This Engineering Trivia Will Build or Break You

Rowan Atkinson, best known for his roles in "Black Adder" and "Mr. Bean", studied Electrical Engineering in college. This background in a technical field may have contributed to his ability to bring a unique perspective and approach to his comedic performances, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Chuck Yeager was a highly skilled and experienced test pilot who made history by piloting the Bell X-1 aircraft to break the sound barrier on October 14, 1947. His bravery and expertise in pushing the limits of aviation technology paved the way for future advancements in supersonic flight.

Alexander Graham Bell, known as the co-founder of National Geographic, was better known for his work in telephony. He is credited with inventing the telephone and making significant contributions to the development of communication technology. Bell's groundbreaking work in telephony revolutionized how people communicate over long distances and laid the foundation for modern telecommunications systems.

Rudolf Diesel was a 19th-century engineer who invented the internal combustion engine that operates without a spark plug. This engine, known as the diesel engine, ignites fuel through compression rather than a spark, making it more efficient than traditional gasoline engines. Diesel's innovative design revolutionized the transportation industry and continues to be widely used in vehicles and machinery around the world.

ENIAC, short for Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, was the first operational general-purpose electronic computer in 1946. It was developed by the United States Army during World War II to calculate artillery firing tables. ENIAC was a groundbreaking invention that paved the way for modern computing technology, utilizing vacuum tubes to perform calculations at a much faster rate than previous mechanical computers.

The point around which a lever rotates, allowing it to amplify work, is called the fulcrum. This is because the fulcrum is the fixed point on which the lever pivots when force is applied, enabling the lever to either lift or move objects with less effort.

The first operational light-amplification device using a synthetic pink ruby was the laser, which was invented in 1960. The laser works by emitting a concentrated beam of light through the process of optical amplification based on the stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation.

The Golden Gate Bridge, a famous California landmark, opened in 1937 and required the use of 80,000 miles of cable to build due to its massive size and unique design.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the professional society for electrical engineering, dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. It encompasses a wide range of subfields within electrical engineering, including power systems, electronics, telecommunications, and more.

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which famously collapsed in 1940, was located in the state of Washington. This state is known for its seismic activity and strong winds, which ultimately led to the catastrophic failure of the bridge due to aeroelastic flutter.

Hedy Lamarr, known for her roles in "Ecstasy" and "Samson and Delilah," also patented a device during World War II called frequency hopping, which aimed to prevent enemy torpedo jamming. Lamarr's invention laid the foundation for modern wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Her intelligence and innovation in the field of technology were often overshadowed by her acting career, but her contributions have had a lasting impact on the world.

Eli Whitney is credited with inventing the cotton gin, a revolutionary machine that automated the process of separating cotton fibers from their seeds. This invention significantly increased the efficiency of cotton production and had a profound impact on the economy of the Southern United States, leading to a boom in cotton production and the expansion of slavery. Whitney's cotton gin played a crucial role in the development of the textile industry and solidified his place in history as a pioneering engineer.

Gustav Eiffel's towering achievement that debuted at the International Exposition at Paris in 1889 was the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Eiffel and his team of engineers, the iconic tower was initially met with criticism but has since become a symbol of France and a popular tourist attraction around the world.

Jimmy Carter is the correct answer because he was a graduate student in reactor technology and nuclear physics at the Naval Nuclear Propulsion School in Schenectady, New York. This background in nuclear physics likely influenced his policies and decisions regarding nuclear energy and non-proliferation during his presidency.

The Three Gorges Dam is a massive and controversial Chinese construction project that began in late 1994. This dam is one of the largest in the world and has faced criticism for its environmental impact, displacement of communities, and potential risks associated with its construction.

A screw can be described as an inclined plane wrapped around a pole because the helical structure of a screw allows it to convert rotational motion into linear motion. As the screw is turned, the inclined plane wrapped around the pole moves along the threads, allowing it to either raise or lower objects. This design makes screws an efficient way to hold objects together or lift heavy loads with less effort.

The USS Nautilus was the first ship to sail under the North Pole and the first nuclear-powered submarine because it was specifically designed and equipped for both of these milestones. Its advanced nuclear power technology allowed it to travel under the ice at the North Pole and navigate the depths of the ocean with unprecedented speed and efficiency. This combination of capabilities made the USS Nautilus a groundbreaking vessel in naval history.

Transistors are tiny semiconductor devices that can amplify electrical signals and switch them on and off. They revolutionized the field of electronics by replacing bulky vacuum tubes in radios and computers. Transistors are essential components in modern electronic devices due to their small size, efficiency, and reliability.

The unit of power, 1/746th horsepower or one volt times one amp, was named after a Scottish inventor named James Watt. Watt played a crucial role in the development of the steam engine and his work revolutionized the way power was measured and understood.

The Leyden jar was an early form of a capacitor, which is a device used for storing electrical charge. It consists of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material, allowing it to store and release electrical energy. The Leyden jar played a significant role in the development of early electrical experiments and laid the foundation for modern capacitor technology.

Thomas Savery is credited with inventing the steam engine, a device that converts the energy of heated water into mechanical motion. This invention revolutionized industries and transportation by providing a more efficient source of power. The steam engine played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution and paved the way for modern engineering advancements.

The Lighthouse of Alexandria, also known as the Pharos of Alexandria, was a towering structure over 100 meters high that stood until the 14th century. It was considered one of the Ancient Wonders of the World due to its impressive size and architectural grandeur. Built on the island of Pharos in Alexandria, Egypt, the lighthouse served as a beacon for sailors navigating the Mediterranean Sea. Its longevity and monumental scale made it a marvel of ancient engineering and a symbol of the city's wealth and power.

The Alex Fraser Bridge, opened in 1986, is located in Canada. This is because the bridge is a major transportation link in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia, Canada, connecting the cities of Richmond and New Westminster. It is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world and plays a crucial role in the region's transportation infrastructure.

Ultrasound is a medical device that uses echoes of high-frequency sound waves to produce images. It is commonly used for diagnostic imaging to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow without the use of radiation. Ultrasound technology is non-invasive and safe, making it a valuable tool in medical diagnostics.