1.
What "Black Adder" and "Mr. Bean" star studied Electrical Engineering in college?
Correct Answer
B. Rowan Atkinson
Explanation
Rowan Atkinson is the correct answer because he is known for his roles in "Black Adder" and "Mr. Bean" and he studied Electrical Engineering in college. Eric Idle, Steve Martin, and John Cleese are not associated with these shows or have a background in Electrical Engineering.
2.
Who piloted the first airplane to break the sound barrier?
Correct Answer
A. Chuck Yeager
Explanation
Chuck Yeager is the correct answer because he was the pilot who first broke the sound barrier in an airplane. On October 14, 1947, Yeager flew the Bell X-1 aircraft and became the first person to fly faster than the speed of sound. This groundbreaking achievement marked a significant milestone in aviation history and paved the way for supersonic flight.
3.
What co-founder of National Geographic was better known for his work in telephony?
Correct Answer
D. Alexander Graham Bell
Explanation
Alexander Graham Bell is the correct answer because he is widely recognized as the inventor of the telephone and his work in telephony revolutionized communication. While he is not commonly associated with National Geographic, he was one of the co-founders of the society and served as its president from 1896 to 1904. However, his contributions to the field of telephony are his most notable achievements and what he is primarily known for.
4.
What 19th-century engineer devised an internal combustion engine which works without a spark plug?
Correct Answer
B. Rudolf Diesel
Explanation
Rudolf Diesel is the correct answer because he was a 19th-century engineer who invented the internal combustion engine, known as the Diesel engine. Unlike traditional engines that require a spark plug to ignite the fuel, Diesel's engine works by compressing the air in the cylinder to a high temperature, causing the fuel to ignite spontaneously. This design revolutionized the automotive industry and is still widely used today in diesel-powered vehicles and machinery.
5.
What became, in 1946, the first operational general-purpose electronic computer?
Correct Answer
B. ENIAC
Explanation
In 1946, the first operational general-purpose electronic computer was the ENIAC. ENIAC, which stands for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, was developed by John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert at the University of Pennsylvania. It was a massive machine that used vacuum tubes to perform calculations and was primarily used for military purposes, particularly for calculating artillery firing tables during World War II. ENIAC marked a significant milestone in the history of computing, paving the way for future advancements in electronic computing technology.
6.
What is the name for the point around which a lever rotates, allowing it to amplify work?
Correct Answer
B. Fulcrum
Explanation
A fulcrum is the point around which a lever rotates, allowing it to amplify work. In simple terms, it is the support or pivot point on which a lever rests and enables it to move. When a force is applied to one end of the lever, the fulcrum acts as a fixed point, causing the other end to move in the opposite direction, resulting in a mechanical advantage. This principle is commonly observed in tools like seesaws and crowbars, where the position of the fulcrum determines the ease or difficulty of performing work.
7.
What light-amplification device was first made operational in 1960, using a synthetic pink ruby?
Correct Answer
B. Laser
Explanation
The correct answer is Laser. A laser is a light-amplification device that was first made operational in 1960. It uses a synthetic pink ruby to amplify and produce a highly focused beam of light. Unlike other light sources such as flashlights or masers, lasers have the ability to emit a coherent and intense beam of light, making them useful in various applications such as communication, surgery, and scientific research.
8.
What famous California bridge opened in 1937 and required the use of 80,000 miles of cable to build?
Correct Answer
C. The Golden Gate Bridge
Explanation
The Golden Gate Bridge is the correct answer because it is a famous California bridge that opened in 1937. It is known for its iconic red-orange color and connects San Francisco to Marin County. The construction of the bridge required the use of 80,000 miles of cable, making it a remarkable engineering feat.
9.
The IEEE is the professional society for what branch of engineering?
Correct Answer
D. Electrical Engineering
Explanation
The correct answer is Electrical Engineering. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is a professional society that focuses on advancing technology in the field of electrical engineering. They provide resources, publications, conferences, and networking opportunities for professionals in this field.
10.
In what U. S. state was the Tacoma Narrows Bridge which collapsed in 1940?
Correct Answer
C. Washington
Explanation
The correct answer is Washington. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, also known as Galloping Gertie, collapsed in 1940 in Washington state. This suspension bridge collapsed due to strong winds causing a phenomenon called aeroelastic flutter, leading to its destruction. It serves as a significant event in engineering history and has been studied to better understand bridge design and aerodynamics.
11.
What "Ecstasy" and "Samson and Delilah" actress patented a device to prevent enemy torpedo jamming?
Correct Answer
B. Hedy Lamarr
Explanation
Hedy Lamarr, known for her roles in "Ecstasy" and "Samson and Delilah," patented a device to prevent enemy torpedo jamming. Lamarr was not only an actress but also an inventor. She co-invented a frequency-hopping system that could prevent radio-controlled torpedoes from being jammed by enemies during World War II. This invention laid the foundation for modern technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Lamarr's contribution to science and technology was often overlooked during her lifetime, but she is now recognized as a pioneer in the field.
12.
What American engineer invented the cotton gin?
Correct Answer
A. Eli Whitney
Explanation
Eli Whitney is the correct answer because he was the American engineer who invented the cotton gin. The cotton gin revolutionized the cotton industry by automating the process of separating cotton fibers from the seeds, making cotton production more efficient and profitable. Eli Whitney's invention had a significant impact on the economy of the southern United States and played a crucial role in the expansion of the cotton industry.