Text B Technological Systems 4.3 Modern Technologies

Question 1

What significant change did James Watt’s steam-powered piston engine bring to society?

Answer 1

It led to people moving from rural farming communities to large industrial cities

This shift marked the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.

1760 – 1840 is the industrial Revolution

1769
Watt steam engine, steam engine invented by Scottish engineer James Watt in 1769. The Watt steam engine is considered the first truly efficient steam engine, as it solved the problem of energy wastage through the use of a separate condenser.

Question 2

How is steam used in modern technologies today?

Answer 2

Steam drives turbines instead of pistons

Steam is still important for generating electrical energy.

Question 3

Why are steam engines not practical for small vehicles?

Answer 3

They require large amounts of water and fuel

Steam engines heat water outside and inject steam into a cylinder.

Question 4

What do the terms ‘internal’ and ‘combustion’ indicate about internal combustion engines?

Answer 4

They indicate that fuel burns inside the cylinder

This is different from steam engines.

Question 5

What happens during the combustion process in an internal combustion engine?

Answer 5

Liquid fuel is converted into gases, heating the air

This expansion of hot gases pushes the piston down the cylinder.

Question 6

How many pistons do modern internal combustion engines typically have?

Answer 6

Four, six, or eight pistons

All pistons are attached to the same crankshaft.

Question 7

What is the role of the crankshaft in an internal combustion engine?

Answer 7

It turns due to the power stroke of at least one piston

This allows inactive pistons to move through their other strokes.

Question 8

What are gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles designed to do?

Answer 8

Lower emissions and increase gasoline engine efficiency

Examples include the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight.

Question 9

What is the Integrated Motor Assist (iMA) power train in the Honda Insight?

Answer 9

It consists of a gasoline engine, a permanent magnet electric motor, and a five-speed manual transmission

The iMA supplements the gasoline engine at low RPMs.

Question 10

How do the Insight and Prius maintain their batteries?

Answer 10

Through regenerative braking

The electric motor acts as a generator to harness kinetic energy.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The electric motor in the Insight draws power from a _______.

Answer 11

lightweight, nickel-metal hydride battery pack

This battery is located in the rear of the car.

Question 12

True or False: The Insight needs to be plugged into a power socket to recharge.

Answer 12

False

The battery is maintained through regenerative braking.

Question 13

What is the first step of the piston cycle in an internal combustion engine?

Answer 13

Intake stroke: The intake valve opens and the piston moves downward, drawing the mixture of air and fuel into the cylinder.

This step is crucial for filling the combustion chamber with the air-fuel mixture.

Question 14

What happens during the compression stroke?

Answer 14

The intake valve closes and the piston moves up, compressing the air-fuel mixture.

This step increases the pressure and temperature of the mixture, making it more combustible.

Question 15

What occurs during the power stroke?

Answer 15

The spark plug produces a spark that ignites the mixture, causing hot gases to expand and move the piston down.

This step is where the actual power is generated to move the vehicle.

Question 16

What is the final step of the piston cycle?

Answer 16

Exhaust stroke: The piston moves up, forcing the waste products from the combustion of the mixture out the exhaust valve.

This step clears the combustion chamber for the next cycle.

Question 17

What types of vehicles commonly use internal combustion engines?

Answer 17

Cars, trucks, buses, and trains.

These engines have enabled convenient long-distance travel.

Question 18

What environmental issues are associated with internal combustion engines?

Answer 18

Release of greenhouse gases and gases that contribute to smog and acid rain.

These challenges are significant and are being addressed in modern engineering.

Question 19

What are engineers currently focusing on in relation to internal combustion engines?

Answer 19

Improving engine capabilities and designing engines that reduce negative environmental effects.

This includes researching alternatives like fuel cells.

Question 20

Fill in the blank: The _______ opens during the intake stroke.

Answer 20

intake valve

Question 21

True or False: The power stroke is when the spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture.

Answer 21

True

Question 22

What are the four distinct steps in a piston’s action in an internal combustion engine?

Answer 22

• Intake stroke
• Compression stroke
• Power stroke
• Exhaust stroke

These steps form one complete cycle of the piston’s action.

Question 23

What is one alternative to internal combustion engines?

Answer 23

Fuel cells

Fuel cells convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy.

Question 24

What are hybrid cars?

Answer 24

Cars that use a combination of a gasoline engine and an electric battery

Hybrid cars aim to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Question 25

What is the primary source of energy converted into electrical energy?

Answer 25

Fossil fuels or nuclear reactions ## Footnote These sources provide the heat or kinetic energy needed for electricity generation.

Question 26

How is electrical energy generated?

Answer 26

By electrical generators ## Footnote Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy using electromagnetic induction.

Question 27

What happens when electrical wires move in a magnetic field?

Answer 27

A current flows through the wires ## Footnote This is the principle of electromagnetic induction used in generators.

Question 28

What drives the turbines in electrical generators?

Answer 28

Steam pressure ## Footnote Steam is produced by boiling water, typically using fossil fuels or nuclear reactions.

Question 29

Approximately what fraction of electrical energy generated in Canada comes from steam-driven turbines?

Answer 29

One third ## Footnote This highlights the significance of steam power in Canada's energy production.

Question 30

What are the environmental concerns associated with fossil fuel-burning power plants?

Answer 30

They release large amounts of pollutants into the atmosphere ## Footnote This contributes to air quality issues and climate change.

Question 31

How much energy does 150 tons of uranium used in a nuclear reactor compare to coal?

Answer 31

As much as 20 million tons of coal ## Footnote This illustrates the high energy density of uranium compared to fossil fuels.

Question 32

True or False: Nuclear power plants are very clean under normal operating conditions.

Answer 32

True ## Footnote Nuclear plants do not produce greenhouse gases during operation, but there are concerns about radioactive waste.

Question 33

Fill in the blank: All commercial electrical energy is produced by _______.

Answer 33

Electrical generators ## Footnote This process is essential for supplying power to homes and industries.

Question 34

What is the primary financial benefit of building dams?

Answer 34

The cost is recovered through the sale of electrical energy. ## Footnote Dams are very expensive to build but are profitable over time.

Question 35

What is a major advantage of hydro-electric generating stations after construction?

Answer 35

Very little maintenance is required. ## Footnote This contributes to the overall efficiency of hydro-electric power.

Question 36

What traditional use did windmills serve for hundreds of years?

Answer 36

Pumping water. ## Footnote Modern windmills have evolved to convert wind energy into electrical energy.

Question 37

What is the function of modern windmills compared to traditional ones?

Answer 37

Convert wind energy almost directly into electrical energy. ## Footnote This marks a significant advancement in energy technology.

Question 38

What proportion of electrical energy in Canada is produced by hydro-electric generating stations?

Answer 38

Two thirds. ## Footnote Hydro-electric power plays a crucial role in Canada's energy landscape.

Question 39

How does the pressure behind a dam affect electricity generation?

Answer 39

It forces water to flow through turbines, causing them to turn. ## Footnote This mechanical movement is essential for generating electricity.

Question 40

What are the environmental impacts of building a dam?

Answer 40

Flooding large areas of land and threatening endangered species. ## Footnote Flooding can also cover tillable land and entire farms.

Question 41

What geographic area in Canada is known for dependable wind energy?

Answer 41

Regions like southern Alberta. ## Footnote These areas have strong winds suitable for wind energy production.

Question 42

Fill in the blank: Hydro-electric power is ______ and dependable.

Answer 42

clean ## Footnote This makes it an attractive energy source compared to fossil fuels.

Question 43

What is a drawback of the flooding caused by dam construction?

Answer 43

It can cover many hectares of tillable land. ## Footnote This can have significant agricultural impacts.

Question 44

What is the primary mechanism by which wind energy is converted into electrical energy?

Answer 44

The wind turns the blades of the windmill, which turns the axle connected to the generator.

Question 45

What type of energy source is wind energy considered?

Answer 45

Wind energy is a clean, renewable source of electrical energy.

Question 46

What is a significant limitation of wind energy production?

Answer 46

There are not many places where the wind blows strong enough and frequently enough to make wind farms profitable.

Question 47

Can wind energy replace most other sources of energy?

Answer 47

No, wind will never be able to produce enough electrical energy to replace most other sources.

Question 48

How can wind energy impact fossil fuel consumption?

Answer 48

Using wind energy could reduce the amount of fossil fuels that must be consumed to produce electrical energy.

Question 49

What is the primary source of electrical energy generation in Québec and British Columbia?

Answer 49

Most of the electrical energy is generated in hydro-electric generating plants.

Question 50

What percentage of electrical energy in Ontario is produced by nuclear reactors?

Answer 50

Nearly half of the electrical energy is produced by nuclear reactors.

Question 51

In which provinces do coal-burning power plants predominate?

Answer 51

Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Question 52

What is used to generate electrical energy in remote areas of Canada?

Answer 52

Internal combustion engines turn the generators.

Question 53

What factor may lead to changes in energy production patterns in Canada?

Answer 53

Changes in technologies.

Question 54

Fill in the blank: Wind energy is a _______ source of electrical energy.

Answer 54

renewable

Question 55

True or False: Wind energy can fully replace fossil fuels as an energy source.

Answer 55

False

Question 56

List the sources of electrical energy generation in Canada mentioned.

Answer 56

* Hydro-electric generating plants * Nuclear reactors * Coal-burning power plants * Internal combustion engines

Question 57

What is the role of electrical circuits in wind energy systems?

Answer 57

Carry the energy from each windmill to a central unit.