Mechanical Aptitude Mechanical Aptitude Levers, Pulleys, and Gears Questions and Answers 3

Question 1

A wheelbarrow is an example of which class of lever?

Accepted Answer

Second-class lever

Answer

A wheelbarrow is a second-class lever where the load sits between the fulcrum (the wheel) and the effort (the handles).

Question 2

A movable pulley is attached directly to a 120-pound load. How much force is needed to lift the load using a single movable pulley?

Accepted Answer

60 pounds

Answer

A single movable pulley provides a mechanical advantage of 2, so the effort required is 120 divided by 2, which equals 60 pounds.

Question 3

If a driving gear with 15 teeth meshes with a driven gear with 45 teeth, what is the gear ratio?

Accepted Answer

3:1

Answer

The gear ratio is driven teeth divided by driving teeth: 45 divided by 15 equals 3:1, meaning three turns of the driver produce one turn of the driven gear.

Question 4

When using a lever, moving the fulcrum closer to the load will have what effect?

Accepted Answer

Increase mechanical advantage, requiring less effort

Answer

Moving the fulcrum closer to the load lengthens the effort arm relative to the load arm, increasing mechanical advantage and reducing the effort needed.

Question 5

In a block-and-tackle system with 6 rope segments supporting the load, how far must you pull the rope to raise the load 2 feet?

Accepted Answer

12 feet

Answer

With 6 supporting segments, you must pull 6 times the lift distance, so 6 multiplied by 2 equals 12 feet of rope.

Mechanical Aptitude Test Practice Test

Mechanical Aptitude Test Practice Test

Mechanical Aptitude Mechanical Aptitude Levers, Pulleys, and Gears Questions and Answers 3