Basic Ability Test Mechanical Reasoning and Applied Physics

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?

Accepted Answer

30 RPM

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

50 lb

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

60

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

2 feet

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Socket wrench with extension

Answer

A socket wrench with an extension bar reaches into tight spaces and provides a full, secure grip around the bolt head.

Basic Ability Test Practice Test

Basic Ability Test Practice Test

Basic Ability Test Mechanical Reasoning and Applied Physics