CPS Mechanical Aptitude and Principles 4

Question 1

A firefighter raises a ladder. As the ladder is raised more vertical (steeper), the force needed to hold it does what?

Accepted Answer

Decreases

Answer

A more vertical ladder has its weight acting closer to the base, reducing the holding force needed.

Question 2

Which gear arrangement would produce the greatest increase in speed at the output?

Accepted Answer

Large gear driving a small gear

Answer

A large gear driving a small gear makes the smaller output gear spin faster.

Question 3

A balloon rises in air because the gas inside is what compared to the surrounding air?

Accepted Answer

Less dense

Answer

A balloon rises when the gas inside is less dense than the surrounding air, creating buoyant lift.

Question 4

When two springs of equal stiffness are connected end to end (in series) and a weight is hung, the total stretch compared to one spring is?

Accepted Answer

Twice as much

Answer

Springs in series each stretch fully, so two equal springs stretch twice as much as one.

Question 5

A heavy object resting on a wide base is harder to tip over than the same object on a narrow base because of?

Accepted Answer

A lower, more stable center of gravity over the base

Answer

A wider base keeps the center of gravity within the support area, making tipping harder.

CPS Firefighter Test Practice Test