How Cities Actually Work

General Knowledge · 10 questions

The invisible engineering you walk through every single day.

Answer each question first, then check with “Show the answer”. You can also play the same quiz in the Quizera app by searching for it in Explore, as a live game, a test or flashcards.

1. Why are manhole covers round?

   1. Round covers are cheaper to cast
   2. They can be rolled along the ground
   3. They simply look better
   4. A round cover cannot fall through its opening
   Show the answer

   D) A round cover cannot fall through its opening

2. What causes a traffic jam with no accident behind it?

   1. The road narrows further ahead
   2. A traffic signal has failed
   3. One driver braking spreads back as a wave
   4. A sudden change in weather
   Show the answer

   C) One driver braking spreads back as a wave

3. What is it called when a city centre is warmer than its surroundings?

   1. The urban heat island
   2. The greenhouse effect
   3. Temperature inversion
   4. Frontal warming
   Show the answer

   A) The urban heat island

4. How is pressure most commonly maintained in a drinking water network?

   1. Pumps running continuously
   2. Reservoirs held at height
   3. Compressed air tanks
   4. Natural underground pressure
   Show the answer

   B) Reservoirs held at height

5. What is used in skyscrapers to reduce swaying in the wind?

   1. Extra steel bracing rods
   2. Double glazed facades
   3. A tuned mass damper
   4. Deeper foundation piles
   Show the answer

   C) A tuned mass damper

6. What is the main purpose of ventilation shafts in metro tunnels?

   1. Releasing pressure and heat
   2. Emergency passenger exits
   3. Lighting the tunnels
   4. Draining rainwater
   Show the answer

   A) Releasing pressure and heat

7. Why is electricity transmitted over long distances at high voltage?

   1. Because it is cheaper to generate
   2. To reduce transmission losses
   3. Because it is safer to handle
   4. Because it travels faster
   Show the answer

   B) To reduce transmission losses

8. Green wave traffic signalling aims to keep vehicles moving.

   1. True
   2. False
   Show the answer

   A) True

9. Sewer lines are usually laid on a slope so they drain by gravity.

   1. True
   2. False
   Show the answer

   A) True

10. Trees are planted in cities purely for appearance.

    1. True
    2. False
    Show the answer

    B) False