Basic Ability Test Mechanical Reasoning and Applied Physics 3

Question 1

Tightening a bolt requires 30 foot-pounds of torque. Using a wrench 1.5 feet long, how much force must you apply?

Accepted Answer

20 lbs

Answer

Rearranging Torque = Force × Arm gives Force = 30 ÷ 1.5 = 20 lbs.

Question 2

Which wrench type provides the most secure grip and best torque transfer on a standard bolt head?

Accepted Answer

Box-end wrench

Answer

A box-end wrench fully surrounds the bolt head on all sides, preventing slippage and transmitting maximum torque.

Question 3

A pump fills a tank at 12 gallons per minute while a drain simultaneously removes 4 gallons per minute. What is the net fill rate?

Accepted Answer

8 gpm

Answer

Subtracting the outflow from the inflow: 12 − 4 = 8 gallons per minute net.

Question 4

Three workers complete a job in 6 days. How many days would it take one worker to complete the same job alone?

Accepted Answer

18

Answer

Total work = 3 workers × 6 days = 18 worker-days; one worker therefore needs 18 days.

Question 5

A circuit has a 12-volt battery and a 4-ohm resistor. Using Ohm's Law (I = V ÷ R), what is the current?

Accepted Answer

3.0 A

Answer

Applying Ohm's Law: I = 12 V ÷ 4 Ω = 3.0 amperes.

Basic Ability Test Practice Test