Why Can't You Use Your Cell Phone on an Airplane

In 1991, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) banned passengers from using their cell phones while on board an airplane that is in flight. The ban was instituted because the FCC suspected that the radio frequency emitted by cell phones could malfunction an airplane's equipment systems. In complying with this rule, different airlines have instituted different policies about when phones can be turned on and off. In 2005, the FCC announced that it might consider lifting the ban on the use of cell phones on airplanes, with certain restrictions. 

The FCC regulates the use of all electronic devices, including cell phones, on airplanes under the assumption that they may affect the communication systems on board. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) agrees with the FCC that cell phones may cause substantial interference with aircraft systems and supports the ban for all commercially operated airplanes. The use of cell phones on private or charter planes is not regulated, however, and many private flights permit passengers to use cell phones while in flight. 

Lots of debate has surrounded the use of cell phones on airplanes. The primary concern is that cell phones may interfere with the navigation and communication systems of the plane, potentially resulting in devastating failure. Numerous airlines have reported disruptions in cabin pressure, compass function, and wireless navigation systems associated with the use of cell phones on board. The FCC, it seems, erred on the side of caution when it enforced an outright ban on the use of radio frequency emitting devices which could potentially cause an aircraft to crash. 

There have also been some reports that the use of cell phones on planes may cause disruptions in ground communications because of interference. Others claim that the airlines and the FCC would simply prefer that consumers use the telecommunications systems mounted on most seat backs in commercial airplanes, because these phones are said to be highly profitable. Newer cell phones are capable of operating on very low power settings, which may not interfere with the aircraft as much. The FCC is attempting to establish an acceptable threshold of radio frequency emissions, so that cell phones could be used on airplanes without any fear of the navigation system failing or service on the ground being disrupted.

How can I Make a Room Soundproof

There are many times when a person might want to reduce the amount of sound coming into or leaving a room. Making a room soundproof involves stopping or reducing sound waves by using certain building techniques or materials. There are many methods available, and choosing one will depend on the room itself and the amount of money that you are willing to spend. To make a room soundproof, you might have to make changes to the walls, ceiling, windows, doors and any cracks or openings. A few things that will help make a room soundproof include using a double layer of sheetrock on walls, with a layer of silicone or another sticky sound-dampening compound in between them; installing double- or triple-hung windows; installing a drop ceiling; and installing carpet padding and carpet on the floors.

The best way to prevent a noise problem is to construct the room with building materials and techniques that will reduce the noise that enters or leaves a room. Pre-planning in this way is not always possible, however, especially for renters. In those cases, soundproofing a room centers on how to absorb unwanted noise after the walls already are in place.

Soundproofing Walls

If you are building the walls or are willing to re-do existing walls, consider using two layers of sheetrock with a small amount of space in between. They can be glued together using a layer of silicone or a special type of sound-dampening glue. For existing walls, a layer of sheetrock can be added over the wall. Sounds waves are reduced as they travel through mass and as they go from substances of different densities, which is why two layers of sheetrock that are slightly separated are better than one layer that is twice as thick. Various sound-reducing materials also can be added to the interior of walls, such as fiberglass insulation, rockwool insulation, mass-loaded vinyl or certain types of soundproofing foam panels.

Doors and Windows

Doorways and windows can also contribute to unwanted noise problems. Thick, solid doors and double- or triple-paned vinyl-framed windows will block more sound than thin doors and single-paned windows. Also, just like the way that a draft of air can travel through leaks around a door or window, sound can enter or leave a room through them. Weatherstrips or caulk can be applied to the gaps around door frames and windows to reduce the amount of sound that sneaks through the gaps.

Floors and Ceilings

Floors and ceilings can be soundproofed as well. Carpet can be installed over carpet padding on floors. Special sound-reducing mats also can be laid under the carpeting. A ceiling can be soundproofed by adding a drop ceiling, which is sometimes called a false ceiling or suspended ceiling. This type of ceiling consists of special panels hung from the ceiling.

Less-Expensive Options

If money is a concern or time is limited, a less drastic, inexpensive approach to making a room soundproof might be needed. This might include using a large bookcase or other furniture against a wall, effectively making a thicker wall through which the sound must travel, or using thick curtains over windows to help keep sounds from traveling through the window as easily. Other simple techniques that can reduce the noise in a room involve absorbing the sound that is already in the room, rather than blocking it from entering or leaving the room.

Sound-Absorbing Surfaces

Hard, smooth surfaces in a room typically do nothing to help eliminate sounds, and they might make the noise problem worse. Soft rugs, carpet and curtains can absorb sound. Rough surfaces on walls and ceilings, such as sprayed-on texture, can help reduce the sound waves in a noisy room.

Wall Treatments

Wall treatments or decorations also can help make a room soundproof. This usually involves tacking on or hanging some sort of heavy material that will block sound waves. The material can range from carpeting to blankets to manufactured paneling — even cardboard egg cartons are an option in some situations. As with most soundproofing materials, the thicker, the better.

What is Technology

Technology is a broad term that refers both to artifacts created by humans, such as machines, and the methods used to create those artifacts. More broadly, technology can be used to refer to a way of doing something or a means of organization: for instance, democracy might be considered a social technology. Technology comes from the Greek technologia, which is a combination of “techne”, meaning “craft”, and logia, meaning “saying”. So technology might be considered the articulation of a craft. The word is also used to describe the extent to which a society can manipulate its environment.

When the word “technology” is used today, it is most often used to refer to high technology – computers, cell phones, rockets – rather than technology in general. But when anthropologists use the word “technology,” they go all the way back to the controlled use of fire (from about 500,000 – 1 million years ago), the invention of the wheel (c. 4000 BCE), and beyond. The first technological tools were simple hand-axes made by our hominid ancestors millions of years ago.

The earliest technological divisions are from mankind’s early history, divided into the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age depending on the primary tool and weapon-making material at the time. Each building material is superior to the one before it, but more difficult to develop requisite metallurgical techniques. The Iron Age began in about 1400 BCE. 

Since the formulation of the scientific method in the 15th century, technological progress has apparently been accelerating. Some technologies developed since then include the telescope, the microscope, the clock, the engine, the electric generator and electric motor, radio, nuclear power and weapons, television, computer, and many others.

Technological development continues strongly today, fueled by the multibillion-dollar economies of the world’s most prosperous nations. The hottest developments in technology today are happening in computers, nanotechnology, materials science, renewable energy, entertainment, space travel, and medicine.

Philosophers as well as laypeople often debate whether or not technological progress is, on the whole, a good thing for humanity. On the pro-technology side of the spectrum are techno-progressivists such as transhumanists, on the anti-technology side are anarcho-primitivists, and Neo-Luddites.