Engineering Contexts and Challenges

Question 1

Name the main eight renewable energy sources.

Answer 1

Wind, Solar, Tidal, Wave, Hydroelectricity, Geothermal, Biomass and Hydrogen.

Question 2

What is the role of an engineer?

Answer 2

Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality, safety and cost.

Question 3

Name the main five types of engineers.

Answer 3

Electrical, Chemical, Structural, Civil and Mechanical.

Question 4

What is a civil engineer responsible for?

Answer 4

Civil engineers design and build bridges, roads, railways, and tunnels. They design, and build, tall structures and large buildings such as multi-storey car parks, train stations, etc. They are also responsible for supply and energy sources, which help maintain the world we live in.

Question 5

What is an electrical engineer responsible for?

Answer 5

An electrical engineer is someone who designs, develops and maintains electrical control systems and/or components to required specifications. They design and manufacture electrical equipment for many sectors of work such as construction, transportation networks and the building industry.

Question 6

What is a structural engineer responsible for?

Answer 6

A Structural Engineer’s job is to make sure structures are strong and safe. They make sure structures don’t collapse or vibrate, and remain stable throughout their use.

Question 7

What is a mechanical engineer responsible for?

Answer 7

Mechanical engineers design all sorts of things such as cars, trains, engines, and hydraulic devices. They use software like CAD.

Question 8

What is a chemical engineer responsible for?

Answer 8

Chemical engineers are involved in the development and manufacture of rubber, plastic, paper, cement, lubricants and fuels.

Question 9

Name the main three issues involved with engineering.

Answer 9

Social, Economic and Environmental.

Question 10

What is a social issue?

Answer 10

A social issue is linked to people, this may include jobs, tourism and commuting.

Question 11

What is an economic issue?

Answer 11

An economic issue is related to money, this may include the money spent on a project, the profit made and jobs/wages.

Question 12

What is an environmental issue.

Answer 12

An environmental issue relates to the world around us, including wildlife, pollution and scenery.

Question 13

Name two emerging technologies.

Answer 13

Hydrogen powered engines, graphene, smart glass, Near Field Communication (NFC), touch screen technology and self healing materials.

Question 14

When should a building be tested?

Answer 14

Buildings should be tested before, during and after construction.

Question 15

State three tests that could be done to a building.

Answer 15

Strength, weather ability, durability, air tightness, water tightness, sustainability, load and impact testing.

Question 16

How can engineers combat climate change?

Answer 16

In order to combat climate change engineers have to reduce the carbon footprint of the energy they create, the buildings they design and the products they design. They can do this by non-finite fuels in their power stations which create zero (or very few) greenhouse gases, i.e: renewable energies. They can also use recycled materials in their projects which cuts down on the CO2 produced.

Question 17

What factors would an engineer look at when designing a stadium.

Answer 17

An engineer would look at many different factors when designing a building; from cost and materials to the aesthetics. They would work with other engineers along with accountants, the architects and the local people. They would also have to look at facilities for visitors and staff.

Question 18

What would an engineer do during the implementation of a building.

Answer 18

An engineer would look at the plans for the building and make sure the structure along with the design of the building is safe. They would work with other engineers and organisations. They would rectify any problems that might occur during construction.

Question 19

How could engineers monitor the building after its construction?

Answer 19

They would use systems such as CCTV cameras and heat sensors, along with visual inspections to make sure any problems are noticed. They would then fix any problems that had appeared.

Question 20

What is the unit for efficiency?

Answer 20

There is no unit.

Question 21

What is the formula for efficiency?

Answer 21

η =Energyout/Energyin

Question 22

What are the main things to remember about energy?

Answer 22

Energy cannot be created nor destroyed, it can only be transformed from one type to another. For example: A television turns electrical energy into light and sound energy.

Question 23

What are the eight main types of energy?

Answer 23

Kinetic, potential, heat, sound, chemical, light, nuclear and electrical.

Question 24

What is open loop control?

Answer 24

This is when there is no feedback. For example: A torch or a light switch.

Question 25

What is closed loop control?

Answer 25

This is when there is feedback. For example: A hairdryer.

Question 26

What form of energy is most often lost?

Answer 26

Heat energy.

Question 27

What are the four main parts of a sub-system diagram?

Answer 27

An error detector, a control unit, an output driver and an output.