FCTC Applying Mechanical Reasoning 3

Question 1

An inclined plane is 12 feet long and rises 3 feet. What is its mechanical advantage?

Accepted Answer

4

Answer

Mechanical advantage of an inclined plane = length ÷ height = 12 ÷ 3 = 4.

Question 2

A wheel and axle has a wheel radius of 18 inches and an axle radius of 3 inches. What is its mechanical advantage?

Accepted Answer

6

Answer

Mechanical advantage = wheel radius ÷ axle radius = 18 ÷ 3 = 6.

Question 3

Two pistons in a hydraulic system are connected. The smaller piston moves 10 inches downward. If the area ratio (large/small) is 5:1, how far does the large piston move?

Accepted Answer

2 in

Answer

Volume is conserved; with a 5:1 area ratio, the large piston moves 10 ÷ 5 = 2 inches.

Question 4

A pulley system is fixed to the ceiling (fixed pulley only). What does this arrangement provide?

Accepted Answer

Changes the direction of force only

Answer

A single fixed pulley only redirects the force — it provides no mechanical advantage, so you still lift with the same force as the load.

Question 5

Gear A (10 teeth) drives Gear B (30 teeth), which is on the same shaft as Gear C (10 teeth), which drives Gear D (30 teeth). What is the overall gear ratio from A to D?

Accepted Answer

9:1

Answer

Each gear pair has a 3:1 ratio; combined in series they multiply: 3 × 3 = 9:1 overall ratio.

FCTC Test Practice Test

FCTC Test Practice Test

FCTC Applying Mechanical Reasoning 3