Transistor Questions

What technology was used prior to transistors to amplify a signal?

- The Vacuum Tube

How did it change the history of communications in the US?

-It made phones service available from coast to coast

What was the metaphor that the video used to describe how this technology worked?

- There was a metaphor about monkeys and how they throwing electrons in a certain space

Describe the break through in the 1947 that made the transistor a reality?

-They were having trouble with water on the silicon plate and then realized to dump the plate into water and then they realized the charge. Afterwards they realized it was running sluggish because of the water so they got rid of the liquid and then discovered that changing the plate to geranium and adding gold filiment really close together could make this amplifier into something else, a transistor

What do we learn from watching this video about group and team dynamics that we can apply to our own situation? What was successful about this team? What was its downfall?

- egos were bad but teamwork was good from their experience in the war with bomber pilots. They did all help each other figure out and get close to their end result however, because Shockley's ego was so lage he didn't want the rest of the team to work on the project and thus the other side of the team that he didn't want on the patent made a better version anyways. Thus a team dynamic can be great for throwing around ideas and working towards a common goal, as long as everyone is focused on the team and not themselves.

What medic and social changes occurred as a result of the transistor?

-People could communicate from coast to coast and more information could flow quickly throughout the country. As well as medical devices that could be improved by this new piece of technology.