Simple Machines and Mechanical Advantage Questions and Answers Flashcards
7 cards from real MECHANICAL APTITUDE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Simple Machines and Mechanical Advantage Questions and Answers flashcards as text
An inclined plane is 10 feet long and 2 feet high. What is its mechanical advantage?
Answer: 5
The mechanical advantage of an inclined plane equals the slope length divided by the height: 10 ÷ 2 = 5.
A wheel and axle has a wheel radius of 12 inches and an axle radius of 3 inches. What is its mechanical advantage?
Answer: 4
The mechanical advantage of a wheel and axle equals the wheel radius divided by the axle radius: 12 ÷ 3 = 4.
Which simple machine is essentially an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder?
Answer: Screw
A screw is an inclined plane (the thread) wrapped helically around a cylinder, converting rotary motion into linear force.
A wedge is 6 inches long and 2 inches thick at its widest point. What is its mechanical advantage?
Answer: 3
The mechanical advantage of a wedge equals its length divided by its maximum thickness: 6 ÷ 2 = 3.
In mechanical terms, work is defined as:
Answer: Force × Distance
Work equals force multiplied by the distance over which that force is applied (W = F × d).
A fixed pulley changes the _______ of the applied force but NOT the _______.
Answer: direction; magnitude
A fixed pulley redirects force (e.g., lets you pull down to lift up) but provides no mechanical advantage — the output force equals the input force.
A machine has a mechanical advantage of 4. If you apply 50 lbs of force, what is the output force (ignoring friction)?
Answer: 200 lbs
Output force = Mechanical advantage × Input force = 4 × 50 = 200 lbs.