1B1 Science, Engineering, Technology, Society, and the Environment

Question 1

Define:

Technology

Answer 1

The application of scientific knowledge to develop tools, systems, and devices that solve practical, technical, and societal problems, improving human life and efficiency.
## Footnote

Technology encompasses a wide range of innovations, from simple tools like the wheel to complex systems like the internet.

Question 2

Fill in the blank:

Engineering applies ______ and ______ to develop solutions for real-world problems.

Answer 2

math; science

Engineers build on the work of scientists by taking knowledge discovered by scientists and creating practical applications.

Question 3

How are science and engineering related?

Answer 3

Science provides knowledge about the natural world, while engineering applies this knowledge to design and build solutions to real-world problems.

Science focuses on understanding principles, and engineering applies them.

Question 4

Fill in the blank:

Science provides knowledge, engineering applies it, and ________ advances both by developing new tools and innovations for discovery.

Answer 4

technology

For example, advances in physics (science) led to the development of lasers (technology), which are then optimized through engineering for various applications like medicine and communication.

Question 5

Define:

Engineering design

Answer 5

A set of structured steps engineers use when developing a product.

This iterative process combines creativity and technical knowledge to develop effective solutions.

Question 6

What is the significance of engineers in society?

Answer 6

Engineers design, build, and improve technologies and systems that address societal needs, enhance quality of life, and solve complex problems.

They play a critical role in infrastructure, healthcare and communication.

Question 7

Define:

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Answer 7

Integration of knowledge and methods from different disciplines to solve problems.

The development of technologies such as medical imaging or renewable energy often involves the collaboration of experts from fields such as physics, biology and computer science working together.

Question 8

What are the key methods shared by science and engineering?

Answer 8

• Observation
• Experimentation
• Modeling
• Analysis

These methods ensure reliability, whether in scientific research or in developing technological innovations.

Question 9

Fill in the blank:

Advancements in engineering often lead to breakthroughs in _______.

Answer 9

science

Tools like telescopes developed by engineers enable new scientific discoveries.

Question 10

True or false:

The invention of the telescope by engineers contributed to major discoveries in astronomy.

Answer 10

True

The telescope allowed scientists like Galileo to observe celestial bodies, revolutionizing our understanding of the universe.

Question 11

Explain why the development of lasers is considered a significant example of engineering advancing science.

Answer 11

Lasers enabled new scientific exploration and innovation in fields like physics, medicine, and communication.
## Footnote

For instance, lasers are essential in spectroscopy and precision surgeries.

Question 12

Explain how the creation of the electron microscope advanced our understanding of materials at the atomic level.

Answer 12

It allowed scientists to visualize and analyze atomic structures with unprecedented precision.

This technology is essential in fields like nanotechnology and materials science.

Question 13

True or false:

The development of satellites by engineers has played a pivotal role in advancing climate science and revolutionizing global communication.

Answer 13

True

Satellites provide critical data for monitoring Earth’s atmosphere, weather patterns, and global connectivity.

Question 14

Fill in the blank:

The invention of the X-ray machine allowed scientists to study the internal structure of the ______ _____ without invasive surgery.

Answer 14

human body

X-ray imaging, developed by engineers, revolutionized medical diagnostics by enabling non-invasive internal examinations.

Question 15

True or false:

The invention of the CT scanner helped advance the study of internal organs through detailed imaging.

Answer 15

True

The CT scanner, developed by engineers, uses X-rays and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the body.

Question 16

Fill in the blank:

The development of sonar allowed scientists to explore and map ________ ecosystems.

Answer 16

deep-sea

Sonar technology uses sound waves to detect and map underwater structures, enabling discoveries in marine biology and oceanography.

Question 17

Define:

Magnetic Levitation

(maglev)

Answer 17

A technology that uses magnetic fields to lift and propel objects, like trains, by eliminating physical contact with the surface
## Footnote

Maglev trains reduce friction, allowing for higher speeds and more efficient energy use compared to traditional rail systems.

Question 18

True or false:

The discovery of electromagnetic waves had little impact on modern communication technologies.

Answer 18

False

Electromagnetic waves are the foundation of wireless communication, including radio, television, and mobile networks.

Question 19

What role do superconductors play in modern medical imaging?

Answer 19

They are used in MRI machines to create powerful magnetic fields.

Superconducting magnets improve the accuracy and resolution of MRI images, aiding in precise diagnostics.

Question 20

Which scientific discovery by Heinrich Hertz made wireless communication possible?

Answer 20

Radio waves

This discovery led to the development of technologies like radios, cell phones, and Wi-Fi.

Question 21

How did the Hubble Space Telescope impact our understanding of the universe?

Answer 21

It provided unprecedented images of space, leading to discoveries about the universe’s age and expansion.

The telescope’s technology was based on scientific principles and, in turn, contributed to major astronomical findings.

Question 22

Fill in the blank:

The theory of ________ ________ was necessary to correct errors in GPS.

Answer 22

general relativity

This theory confirmed fundamental results of atomic physics.

Question 23

What technological advancement enabled the first detection of gravitational waves?

Answer 23

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory

(LIGO)

This provided a novel confirmation of the general theory of relativity.

Question 24

True or false:

Scientific advances are universally applied in the same way across all cultures.

Answer 24

False

Different cultures and societies may prioritize or restrict technologies based on their values, ethics, and social norms.

Question 25

What significant technological advances resulted from the **scientific revolution and the enlightenment**?

Answer 25

The steam engine and improved navigation tools. ## Footnote The steam engine drove the Industrial Revolution, and enhanced navigation tools facilitated global exploration, both outcomes of the era’s scientific inquiries and technological innovations.

Question 26

# True or false: The **Renaissance** in Europe prioritized scientific inquiry due to cultural shifts towards humanism and the rediscovery of classical knowledge.

Answer 26

True ## Footnote The Renaissance emphasized **observation** and **experimentation**, leading to advancements in physics, anatomy, and astronomy by figures like Galileo and Leonardo da Vinci.

Question 27

Explain why **ethical considerations** are important in the development of **artificial intelligence (AI)**.

Answer 27

Ethical considerations ensure that AI is developed and used in ways that respect **human rights**, privacy, and fairness. ## Footnote AI systems can perpetuate biases or make decisions that impact society, making ethical oversight essential.

Question 28

# Fill in the blank: The ethical use of **genetic engineering** is often influenced by societal concerns about _______ and the preservation of biodiversity.

Answer 28

safety ## Footnote Ethical debates around genetic engineering focus on its potential risks to human health and ecosystems.

Question 29

# Define: Bioethics

Answer 29

The study of ethical issues arising from advances in **biology** and **medicine**. ## Footnote It addresses topics like genetic engineering, cloning, and human experimentation.

Question 30

List some ways **science** is essential for **society's development**.

Answer 30

* Providing equal access to resources. * Supporting commerce and industry. * Transforming economies. * Advancing healthcare. * Development of public policy. ## Footnote Examples include the industrial revolution and advancements in biotechnology.

Question 31

Explain how Cold War-era cultural competition influenced the development of **space exploration**.

Answer 31

The rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union led to rapid advancements in **space technology**, such as the launch of Sputnik and the Apollo missions. ## Footnote This period, known as the **Space Race**, was driven by political and cultural competition rather than purely scientific goals.

Question 32

What role can **citizens** play in scientific research?

Answer 32

Citizens can participate in citizen science projects, helping collect, analyze, and interpret data. ## Footnote This involvement aids scientists in addressing real-world problems and fulfilling societal needs.

Question 33

How has technology revolutionized **daily life**?

Answer 33

* Made cleaning easier with machines. * Simplified cooking with gas and electricity. * Provided diverse appliances for cooking. * Enhanced communication and transport. ## Footnote Innovations like vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, and mobile phones have transformed daily tasks.

Question 34

# True or false: Science has helped to increase **food availability** and reduce child mortality.

Answer 34

True ## Footnote Innovations in agriculture and healthcare have played crucial roles in these improvements.

Question 35

# Define: Large Hadron Collider

Answer 35

The world's most powerful **particle accelerator**. ## Footnote This tool designed by engineers is responsible for many scientific discoveries, most notably the Higgs Boson.