How can humans be more efficient? Efficiency How can humans be more efficient?

Human Efficiency You have learned that energy is always lost from physical systems and that some systems lose more energy than others. Humans are also physical systems. Athletes practise for years to reduce wasted motion or effort. Cyclists use their gears to maintain a steady rate of pedalling on steep and flat terrain. Golfers and tennis players practise their swing so that they can direct as much energy as possible through the club or the racquet into the ball. Swimmers wear special bathing suits that reduce friction in the water.

Economic Efficiency Efficiency also affects social systems. We may use the term economic efficiency to describe how well a social system works. For example, fast-food restaurants are known for providing efficient service. They use efficient machines and processes to achieve this goal. In order to serve customers as quickly as possible, some food arrives at the restaurant partially prepared. Servers may prepare one customer’s order while using a headset to take the next order.

Economic Efficiency The manufacturing industry uses complex machinery to improve efficiency. Machines perform the same task, in precisely the same way, thousands of times. Although they need regular maintenance, unlike humans, machines do not become ill, tired, bored, or dissatisfied with their jobs. Robots help manufacturers improve quality, increase production, and decrease wastage of materials. Robots can also replace human workers in hazardous situations.

Efficiency Due to Disease Prevention Reducing the threat of disease is one way to improve the efficiency of the healthcare system. Mosquitoes, including those that carry West Nile virus, lay their eggs on the surface of still water. To help reduce potential mosquito breeding areas and the spread of West Nile virus, people are encouraged to eliminate standing water from around their homes.

CHECK YOUR LEARNING Explain efficiency in your own words. Which is a more efficient means of transportation, a canoe or a motorboat? Which is the better one to use? Justify your answers. Choose a device or machine that you use regularly. What do you do to make sure it works efficiently? How might your family improve the efficiency of your home heating system? Explain how the healthcare system would become more efficient if young people became more fit.