Download Principles of Technology

Unit 1: FORCE
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Unit Objectives:
◦ Describe in your own words, what force is.
◦ Give examples of complex technological devices where
force must be controlled, measured, or applied
◦ Describe what force, pressure, voltage and temperature
difference have in common
◦ Describe or predict what happens to an object when
forces on it are balanced and when forces on it are
unbalanced.
◦ Measure force in mechanical, fluid, electrical and
thermal systems.
◦ List occupations that require technicians to measure,
control, or otherwise deal with force in complex devices.
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Forces are a part of our everyday activities
Mechanical, fluid, electrical and thermal
energy systems involve forces.
A prime mover, such as an unbalanced force,
pressure difference, voltage difference, or
temperature difference, causes whatever it
“acts” on to move.
Mathematics is essential for technicians
working in advanced-technology
occupations.
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Force is a push or a pull.
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A force can
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Cause an object to start moving or to move faster
Cause a moving object to change direction
Cause an object to slow down or to stop moving
Change the shape of an object
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Force is what makes things move in a
mechanical system.
In a mechanical system, force is called the
“prime mover.”
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Each system has a prime mover that acts very
much like force.
Energy Systems
Prime Movers
Mechanical
Force
Fluid
Pressure
Electrical
Voltage
Thermal
Temperature Difference
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Automobile
◦ Mechanical – Pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft
◦ Fluid Systems – Hydraulic system transfers motion
from the brake pedal to the brake shoes
◦ Electrical system – battery, alternator, spark plugs
◦ Thermal – or cooling system – radiator, fan and
thermostat, water pump, liquid coolant,