PATSA Tech Bowl Comprehensive Study Guide

A comprehensive set of flashcards that cover key terms, concepts, and definitions from the PATSA Tech Bowl study guide, focusing on technology, engineering, design processes, and related fields.

TSA Colors

Scarlet (Red), White, and Navy Blue.

TSA Motto

Learning to Live in a Technical World.

LEAP

Leadership, Education, Achievement, and Personal Growth.

Logo Meaning

T (Tech), S (Student), A (Assoc.); rectangle symbolizes stability.

1st Industrial Revolution

Steam-powered technologies.

2nd Industrial Revolution

Electricity and mass production.

3rd Industrial Revolution

Digital technologies.

4th Industrial Revolution

Artificial Intelligence and cyber-physical systems.

Eli Whitney

Known for interchangeable parts and the Cotton Gin.

Henry Ford

Pioneered the assembly line and mass production.

Historical Ages

Stone (tools), Bronze (alloys), Iron (smelting), Middle, Renaissance.

Key Figures: Edison/Tesla

Contributed to power generation and electrical systems.

Key Figure: Marconi

Invented radio communication.

Key Figure: Hopper

Known for developing COBOL programming language.

Key Figure: Babbage

Considered the father of computing.

The Design Loop

A process that includes Define, Brainstorm, Research, Prototype, Test, Evaluate.

Constraints

Limitations such as budget, time, materials, or safety.

Ergonomics

Human factors engineering focused on designing for comfort and efficiency.

Optimization

The process of improving a design to make it as functional as possible.

CAD

Computer-Aided Design software for 2D/3D modeling.

Tension

A pulling or stretching force.

Compression

A pushing or squeezing force.

Torsion

A twisting force.

Shear

Opposing parallel forces.

Ductility

The ability to be stretched into wire.

Malleability

The ability to be hammered into sheets.

JIT

Just-In-Time inventory management.

CIM

Computer Integrated Manufacturing.

Hydraulics

Power transmitted via liquids, which are non-compressible.

Pneumatics

Power transmitted via compressed air.

4-Stroke Engine

Involves Intake, Compression, Power, and Exhaust strokes.

Bernoulli’s Principle

States that faster air decreases pressure, explaining wing lift.

Forces of Flight

Lift, Weight, Thrust, Drag.

Control Surfaces

Includes Ailerons (roll), Elevators (pitch), and Rudder (yaw).

Binary

Base-2 numbering system (0,1).

Hex

Base-16 numbering system.

LAN

Local Area Network.

WAN

Wide Area Network.

Fiber Optics

Using light pulses through glass for high-speed data transmission.

Logic Gates

Fundamental components in digital circuits; includes AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR.

Transistor

Semiconductor device used for switching or amplifying signals.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

CAT

Computed Tomography scan.

Prosthetics

Artificial devices that replace missing body parts.

Biocompatibility

Ability of materials to exist within the body without rejection.

Hydroponics

Growing plants in water without soil.

Bioremediation

Using living organisms to clean pollutants.

Third-Class Lever

A lever most commonly found in the human body, with the effort placed between fulcrum and load.

Ohm’s Law

Describes the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance: V = I × R.

Electrical Power Formula

P = I × V (Power = Current × Voltage).

Work Formula

W = F × d (Work = Force × Distance).

Gear Ratio

GR = N_out / N_in.

Mach 1

Speed of sound, approximately 761 mph.