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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. For what does Bill think the mammoth will return?

2. What is a core of wire wound around an iron core?

3. What is the meaning of the acronym LASER?

4. What are binary digits?

5. What is one thing an electrical current can measure?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Bill record the binary numbers of the mammoth's physical presence?

2. Who is the last mammoth?

3. What is a CPU and how is it illustrated by Macaulay?

4. What topic does Part 5 cover?

5. What are analog quantities and how are its levels described?

6. Define the two types of waves that are discussed.

7. Explain how electromagnets keep machines running.

8. How is artificial light created?

9. How is static electricity formed?

10. Describe some types of memory.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the following:

1) Using examples, explain how a heating element works and the principle(s) of physics behind the element working.

2) Explain how heat can be used to keep things cool. Be sure to discuss both the molecular principle related to cooling and the process of cooling itself in both an air conditioner and a refrigerator.

3) Research and discuss the cultural and environmental impact the ability to cool via an air conditioner and refrigerator has had.

Essay Topic 2

In Part One, The Mechanics of Movement, states that to understand the way things work, one needs to understand the underlying principles. Discuss the following:

1) Discuss the principles/laws of physics that underpin all of the various tools and machines presented in The New Way Things Work.

2) Thoroughly discuss the wedge. How is it used? Upon what principles of physics is it based? What are some common wedges? What is the most complex wedge that is discussed?

3) How often do you think you use a wedge during the course of your everyday life? Do you think it is important to understand the underlying principles of a wedge? Why or why not? Do you think it is interesting to understand upon what basis something such as a zipper was created?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the following:

1) Describe the effect of heat upon molecules and give an example.

2) What are the three ways heat travels?

3) Define thermal radiation.

4) Define conduction and give at least one example of it.

5) Define convection and give at least one example of it.

6) Discuss the rays which the sun emits. What happens when the rays reach an object?

(see the answer keys)

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