Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Technology

LDR (Light Dependent Resistor): These are resistors whose resistance value changes when illuminated by light (visible or invisible, such as ultraviolet or infrared).

LDR Features:

1. Its resistance value depends on the amount of light that strikes it.
2. Ohm's Law does not apply directly.
3. Typically made from cadmium sulfide. This material, when kept in the dark, has very few free electrons, resulting in high resistance. However, when illuminated, it releases electrons, decreasing the resistance. This makes it a photoconductor.
4. Manufacturers provide values such as resistance in total darkness (R), resistance under illumination (e.g., 1000 lux), permissible maximum stress, and maximum power.
5. Can be used in lighting systems as detectors.

NTC (Negative Temperature

Railway Track Crossings: Name, Schema Usage, and Design

Crossings are essential devices that ensure the continuity of connections via different paths and can provide maximum security. They consist of combinations of two devices:

• Bypass: Allows the separation of a railroad into two or more tracks.
• Journey: Allows the intersection of two roads.

Components of Diversions and Crossings

Diversions and crossings are formed from three elements:

• Change: The contra-needle assembly. The needle is the mobile part, and the immobile part is the contra-needle. The end of the needle tip, which is not machined, connects to the union rails and is called the heel. The contra-needle is a normal lane. The needle has to transition from one lane to become normal to an

Common PC Power Problems

Some of the most common power problems and their descriptions:

• High Voltage Fluctuations: Unexpected spikes in voltage.
• Power Outages: A total loss of electrical power.
• Overvoltage: An increase in voltage beyond the normal level. This can occur when a high-energy device is suddenly switched off.
• Voltage Drop: The opposite of overvoltage; a gradual decrease in voltage, potentially leading to a power outage.

Symptoms of Power Supply Issues

Some symptoms that may indicate a power supply problem include:

• Unexpected Freezing: The PC freezes for no apparent reason.
• Data Errors: Write errors or errors accessing files occur.
• Component Failures: Internal components fail, their intensity varies, or the PC behaves strangely when connecting

Basic Electrical Concepts

Voltage (Tension)

Voltage (also known as Tension or electromotive force) is the energy with which a generator is able to push electrons through a circuit.

Electric Current (Intensity)

Electric Current (or Intensity) is the number of electrical charges flowing through a circuit per unit time. It is measured in amperes (A).

Resistance

Resistance is the opposition a material offers to the flow of electric current. Materials with high resistance make it difficult for electricity to pass through. Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).

Electric Power

Electric Power indicates the rate at which a device performs its function. The power consumed by a receiver is directly related to the voltage and current that feed the circuit. Power... Continue reading "Fundamentals of Electricity and Circuit Principles" »

Questions and Answers About Materials

1. What Kinds of Natural Fiber Fabrics Are There?

• a) Plant and animal fibers, including those of seaweeds.
• b) Plant and animal fibers.
• c) Plant, animal, and mineral fibers.
• d) Animal and seaweed fibers.

2. What Fibers Are Manufactured Without the Use of Any Natural Product?

• a) All use natural products.
• b) Synthetic.
• c) Artificial.
• d) Both b and c.

3. What Characteristic Should a Fabric Have If It Will Be in Contact With Skin for Many Hours?

• a) Tensile strength.
• b) Hygroscopy.
• c) Resistance to chemicals.
• d) Soft to the touch.

4. The Origin of Plastic Can Be:

• a) Natural and artificial.
• b) Natural, artificial, and synthetic.
• c) Elementary, artificial, and natural.
• d) Natural and recycled.

5. The Degree of Polymerization Is:

• a)

Obtention of Metals

Metals are extracted from ore found in mines. This process involves several stages to obtain pure aluminum. The enrichment of the mineral prepares the mined product for subsequent actions. The main processes of enrichment include:

• Crushing: Mechanically reducing the size of the rocks.
• Concentration: Separating the ore from waste material using physical means.
• Reduction: Extracting the maximum amount of the desired chemical element.
• Refinement: Achieving maximum purity.

Aluminum

Aluminum is the most abundant element in the Earth's crust, making up about 7%. Although abundant, it is difficult to obtain. It is produced through electrolysis in a cryolite bath, which is relatively inexpensive. The process has two main phases: obtaining... Continue reading "Aluminum Production and Material Properties" »

Understanding Cryptography: Key Concepts

Confidentiality: Prevents the disclosure of information.

Authentication: The act of establishing or confirming that something or someone is authentic.

Integrity: Prevents the modification or destruction of unauthorized information. Passive threat.

Symmetric vs. Asymmetric Keys

Symmetric Key: In symmetric key systems, the same key is used to encrypt and decrypt.

Asymmetric Key: In asymmetric key systems, encryption uses one key, and decryption uses a complementary key.

Cryptography Explained

Cryptography is the art of writing messages with a secret key or in an enigmatic way. It's a branch of mathematics, informatics, and telematics that uses mathematical methods and techniques to encrypt messages or files through... Continue reading "Understanding Cryptography: Confidentiality, Integrity, and Authentication" »

Chains

Drawbacks of Chains

A drawback of chains is the production of vibrations during operation.

Chain Rollers

Chains consist of inner and outer plates. Pins connect these plates. The outer plates are thicker than the inner plates, with larger holes. Rollers rotate freely on the pins, minimizing friction between the chain and the sprockets.

Chain Cassettes

Cassettes are similar to rollers but without the rolling action. They are more economical and suitable for short chains with light loads.

Chain Blocks

Block chains are designed for heavy loads. They consist of outer plates, pins, and solid blocks between consecutive links.

Chain Links

Links are angled plates that serve as both outer and inner plates. The advantage is the adjustability of chain length... Continue reading "Chains and Belts: Power Transmission Explained" »

Car Clutch Systems

Mission

The clutch's primary function is to progressively transfer engine power, enabling smooth vehicle movement without stalling.

Main Function

A clutch operates by pressing a disc between two flat plates. This pressure causes the disc to rotate, transmitting the engine's rotational force (torque) to the gearbox.

Clutch Disc

The clutch disc transmits motion from the flywheel to the gearbox shaft. It must possess two key qualities:

1. Progressive Engagement (Clutching): The disc should smoothly engage, allowing gradual power transfer.
2. Secure Grip (Locked): Once engaged, the disc must firmly grip to transmit torque effectively.

Dual-Mass Flywheel

A dual-mass flywheel (DMF) consists of primary and secondary masses connected by a damping... Continue reading "Understanding Car Clutch Systems: Types, Functions, and Components" »

Material Hardness: Resistance to Deformation

Hardness is the resistance a material offers to being penetrated or scratched by another material. This property is primarily due to the cohesive forces between the atoms of the material. Hardness is compared and measured using various types of tests.

Generally, the more penetration achieved by applying the same force, the softer the material being studied will be.

Brinell Hardness Test

The Brinell hardness test uses a hard spherical indentor, typically made of tungsten carbide, which is situated above the sample material to be tested. A specific load is applied to the sphere for a defined period. After removing the load and the indentor, the diameter of the indentation left on the specimen is measured... Continue reading "Understanding Material Properties: Hardness, Toughness, Fatigue, Thermal" »