (objective function subject to constraints)
Applying evaluative criteria to alternatives

Question 24

Implementing alternatives

Answer 24

Manufacturing
Construction
Scheduling

Question 25

Evaluating implementation

Answer 25

Sales
User/costumer feedback
Maintenance records
Performance records

Question 26

Feedback and redesign

Answer 26

Improvements for next manufacturing cycle
Long range improvements
Reevaluating market (continued viability of product)