FCTC FCTC Test Pulleys, Gears, and Levers Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

A compound pulley system uses 4 rope segments supporting a load. If the load weighs 200 lbs, what is the ideal effort force needed?

Accepted Answer

50 lbs

Answer

With 4 supporting rope segments, the mechanical advantage is 4, so effort = 200 ÷ 4 = 50 lbs.

Question 2

A lever has a 6-foot effort arm and a 2-foot resistance arm. What is its mechanical advantage?

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

Mechanical advantage of a lever = effort arm length ÷ resistance arm length = 6 ÷ 2 = 3.

Question 3

Two meshing gears have 20 teeth and 60 teeth respectively. If the smaller gear rotates at 90 RPM, how fast does the larger gear rotate?

Accepted Answer

30 RPM

Answer

Speed ratio = 20/60 = 1/3, so the larger gear turns at 90 × (20/60) = 30 RPM.

Question 4

Which type of lever has both the effort and resistance on the same side of the fulcrum?

Accepted Answer

Third-class lever

Answer

In a third-class lever, effort is applied between the fulcrum and the load, with both on the same side.

Question 5

A fixed pulley attached to a ceiling is used to lift a crate. What is the primary advantage it provides?

Accepted Answer

It changes the direction of the applied force

Answer

A fixed pulley does not multiply force; its only advantage is redirecting the effort force (e.g., pulling down to lift up).

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