TSA Technology Bowl Study Guide

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to technology and engineering as discussed in the TSA Technology Bowl.

What does RMS stand for in electric signals?

Root Mean Square

What is the angle at which the wings are attached to the fuselage of an airplane called?

Angle of Incidence

How big is a number 12 auger bit in diameter?

3/4 inch

How many cycles occur if an engine is operating at 3600 RPM?

1800 cycles

What reduces the strength of concrete?

Air Bubbles

What type of screw is set flush with the surface?

Flathead screw

What is the arrangement of colors and objects in a picture to create harmony called?

Balance

What type of lumber is separated into select and common grades?

Yard Lumber

What is the leftover center of a log used to make plywood called?

Peeler Core

What devices are used to hold materials in place during manufacturing?

Fixtures

What does GIGO stand for in computing?

Garbage In, Garbage Out

In a post and lintel structure, what is the lintel?

The horizontal element

In what substance should varnish brushes be cleaned?

Turpentine

What is the process of shipping goods in a large box called?

Containerization

What instrument is used to draw arcs and circles?

Compass

What is the term for construction, manufacturing, and biotechnology as ways of creating goods?

Production Technologies

What is the break-even point?

Where the amount of money earned equals the amount spent

What does an Underwriters' Laboratories label indicate about an electrical appliance?

It is safe for the purposes for which it was designed

How much area does a square of roofing material cover?

100 sq. ft

What are the devices known as that hold materials in place during a manufacturing process?

Fixtures

What type of engine is designed to burn fuel inside the engine?

Internal Combustion Engine

What is the instrument used to send documents and images via normal telephone lines?

Fax Machine

Where does the first permanent photographic image created by Joseph Niepce belong?

Heliograph

What is an example of a live load for a structure?

Traffic

What is a preliminary full-scale working model of a new product called?

Prototype

What is the collapsible air bag inside the gas bag of an airship?

Ballonet

What is Closed Circuit TV?

A system where transmitted TV signals are sent through a cable and not radiated into the atmosphere

What is the ability to do work or cause change?

Energy

What is entropy in physics?

A thermodynamic quantity representing energy unavailable for work

What is the First Law of Thermodynamics?

States that internal energy in a system remains constant

What are individual fuel cells combined in series called?

Fuel Cell Stack

What is a thermodynamic system?

Describes a system by its thermodynamic properties like temperature, volume, pressure, etc.

What is a necessary and sufficient condition for the operation of a battery?

Electrical energy

What does the term 'consumer surveys' refer to?

Surveys that ask customers questions about products they use.

What are common electrical resistances measured in?

Ohms

What does Ohm's Law state?

The current in a circuit is directly proportional to the voltage applied to the circuit.

What is passive solar energy collection?

Systems that do not use any externally powered parts to move heated water or air.

What is the design statement in a design brief?

Describes what a design solution should do without detailing how to solve the problem.

What is the purpose of a decision matrix?

To systematically rank alternatives based on criteria.

What does a design brief describe?

It identifies the problem, the criteria for the design, and the constraints.

What determines the 'factor of safety' in engineering?

The ratio of actual strength to required strength.