Final answer:
The motivation of scientists is to gain knowledge and understand the natural world through research and the scientific method, whereas engineers are motivated to apply scientific and mathematical principles to develop practical solutions to problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The motivation of a scientist differs from that of an engineer primarily in their goals and approaches. Scientists are driven by curiosity to gain knowledge and understanding about the world. They ask questions about nature, make detailed observations, develop hypotheses, and perform experiments to draw conclusions about their inquiries. This process often includes inductive and deductive reasoning, and aims at understanding why things act the way they do and predicting what will happen. The scientific method is a structured yet flexible approach used by scientists to investigate questions and develop evidence-based knowledge.
Engineers, on the other hand, are problem-solvers who apply principles of math, science, and technology to develop functional solutions to real-world challenges. They are often tasked with designing and creating products that fulfill human needs and improve quality of life.
To do so, engineers employ a pragmatic approach, which may include collaborating with scientists to apply research findings in practical ways. Engineering involves a blend of creativity, analysis, and the application of specialized knowledge in a particular field of engineering.
For scientists, the ultimate goal is to better understand the world around them, while engineers aim to apply their skills to solve real-world problems.
Therefore, the correct answer is C) Scientists focus on gaining knowledge and understandings, while engineers look to develop solutions to problems.