Basic Ability Test Mechanical Reasoning and Applied Physics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An inclined ramp is 10 feet long and raises a load 2 feet high. What is its mechanical advantage?
- 2
- 4
- 5 (Correct answer)
- 8
Correct answer: 5
Mechanical advantage of an inclined plane = ramp length ÷ vertical rise = 10 ÷ 2 = 5.
Question 2: A motor uses 500 watts for 2 hours. How many kilowatt-hours does it consume?
- 0.5 kWh
- 1.0 kWh (Correct answer)
- 1.5 kWh
- 2.0 kWh
Correct answer: 1.0 kWh
500 W = 0.5 kW; 0.5 kW × 2 hours = 1.0 kilowatt-hour.
Question 3: A spring stretches 3 inches under 6 lbs of force. Following Hooke's Law, how far will it stretch under 10 lbs?
- 4 inches
- 5 inches (Correct answer)
- 6 inches
- 8 inches
Correct answer: 5 inches
The spring constant is 6 ÷ 3 = 2 lbs per inch, so 10 lbs ÷ 2 = 5 inches of stretch.
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT classified as a simple machine?
- Lever
- Pulley
- Electric motor (Correct answer)
- Inclined plane
Correct answer: Electric motor
An electric motor converts electrical energy to mechanical energy and is a complex device, not a simple machine.
Question 5: A tank drains at 8 gallons per minute and contains 200 gallons. How many minutes will it take to empty?
- 20
- 25 (Correct answer)
- 30
- 40
Correct answer: 25
Dividing 200 gallons by the drain rate of 8 gallons per minute equals 25 minutes.
Question 6: A belt connects a 4-inch diameter wheel to an 8-inch diameter wheel. If the small wheel spins at 200 RPM, how fast does the large wheel spin?
- 50 RPM
- 100 RPM (Correct answer)
- 200 RPM
- 400 RPM
Correct answer: 100 RPM
The diameter ratio is 4:8 = 1:2, so the large wheel rotates at half the speed: 200 ÷ 2 = 100 RPM.
Basic Ability Test Mechanical Reasoning and Applied Physics 2
An inclined ramp is 10 feet long and raises a load 2 feet high.
What is its mechanical advantage?