Mechanical Aptitude Simple Machines and Mechanical Advantage Questions and Answers

Question 1

An inclined plane is 10 feet long and 2 feet high. What is its mechanical advantage?

Accepted Answer

5

Answer

The mechanical advantage of an inclined plane equals the slope length divided by the height: 10 ÷ 2 = 5.

Question 2

A wheel and axle has a wheel radius of 12 inches and an axle radius of 3 inches. What is its mechanical advantage?

Accepted Answer

4

Answer

The mechanical advantage of a wheel and axle equals the wheel radius divided by the axle radius: 12 ÷ 3 = 4.

Question 3

Which simple machine is essentially an inclined plane wrapped around a cylinder?

Accepted Answer

Screw

Answer

A screw is an inclined plane (the thread) wrapped helically around a cylinder, converting rotary motion into linear force.

Question 4

A wedge is 6 inches long and 2 inches thick at its widest point. What is its mechanical advantage?

Accepted Answer

3

Answer

The mechanical advantage of a wedge equals its length divided by its maximum thickness: 6 ÷ 2 = 3.

Question 5

In mechanical terms, work is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Force × Distance

Answer

Work equals force multiplied by the distance over which that force is applied (W = F × d).

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