DESCRIBING FUNCTION

When we answer the question WHAT DOES X DO?, we describe the function of X.

EXAMPLE

What does a fuse do?

1. A fuse protects a circuit.

2. The function of a fuse is to protect a circuit.

Explain the function of the following components.

DESCRIBING PURPOSE

When we answer the question WHAT IS X FOR?, we describe the purpose of X.

mA
EXAMPLE

What is an ammeter for?

1. An ammeter is for measuring very small currents.

2. An ammeter is used for measuring very small currents.
3. An ammeter is used to measure very small currents.
 4. We measure very small currents with an ammeter .
5. We measure very small currents using an ammeter.

Describe the purpose of these instruments using any of the structures presented
above.

A battery charger
An oscilloscope
 DESCRIBING MEANS

Study this diagram. The diagram shows the controls of an oscilloscope. Some of
the controls have been given numbers.

An oscilloscope with its controls

Here is information about the focus control:

Control Function Means

7 FOCUS Focuses the electron lens. Varies the potential on anode2.

Using this information, we can answer three questions:

1. What does the focus control do?

2. What is the focus control for?
3. How does the focus control work?
Question 1 is about function. As you have seen, we can answer it like this:
The focus control focuses the electron lens.
Question 2 is about purpose. We can answer it like this:
The focus control is for focusing the electron lens.
Question 3 is about means. Question 3 asks for an explanation of how the focus
control works. We can answer it in this way:
The focus control focuses the electron lens by varying the potential on
anode2.
Or we can say:
The focus control varies the potential on anode2, thereby focusing the
electron lens.

Now ask and answer questions about the function, purpose and means of
operation of the control listed in this table.

Control function Means

3 Y SHIFT moves the trace along the Y axis. Alters the biasing of
the Y amplifier.