Liberal Arts Blog — How Can Electric Cars Not Have Gears?

Liberal Arts Blog — Wednesday is the Joy of Science, Engineering, and Technology Day

Today’s Topic — How Can Electric Cars Not Have Gears?

Bicycles have gears. Cars have transmissions, right? Transmissions have gear boxes, right? How can an electric car not have gears? (or only one gear) How can an electric vehicle deliver maximum torque at zero RPM (revolutions per minute)? If they can, why can’t an internal combustion engine? Is there a way to explain this phenomenon that is understandable to non-engineers? Is there a metaphor that might help? At what grade level should this be taught? How? Remember Von Neumann’s quote about mathematics: “Young man, in mathematics you don’t understand things. You just get used to them.” Does this principle apply to automotive transmission as well? Experts — please chime in. Correct, elaborate, elucidate.

Is the answer just “obvious” to some and incomprehensible to others? Is this like the “god” thing? Or is this something a really good third or fifth grade science teacher can explain and have 80 or 90% of the class “get it” enough to explain it to another kid?

A LINK TO THE LAST FOUR YEARS OF POSTS ORGANIZED BY THEME:

PDF with headlines — Google Drive

ATTACHMENT BELOWS -

#1 A graphic guide to justice (9 metaphors on one page).

#2 “39 Songs, Prayers, and Poems: the Keys to the Hearts of Seven Billion People” — Adams House Senior Common Room Presentation, 11/17/20

YOUR TURN

Please share the coolest thing you learned this week related to science, engineering, or technology. Or, even better, the coolest or most important thing you learned. in your life related to science and engineering.

This is your chance to make someone else’s day. Or to cement in your mind something that you might otherwise forget. Or to think more deeply about something dear to your heart. Continuity is key to depth of thought.