Mechanical Aptitude Mechanical Aptitude Knowledge 2

Question 1

A hydraulic jack uses a small piston with a 2 sq in area and a large piston with a 20 sq in area. If you apply 50 lbs on the small piston, what force does the large piston exert?

Accepted Answer

500 lbs

Answer

Pascal's Law: force scales with the ratio of piston areas, so 50 × (20/2) = 500 lbs.

Question 2

Which type of gear converts rotational motion into linear motion?

Accepted Answer

Rack and pinion

Answer

A rack and pinion converts the rotation of a pinion gear into straight-line (linear) motion of a rack.

Question 3

A wrench handle is 12 inches long and you apply 15 lbs of force. What is the torque produced?

Accepted Answer

15 ft-lbs

Answer

Torque = Force × Distance = 15 lbs × 1 ft (12 inches) = 15 ft-lbs.

Question 4

A steel beam expands when heated. This property is called:

Accepted Answer

Thermal expansion

Answer

Thermal expansion is the tendency of materials to change in volume in response to temperature changes.

Question 5

Which fastener is best suited for joining two pieces where disassembly will be needed frequently?

Accepted Answer

Machine screw with nut

Answer

Machine screws with nuts allow repeated assembly and disassembly without damaging the parts.

Mechanical Aptitude Test Practice Test

Mechanical Aptitude Test Practice Test

Mechanical Aptitude Mechanical Aptitude Knowledge 2