Manual

About Electricity (Technology)
5. What is Technology?
Q: What is technology and who used technology in the past?
A: Technology is the application of scientic knowledge for practical
purposes. Dating back to the 18th century, Benjamin Franklin (a
famous American) proved that lightning was caused by electricity by
performing an experiment in which an electrical conductor would be
used to extract power from a thundercloud. In the
experiment, he ew a kite with a metal key
attached to it into a suitable cloud. The precise
historical details are unclear, but he may have
then retrieved the key and discharged electricity
from it. He later, in 1799, invented the lightning
rod, a device that served a practical purpose.
6. Technical Terms
Q: What terms do electrical technicians need to know?
A: When technicians work on circuits and appliances
there are some terms they need to know. Current is the
movement of electrons and is measured in Amperes (Amps),
which is named in honor of André-Marie Ampère. Resistance
is the opposition of the ow of electric current
and is measured in Ohms, which is named after
George Ohm. Electro-Motive Force EMF that
pushes the electrons through the resistance is
measured in Volts, named after Alessandro Volta. Electrical
Power is the rate, per unit time, at which electrical energy is
transferred by an electric circuit and is measured in Watts,
named after the famous technical inventor James Watt.
7. Technology in Everyday Life
Q: Where do we see Technology?
A: Since Technology is the
application of scientic knowledge,
we see it every day when
we watch television, cook in an
electric pot, ride on a train that is
powered by electricity, and more.
Repairmen that x our furnaces or our
air-conditioning units are technicians
because knowledge of how the science
was used to make things hot and cold
helps us repair a broken device.
8. Is There an Age Requirement to be a Technician?
Q: How old do you have to be to become a Technician?
A: Let me tell you a story about a girl named Becky. She was only
10 years old when she was attempting to do her homework in
her mom’s car. As it got darker outside, she had the
idea that there should be a way to make her paper
easier to see in the dark. She began playing around
with phosphorescent materials, which exhibited light
without heat. She then used phosphorescent paint
to cover an acrylic board and The Glo-Sheet was
created. At the ripe old age of 12, Becky became
the youngest woman to be approved for a U.S.
patent for her Glo-Sheet invention.
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