FCTC Test Applying Mechanical Reasoning Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

A compound pulley system uses 4 rope segments supporting a load. If the load weighs 200 lbs, how much force is needed to lift it (ignoring friction)?

Accepted Answer

50 lbs

Answer

In a compound pulley with 4 supporting rope segments, the required force equals the load divided by the number of segments: 200 ÷ 4 = 50 lbs.

Question 2

Two gears are meshed together. Gear A has 12 teeth and Gear B has 36 teeth. If Gear A rotates at 90 RPM, at what speed does Gear B rotate?

Accepted Answer

30 RPM

Answer

Gear speed is inversely proportional to tooth count; Gear B rotates at 90 × (12/36) = 30 RPM.

Question 3

A worker uses a ramp 10 feet long to push a 300 lb crate up to a platform 2 feet high. Approximately how much force is required (ignoring friction)?

Accepted Answer

60 lbs

Answer

The mechanical advantage of a ramp equals length divided by height (10/2 = 5), so force needed = 300 ÷ 5 = 60 lbs.

Question 4

Which type of lever has the fulcrum located between the effort and the load?

Accepted Answer

First-class lever

Answer

A first-class lever has the fulcrum between the effort and load, such as a seesaw or crowbar.

Question 5

A spring stretches 3 inches when a 6 lb weight is hung from it. How far will it stretch with a 10 lb weight?

Accepted Answer

5 inches

Answer

By Hooke's Law, stretch is proportional to force; 3 inches × (10/6) = 5 inches.

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