Unit 1 Contextual Studies

BTEC Mock Exam 2010 / 2011

Instructions

Activity 1 – 2 hours -Each slide of the PowerPoint has a different task / question. -You should use your research to answer these questions in as much detail as possible. - Write in your own words and in full sentences. -Present your research in an attractive way.-Ensure each task is numberedPlagiarism (copying / copy and pasting is extremely prohibited. Anyone who is found to directly copy and paste will have their work disallowed.)

This exam is to be completed in silence.

You may speak to your teacher, please raise your hand if you need assistance

Unit 1 Contextual Studies

1. Create a time line that documents the most important lighting developments.

2. Explain key lighting developments / inventions.

Oil lamps were first made.

1780

The first gas lamp was invented.

1794

The platinum filament came into era.

1801

Vacuum tube lamp was created.

1820

Arc Lamp was designed

1841

This era bamboo filament was created.

1854

1780 17941820

Unit 1 Contextual Studies

3. P - Who invented neon light?

4. P - How are neon lights made?

George Claude was a French engineer and inventor. Claude was the first person was to invent Neon Light. He presented a neon tube. Claude was inspired by Geissler tubes and Daniel’s McFarlan Moore’s invention of nitrogen based light called Moore Light.

Making neon lights is mainly done by hand, as the glass used is very fragile and delicate. Neon lights are made out of thin glass tubes that straight at first, but then are heated into shapes and angles required. However before they are heated they are have to be cleaned on the inside, to get rid of dust or any other debris. A liquid phosphor is sprayed into the tubes and then drained out. The tubes are put on racks in an oven to dry.

A blow hose is then attached to the one end of the tube for the worker to blow into whilst bending. The hose keeps the tube secure and prevents it from collapsing or kinking. On the ends Electrodes are placed for the power to transmit through the tube. The tubulation port is then made.

The bending of the lights is started by heating with a burner. There are various burners that can be used, this can vary on the bend needed, Gas burners are used to make large curves, whereas hand torches help create smaller and tighter bends.

After the tube is bent into the desired shape, the port is used to pull out air from inside until the pressure inside reaches a level of 0.4 inches. A current is then sent through the glass tube by the electrodes which then heats the glass, the heat makes the impurities leave the glass, and gasses are then pulled out of the tube.The tube is then filled with neo, through the port, after that the port is sealed off. Another current is sent through the sign to ‘age’ it and bring the gas up to its full. The sign is then ready for use.

Unit 1 Contextual Studies 5. P/M - How and why does your artist /

light designer use neon lights?

(Examples are - Tracey Emin ‘I Dream of Sleep’ Neon Artwork 2002,

Ettore Sottass – Asteroid lamp 1968,

Eric Ehlenberger ‘Jellyfish’ series.) Eric Ehlenberger is a contemporary sculptor who

incorporated neon light in his Jellyfish series of art work. Ehlenberger is one of the very few sculptors that focuses on the use of neon in his work. He also used aluminium and other metals in his series of sculptors as well as glass lenses, hand blown glass and a variety of mixed media. Most of his work is abstract, but there also is some figurative and representative artwork and sculptors that he has created in additional to the functional neon designs.

There are many similarities compared to Ellenberger's sculptors and a real jellyfish. Jellyfish have that luminous look of them and that is why I think he used neon lights for his designs. Also, I think the colours of the neon lights that he has used are very similar to the colours of real jelly fish.

Information Source:http://www.ehlenberger.com/contents.htm

Unit 1 Contextual Studies 6. P / M Give examples of where neon

lighting is used in public places.

7. M / D How has neon light revolutionised the way public signs have been designed?

Neon lighting is used in various places, the majority are used for advertising and display purpose they are used in places like bars, cafes, clubs, news agents and also Beauty Salons.

People also use neon lights for their cars, to give it a modern effect.

Neon lights have been revolutionised by been made brighter and more colourful, this then enables the business using the lights to attract more costumers. Also the effect that the neon gives off makes it appears more modern, Neon lights have also become more popular around many countries such as America and Great Britain. Old shops can bring up the shops appearance with a neon sign, or light, they would then become more modern.

Unit 1 Contextual Studies 8. M / D - What impact has LED lighting had

on product design? (e.g. Bicycle lights) Include examples.

Neon lights were not only used for signs, also for bikes, this then enables more of a strong safety for the bikers. As when they ride at night, drivers will be able to see them more clearly. Neon lights were originally used for decoration. But now are being used for many other products.

Neon lights have also had an effect on fashion, they have been used in belts and trainers. The items with the lighting gives off a modern effect. They benefit of having led lights in trainers are that parents are more aware of their children, and can notify them more in the dark. Also Neon lights last for a long time.