Resources for Technology Chapter 2

Resources for Technology There are seven resources that are necessary in every technological systems.

The Seven Resources: People Information Materials Tools and Machines Energy Capital Time

People are Needed for 3 Reasons: People bring about technology in the first place. People are needed to execute technology (labor). People are the consumers of technology.

Information is needed for many reasons: Technology is all about using what we know to create solutions and improvements in our lives. We need information to decide what to do and how to do it. Data processing- the act of turning data into information.

Materials- “the 1 st resource” Raw materials- natural resources that will be used to make finished products. Renewable vs. nonrenewable- renewable means it is grown so the source can be replenished. Synthetic materials- man-made materials that do not occur in nature. Limited vs. unlimited resources- oil is a limited resource, sand is not.

Tools and Machines: Simple machines- There are six kinds of simple machines: lever, wheel and axle, pulley, screw, wedge, and inclined plane. Electromechanical devices- Those that use electricity and have moving parts. Optical tools- Extend the power of the human eye.

Energy: Renewable, limited, and unlimited energy. Solar energy- wind, heat, and light. Chemical energy- wood, coal, oil, and gas. Gravitational energy- tides and falling water. Nuclear energy- radioactive matter.

Capital: Capital- any form of wealth. Ex.- supplies, land, money, equipment Ways to raise capital include: selling stock and borrowing from banks or other sources.

Time: Time has become extremely important in our society. The faster things can be done, the more that can be achieved. This translates into more production, profits, and achievements.