Study Sheet_ Systems in Action - Investigating Science and Technology 8

What is a system in scientific terms?

A group of parts working together to perform a function.

What are the main functions of a system's purpose?

The main goal or function of the system, like lifting, transporting, or powering something.

Define inputs in a system.

Energy, materials, or information that enter the system (e.g., fuel, electricity, raw materials).

What does output refer to in a system?

The result or product of the system's function (e.g., motion, light, heat, waste).

What is the process in the context of a system?

The transformation of inputs to produce an output.

Define feedback in a system.

A loop within a system that adjusts performance based on the output.

What is efficiency in relation to a system?

A measure of how well a system converts input energy into useful output energy.

How is energy measured?

Energy is measured in joules (J).

What is work?

The application of force over a distance.

Define power in a scientific context.

The rate at which work is done.

What is force?

A push or pull acting on an object, measured in newtons (N).

What is the distinction between mass and weight?

Mass is the amount of matter in an object (kg), while weight is the force of gravity acting on the object (N).

What is the formula to calculate weight?

Weight = Mass × 9.8 m/s².

What is the formula used to calculate work?

Work (W) = Force (F) × Distance (d).

How do you calculate mechanical advantage (MA)?

MA = Output Force / Input Force.

What does a higher mechanical advantage signify?

Less effort needed to perform work.

What does gear ratio indicate in a mechanical system?

Gear Ratio = Teeth on Output Gear / Teeth on Input Gear.

What is the First Law of Energy?

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

What method is used for heat transfer through direct contact?

Conduction.

What is convection?

Heat transfer in fluids.

Define radiation in terms of heat transfer.

Heat transfer through waves without touching.

What do levers, ramps, and pulleys have in common?

They are all simple machines that reduce the effort needed to perform work.

What is the function of screws in machines?

Convert rotational force into linear motion (e.g., jar lids).