Structures and Center of Gravity Flashcards
7 cards from real Bennett Mechanical Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Structures and Center of Gravity flashcards as text
A ladder leans against a wall. To reduce the chance it slides out, the base should be?
Answer: Closer to the wall (steeper)
A steeper ladder reduces the horizontal force at the base, lowering the slide tendency.
Two columns support a uniform beam carrying a load at its exact center. How is the load shared?
Answer: Equally between the two columns
A centered load on a symmetric beam splits equally to both supports.
A cone resting on its point is in what kind of equilibrium?
Answer: Unstable
Balanced on its tip, any small tilt moves the center of gravity past the contact point, so it is unstable.
A ball rolling on a flat level surface is in what kind of equilibrium?
Answer: Neutral
On a flat surface the ball's center of gravity stays the same height when moved, which is neutral equilibrium.
A crane lifts a load. To avoid tipping, a heavy counterweight is placed where?
Answer: On the opposite side of the pivot from the load
A counterweight on the opposite side balances the load's moment and keeps the crane from tipping.
A truss is made of triangles because triangles are?
Answer: Rigid and do not deform under load
Triangles are geometrically rigid, so they hold shape and distribute loads well in trusses.
A flatbed truck carries cargo. For best stability while turning, cargo should be loaded?
Answer: Low and centered
Loading low and centered keeps the center of gravity low and balanced, improving stability in turns.