A microphone converts mechanical sound waves into an electrical audio signal, as confirmed by audio engineering references (e.g., “Fundamentals of Audio Engineering”).

A step-up transformer increases voltage by having more turns in the secondary coil than the primary, as per transformer principles in standard physics texts (e.g., Halliday & Resnick).

Leap years occur every 4 years on years divisible by 4 (e.g., 2020, 2024, 2028).

While ethnic demographics in Afghanistan can be subject to varying estimates, Tajiks are generally considered the second-largest ethnic group after Pashtuns [2, p26]. They predominantly speak Dari (a dialect of Persian) and are concentrated in the northern and western regions of the country, as well as in urban centers like Kabul.

Completed around 1010 CE by the poet Hakim Abul-Qasim Mansur (Ferdausi Tusi), the “Shahnameh” chronicles Persian legends and history from mythical times to the Arab conquest, preserving pre-Islamic Iranian culture.

The European Commission fined Apple €1.8 billion for restricting alternative payment options in its App Store.[14](https://techxplore.com/news/2024-03-eu-biggest-antitrust-fines-big.html)

No new member states acceded to the EU in 2024; accession talks continued but no formal entry occurred.

Annie Ernaux was honored for her innovative exploration of memory, history, and personal experience.

Devastating cyclones and floods in 2024 displaced hundreds of thousands in Mozambique.

China’s Tianwen-3 mission carried astronauts to Mars orbit for the first time in 2024.