Technology and Engineering Literacy Grade 1 Flashcards

Which of the following best describes 'open-source software'?

Answer: Software whose source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute

Open-source software makes its underlying source code publicly available, allowing anyone to inspect, modify, and share it. This collaborative model has produced major projects like Linux and Firefox.

A civil engineer uses computer modeling to simulate how a bridge will respond to heavy traffic and strong winds before construction begins. This is an example of which engineering practice?

Answer: Virtual prototyping and simulation

Virtual prototyping uses computer software to model and test a design in a simulated environment before any physical materials are used, saving time and cost while identifying potential failures early.

What is the primary purpose of encryption in digital communication?

Answer: To convert data into a coded format so only authorized parties can read it

Encryption scrambles data using mathematical algorithms so that it can only be decoded by someone with the correct key, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access during transmission.

Which of the following is the best example of a renewable energy technology?

Answer: A photovoltaic solar panel array

Photovoltaic solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. Sunlight is a renewable resource because it is continuously replenished by the sun, unlike fossil fuels which are finite.

In the engineering design process, what is the main purpose of the 'define the problem' step?

Answer: To clearly identify the need, constraints, and criteria that the solution must satisfy

Before any design work begins, engineers must thoroughly understand what problem they are solving, what limitations exist (such as cost or materials), and what criteria the solution must meet to be considered successful.

A manufacturer automates an assembly line by replacing human workers with robotic arms. Which of the following is a likely negative social consequence of this technological change?

Answer: Job displacement for workers who performed those tasks

While automation can increase efficiency and lower costs, it often displaces workers whose jobs are taken over by machines, leading to unemployment and the need for workforce retraining in affected communities.