Applied Technology Terms
Electricity involves the flow of electrons. Individuals need to know how electrical current moves through a circuit or a system and how electricity affects a circuit or a system. For example, they need to know how to control current and resistance.
Mechanics involves the way solid things move and how leverage, force, friction, and momentum affect that motion. Individuals need to solve problems with simple machines, complex machines, and mechanical systems.
Fluid dynamics involves the way fluids (liquids and gases such as water and air) move through systems. Individuals need to use this knowledge to solve problems with plumbing, hydraulics, or pneumatics (compressed gas).
Thermodynamics involves the movement of heat. Individuals need to know which substances warm up quickly when heated and which ones warm up more slowly. For example, air heats faster than water. They also need to know how specific heat works. That is, they need to know how different materials hold heat for different amounts of time. They need to solve problems with refrigeration, heating, air conditioning, and phase changes.