Homework #3, Due Thursday 10/12/00

The Savvy Consumer

The purpose of this option is to examine a scientific and technical topic in more depth than that which is available in the short descriptions we can develop in class. The context for this exercise will be the hypothetical purchase of a consumer product. You will investigate how a particular product works and what to look for in buying that product.

Pick a product that you plan (in theory) to purchase. The product must be from the list given below. Investigate how the product works, paying special attention to the scientific principles employed in the product. Next seek out information about what features to look for in buying this product. This will be “consumer reports” type of information. The information should focus on characteristics or aspects that help the product to achieve its function. This should NOT be mere rankings of various brand names. For example: what characteristics make a good “vacuum cleaner,” not just a list of whether or not a Sears vacuum is better or worse than a Hoover vacuum. Try to relate these desirable features to the underlying explanation of how the object works. For example, vacuum cleaners advertise themselves as having a certain “Amp” rating. What do “Amps” have to do with how a vacuum cleaner works? After understanding how the product works, and what makes for a good product, summarize what you should look for in shopping for this product. If you would like, for extra credit, allocate yourself a certain amount of money to purchase the product and identify your choice of a best buy from several choices on the market.

Step 1: Choose a product that you want to buy a product from the following list (must be different from what you are using for your paper):

 

  1. High Definition Television
  2. MP3 Player
  3. Bookshelf Speakers
  4. Laser Printer (personal use)
  5. Digital Camera

Step 2:

Investigate and explain how the product works. Include a discussion of the principles of electricity and magnetism that are involved. You must also include at least one drawing or figure to support your explanation.

Step 3:

Investigate and identify the specific features to look for in buying and using this product. Try to relate some of these features to your explanation of the scientific principles of electricity and magnetism underlying the working of the product.

Step 4:

Summarize what you would consider a “best buy” for this product and justify your option.

Step 5:

Identify a “best buy” from a choice of products actually available for your purchase from advertising or an actual visit to a store.

UE151 Consumer Electronics