All flashcards
Flashcard 1: What should you do first when comparing two possible solutions to a science problem?
Answer: List the criteria and constraints. Identify requirements before evaluating how well solutions meet them.
Flashcard 2: What tool is most useful to compare several solutions against the same criteria?
Answer: A comparison table or checklist. Organizes criteria for systematic side-by-side evaluation.
Flashcard 3: Which solution should be rejected immediately: one that meets criteria but breaks a constraint, or one that meets all constraints?
Answer: Reject the solution that breaks a constraint. Constraints are mandatory; breaking one disqualifies the solution.
Flashcard 4: Which solution is most effective if the criterion is least material used: A uses 12 cm, B uses 9 cm, C uses 10 cm?
Answer: Solution B. 9 cm < 10 cm < 12 cm, so B uses the least.
Flashcard 5: Which option is the correct meaning of "trade-off" when selecting a solution?
Answer: Gaining one benefit while giving up another. Trade-offs involve sacrificing one advantage for another.
Flashcard 6: Which option should be rejected if the constraint is “length must be ≤30 cm”: 29 cm or 31 cm?
Answer: 31 cm. 31>30, violating the constraint; 29≤30 is acceptable.
Flashcard 7: Identify the correct statement: A solution can break constraints if it meets criteria very well.
Answer: Incorrect; a solution must meet all constraints. Constraints are mandatory; breaking them disqualifies a solution.
Flashcard 8: Which option is a constraint: “must cost under $10” or “should be easy to use”?
Answer: Must cost under $10. "Must" indicates a requirement, making it a constraint.
Flashcard 9: Identify the better solution if the criterion is “highest strength”: 8 N or 12 N.
Answer: 12 N. 12>8, so it provides greater strength.
Flashcard 10: Which option is a criterion: “must be safe” or “should be lightweight”?
Answer: Should be lightweight. "Should" indicates a preference, making it a criterion.
Flashcard 11: Find the most effective option if the constraint is “volume must be ≥2 L”: 1.5 L or 2.2 L.
Answer: 2.2 L. 2.2≥2 meets the constraint; 1.5<2 fails.
Flashcard 12: Which solution should you choose if safety is a constraint and Solution A is unsafe while B is safe?
Answer: Solution B. Safety constraints eliminate unsafe options immediately.
Flashcard 13: What does it mean to trade off when choosing between two solutions?
Answer: Improving one criterion may worsen another. Trade-offs occur when solutions excel in different areas.
Flashcard 14: Which tool best helps compare several solutions fairly using the same criteria?
Answer: A decision matrix or scoring table. Matrices organize criteria scores for objective comparison.
Flashcard 15: Which solution is best if criteria weights are equal and totals are A=10, B=10, C=9?
Answer: A and B are tied. Equal scores mean both solutions perform equally well.
Flashcard 16: Which option is more effective for the criterion “uses less energy”: 15 J or 20 J?
Answer: 15 J. 15<20, using less energy as desired.
Flashcard 17: Identify the best choice if the constraint is “time must be ≤5 min”: 4 min or 6 min.
Answer: 4 min. 4≤5 meets the constraint; 6>5 violates it.
Flashcard 18: Choose the most effective solution if all constraints are met and scores are: A=7, B=9, C=8.
Answer: Solution B. B has the highest score (9) among all solutions.
Flashcard 19: Which option is the best reason to test a prototype before choosing a final solution?
Answer: To collect evidence about how well it meets criteria. Testing provides data to evaluate criteria performance.
Flashcard 20: Which solution is most effective if the constraint is “mass must be under 200 g”: 180 g or 240 g?
Answer: 180 g. 180<200, so it meets the constraint; 240>200 fails.
Flashcard 21: Choose the word that best completes the sentence: Constraints are , not preferences.
Answer: Limits. Constraints are mandatory requirements, not optional.
Flashcard 22: Which option describes effectiveness when comparing solutions: meets goals best or looks nicest?
Answer: Meets goals best. Effectiveness means achieving desired outcomes.
Flashcard 23: Which step should you do first when comparing solutions using criteria and constraints?
Answer: List the criteria and constraints. Start by defining what to measure and what limits exist.
Flashcard 24: What is the meaning of a criterion when comparing two solutions to a problem?
Answer: A standard used to judge how well a solution works. Criteria measure success; constraints set boundaries.
Flashcard 25: Which statement is a measurable criterion: "looks nice" or "lasts at least 30 days"?
Answer: "Lasts at least 30 days". Measurable criteria use specific numbers or quantities.
Flashcard 26: Which solution is most effective if all meet constraints and you prioritize safety over cost?
Answer: Choose the solution with the highest safety rating. When prioritizing, select based on the most important criterion.
Flashcard 27: What should you do if no solution meets all constraints?
Answer: Redesign or revise the solutions or constraints. Modify the problem when no existing solution works.
Flashcard 28: Which solution is most effective if the only criterion is lowest cost: A costs 5,Bcosts3, C costs $4?
Answer: Solution B. \3 < $4 < $5$, so B has the lowest cost.
Flashcard 29: Which solution is most effective if the constraint is mass must be under 2 kg: A 1.8 kg, B 2.1 kg, C 1.9 kg?
Answer: Solution A or Solution C. Both A (1.8 kg) and C (1.9 kg) are under 2 kg; B exceeds it.
Flashcard 30: Which solution is most effective if the constraint is time must be under 10 min: A 8 min, B 12 min, C 9 min?
Answer: Solution A or Solution C. Both A (8 min) and C (9 min) are under 10 min; B exceeds it.