Basic Ability Test Mechanical Reasoning and Applied Physics 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Gear A has 20 teeth and Gear B has 40 teeth. If Gear A rotates at 60 RPM, how fast does Gear B rotate?
- 120 RPM
- 60 RPM
- 30 RPM (Correct answer)
- 15 RPM
Correct answer: 30 RPM
The gear ratio is 20:40 = 1:2, so Gear B rotates at half the speed of Gear A: 60 ÷ 2 = 30 RPM.
Question 2: A lever has its fulcrum at the midpoint. A 50 lb weight sits 3 feet from the fulcrum. To balance it, how much force is needed 3 feet on the other side?
- 25 lb
- 50 lb (Correct answer)
- 75 lb
- 100 lb
Correct answer: 50 lb
With equal distances from the fulcrum on both sides, the effort force must equal the load: 50 lb.
Question 3: Water flows through a pipe at 4 gallons per minute. How many gallons flow in 15 minutes?
- 45
- 50
- 60 (Correct answer)
- 75
Correct answer: 60
Multiplying the flow rate of 4 gallons per minute by 15 minutes gives 60 gallons.
Question 4: A movable pulley system uses 2 rope segments to support a load. If you pull the rope 4 feet, how far does the load rise?
- 8 feet
- 4 feet
- 2 feet (Correct answer)
- 1 foot
Correct answer: 2 feet
With 2 supporting rope segments the mechanical advantage is 2, so the load moves half the rope distance: 4 ÷ 2 = 2 feet.
Question 5: Which tool is best suited for tightening a bolt in a confined space with limited clearance?
- Open-end wrench
- Socket wrench with extension (Correct answer)
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
Correct answer: Socket wrench with extension
A socket wrench with an extension bar reaches into tight spaces and provides a full, secure grip around the bolt head.
Question 6: A vehicle travels at 60 mph for 2 hours, then at 45 mph for 1 hour. What is the total distance traveled?
- 165 miles (Correct answer)
- 150 miles
- 180 miles
- 120 miles
Correct answer: 165 miles
The first leg covers 60 × 2 = 120 miles and the second covers 45 × 1 = 45 miles, for a total of 165 miles.
Basic Ability Test Mechanical Reasoning and Applied Physics 1
Gear A has 20 teeth and Gear B has 40 teeth.
If Gear A rotates at 60 RPM, how fast does Gear B rotate?