Why the Titanic sank: A lesson in engineering
  • 1. The sinking of the Titanic is not merely a tale of human tragedy but a profound lesson in engineering that underscores the importance of safety, design principles, and the limitations of technology. Despite being touted as an unsinkable marvel of modern engineering, the Titanic's demise on its maiden voyage reveals critical flaws in its construction and operational protocols. The ship was designed with advanced safety features such as watertight compartments and electronically operated watertight doors; however, these innovations were rendered ineffective due to the decision to prioritise speed over caution. As the Titanic raced through icy waters, its crew received warnings of icebergs but failed to alter their course significantly, demonstrating a critical lapse in risk assessment. The ship's hull was constructed with iron rivets, many of which were found to be substandard; this decision reflects the compromises made in pursuit of cost-cutting measures that sacrificed quality for expediency. Additionally, the Titanic lacked adequate lifeboats for all passengers, a glaring oversight that exposed the vulnerability of even the grandest vessels. The aftermath of the disaster prompted significant changes in maritime regulations, highlighting the need for rigorous safety standards and adherence to engineering ethics. Ultimately, the Titanic serves as a cautionary tale that reminds engineers and designers to maintain a balance between innovation and safety, to respect the forces of nature, and to prioritize the well-being of individuals over ambitious pursuits.

    On which voyage did the Titanic sink?
A) The third voyage
B) The second voyage
C) A rescue mission
D) Its maiden voyage
  • 2. Which company built the Titanic?
A) Maersk
B) Harland and Wolff
C) Cunard Line
D) White Star Line
  • 3. What was the primary material used in the Titanic's hull?
A) Iron
B) Steel
C) Aluminum
D) Copper
  • 4. Who was the captain of the Titanic?
A) Edward Smith
B) Charles Lightoller
C) Harold Godfrey
D) William Murdoch
  • 5. What was the date of the Titanic disaster?
A) March 15, 1912
B) April 15, 1912
C) May 15, 1912
D) April 10, 1912
  • 6. How many lifeboats did Titanic carry?
A) 30
B) 20
C) 24
D) 16
  • 7. What was the main cause of the Titanic sinking?
A) Fire in the hull
B) Iceberg collision
C) Structural integrity failure
D) Engine failure
  • 8. Which ship was the first to respond to the Titanic's distress signals?
A) Olympic
B) Carpathia
C) Berengaria
D) California
  • 9. Who designed the Titanic?
A) Andrew Carnegie
B) Isambard Kingdom Brunel
C) Thomas Andrews
D) Joseph Bruce Ismay
  • 10. Which part of the Titanic's design contributed to its sinking?
A) Lightweight materials
B) Double hull construction
C) Reinforced bow
D) Watertight compartments
  • 11. What was the Titanic's status at the time of the collision?
A) Sinking
B) Damaged
C) In distress
D) Unsinkable
  • 12. Which safety feature was lacking in the Titanic?
A) Emergency communication devices
B) Radar systems
C) Sufficient lifeboats for all passengers
D) Smoke detectors
  • 13. What was the Titanic's main source of power?
A) Coal
B) Wood
C) Oil
D) Electricity
  • 14. How many people survived the Titanic disaster?
A) 1,200
B) 706
C) 400
D) 1,500
  • 15. Who warned the Titanic of icebergs?
A) The Britannic
B) The Olympic
C) The Carpathia
D) The Californian
  • 16. What critical decision was made by Captain Smith before the collision?
A) Slow down for safety
B) Change course to avoid ice
C) Call for additional help
D) Maintain speed despite ice warnings
  • 17. What year was the Titanic launched?
A) 1909
B) 1910
C) 1911
D) 1912
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