FCTC Test Applying Mechanical Reasoning Questions and Answers Flashcards

A ramp is 10 feet long and 2 feet high. What is the mechanical advantage of using this inclined plane to push a load up it?

Answer: 5

Mechanical advantage of an inclined plane = ramp length / height = 10 / 2 = 5.

Two pistons in a hydraulic system: the input piston has a 1 in² area and the output piston has a 9 in² area. The input piston moves down 9 inches. How far does the output piston move up?

Answer: 1 inch

Volume displaced is equal: 1 in² × 9 in = 9 in³ = 9 in² × x, so x = 1 inch.

A solid metal cylinder and a hollow metal tube of the same material and outer diameter are both used as columns supporting a load. Which is stronger?

Answer: The solid cylinder

A solid cylinder has more cross-sectional area and is stronger in compression than a hollow tube of the same outer diameter.

Which of the following best describes the function of a flywheel in an engine?

Answer: Stores rotational energy to smooth out power pulses

A flywheel stores kinetic energy during power strokes and releases it during non-power strokes to maintain steady rotation.

A lever has its fulcrum 3 feet from a 90 lb load and 9 feet from the point where force is applied. What force is needed to lift the load?

Answer: 30 lbs

Lever equilibrium: effort × effort arm = load × load arm → effort × 9 = 90 × 3, so effort = 30 lbs.

What happens to the pressure in a fluid as depth increases?

Answer: Pressure increases linearly with depth

Fluid pressure increases linearly with depth according to P = ρgh, where ρ is density, g is gravity, and h is depth.

A belt connects two pulleys: a 4-inch drive pulley and an 8-inch driven pulley. If the drive pulley turns at 1200 RPM, what is the speed of the driven pulley?

Answer: 600 RPM

Belt-driven pulleys: RPM_driven = RPM_drive × (diameter_drive / diameter_driven) = 1200 × (4/8) = 600 RPM.