http://www.ck12.org Chapter 1. Introduction to Physical Science
Q:Why was the invention of the solar cell important to the evolution of solar car technology?
A:The solar car could not exist without the solar cell. This invention provided a way to convert light energy to
electricity that could be used to run a device such as a car.
Q:The 1955 “Sunmobile” was just a model car. It was too small for people to drive. Why was it an important
achievement in the evolution of solar car technology?
A:The car wasn’t practical, but it was a working solar car. It showed people that solar car technology is possible. It
spurred others, including Hans Tholstrup, to work on solar cars that people could actually drive.
Q:How have the World Solar Challenge races influenced the development of solar cars?
A:The races have drawn a lot of attention to solar car development. The challenge of winning a race has also
stimulated developers to keep improving the performance of solar cars so they can go faster and farther on solar
power alone.
Summary
- Technology is the application of science to solve practical problems.
- Technology evolves as new materials, designs, and processes are invented.
Vocabulary
- technology: Application of knowledge to real-world problems.
Explore More
Watch this video about saw-stop technology, and then answer the questions below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFp62jDcoFM (5:06)
MEDIA
Click image to the left for use the URL below.
URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/54915- What practical problem is solved by saw-stop technology? Why is it important to solve this problem?
- What scientific knowledge does saw-stop technology use? How does it use it?
- How was saw-stop technology tested in the video? What was the outcome?
Review
- What is technology?
- Explain how technology evolves, using examples from the development of solar-powered cars.