Mechanical Aptitude Mechanical Aptitude Principles 2

Question 1

A hydraulic jack uses a small piston with area 2 in² and a large piston with area 20 in². If you apply 50 lbs on the small piston, what force does the large piston exert?

Accepted Answer

500 lbs

Answer

Pascal's Law states force is multiplied by the ratio of piston areas: 50 × (20/2) = 500 lbs.

Question 2

Which type of gear changes rotational motion into linear motion?

Accepted Answer

Rack and pinion

Answer

A rack and pinion converts the rotary motion of the pinion into the linear motion of the rack.

Question 3

A 10-foot board is balanced on a fulcrum. A 200 lb person sits 2 feet from the fulcrum. How far from the fulcrum must a 100 lb person sit to balance?

Accepted Answer

4 feet

Answer

Torque balance: 200 × 2 = 100 × d, so d = 4 feet.

Question 4

What happens to the pressure in a fluid when its velocity increases through a constriction?

Accepted Answer

Pressure decreases

Answer

Bernoulli's principle states that as fluid velocity increases, its pressure decreases.

Question 5

A wedge is used to split a log. The wedge has a narrow angle. Compared to a wide-angle wedge, the narrow wedge requires:

Accepted Answer

Less force but travels farther

Answer

A narrower wedge angle provides greater mechanical advantage, requiring less force over a longer stroke.

Mechanical Aptitude Test Practice Test

Mechanical Aptitude Test Practice Test

Mechanical Aptitude Mechanical Aptitude Principles 2