Mechanical Aptitude FREE Mechanical Aptitude Principles Question and Answers 3

Question 1

A 150 lb person stands at the center of a 10-foot plank supported at both ends. What is the reaction force at each support?

Accepted Answer

75 lb

Answer

When a load is centered on a beam with two supports, each support carries exactly half the load: 150 / 2 = 75 lb.

Question 2

In a gear train, if the driving gear has 20 teeth and the driven gear has 60 teeth, how does the output speed compare to the input speed?

Accepted Answer

One-third the speed

Answer

The speed ratio is inversely proportional to the tooth count ratio, so the driven gear turns at 20/60 = one-third the input speed.

Question 3

What type of energy is stored in a compressed spring?

Accepted Answer

Elastic potential energy

Answer

A compressed spring stores elastic potential energy that can be released when the spring returns to its natural length.

Question 4

Which simple machine is represented by a doorknob?

Accepted Answer

Wheel and axle

Answer

A doorknob functions as a wheel and axle, where the knob is the wheel and the shaft is the axle, multiplying rotational force.

Question 5

If you double the length of a wrench handle, what happens to the torque applied with the same force?

Accepted Answer

Torque is doubled

Answer

Torque equals force multiplied by the lever arm length, so doubling the length doubles the torque.

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