Mechanical Aptitude Principles Flashcards
7 cards from real CPS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Mechanical Aptitude Principles flashcards as text
A 100-lb load rests on a board pivoting on a fulcrum. The load is 2 ft from the fulcrum and the effort arm is 8 ft. How much effort is needed to balance it?
Answer: 25 lb
Effort × effort arm = load × load arm: 100 × 2 = E × 8, so E = 25 lb.
A block-and-tackle system has 4 supporting rope sections lifting a load. What is its ideal mechanical advantage?
Answer: 4
Mechanical advantage of a pulley system equals the number of rope sections supporting the load.
A longer ramp used to raise a barrel to the same height requires what change in pushing force?
Answer: Less force over a longer distance
A longer inclined plane reduces the force needed but increases the distance traveled.
Which of these is an example of a third-class lever?
Answer: A pair of tweezers
Tweezers apply effort between the fulcrum and load, defining a third-class lever.
Two gears mesh, and an idler gear is placed between the driver and driven gears. What is the idler gear's main effect?
Answer: It reverses the driven gear's direction without changing the speed ratio
An idler gear changes rotation direction but does not alter the overall speed ratio between driver and driven.
A hydraulic system uses a small piston to push fluid against a large piston. What is the main benefit?
Answer: A small input force creates a large output force
Hydraulic systems multiply force because pressure acts over a larger output piston area.
Which material property describes how well a substance returns to its original shape after being stretched?
Answer: Elasticity
Elasticity is the ability of a material to return to its original shape after deformation.