Tools and Mechanical Reasoning Flashcards

A large gear with 40 teeth drives a small gear with 10 teeth. The small gear turns how many times for each full turn of the large gear?

Answer: 4 times

The tooth ratio is 40:10, so the small gear turns 4 times per large-gear revolution.

Which hand tool would a firefighter use to cut through a chain-link fence quickly?

Answer: Bolt cutters

Bolt cutters provide the leverage needed to sever metal links and small chains.

When two people carry a ladder, balancing the weight evenly between them is an example of distributing what?

Answer: Load

Sharing the ladder's weight evenly distributes the load between both carriers.

A wedge, such as an axe head, converts a downward force into forces acting in which direction?

Answer: Outward to the sides

A wedge splits material by turning downward force into sideways forces.

If a hydraulic system multiplies force, applying pressure to a small piston produces a larger force on which piston?

Answer: A larger piston

Hydraulic systems multiply force by transmitting pressure to a larger-area piston.

Which type of valve allows water to flow in only one direction in a pumping system?

Answer: Check valve

A check valve permits flow in one direction and prevents backflow.

A 20-foot extension ladder is placed against a wall. The recommended base distance from the wall should be about what fraction of the working length?

Answer: One-quarter

The 4-to-1 rule places the base about one-quarter of the working length from the wall.