NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: In Gaussian plume air dispersion modeling, the downwind distance at which maximum ground-level centerline concentration occurs corresponds to the condition where:

Atmospheric stability class transitions from unstable to neutral
The vertical dispersion coefficient σz equals the effective stack height H divided by √2 (Correct answer)
Wind speed at stack height equals the surface friction velocity u*
The horizontal dispersion coefficient σy equals the effective stack height H

Correct answer: The vertical dispersion coefficient σz equals the effective stack height H divided by √2

Differentiating the ground-level Gaussian plume equation with respect to downwind distance and setting it to zero yields σz = H/√2 at the point of maximum ground-level concentration. This relationship is used to estimate worst-case receptor impacts in permit modeling.

Question 2: For the NCEES PE Environmental exam, what is 'nitrification' in biological wastewater treatment?

The aerobic microbial oxidation of ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate (Correct answer)
The removal of nitrogen via ion exchange resins
The chemical precipitation of nitrogen as struvite
The biological conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas (denitrification)

Correct answer: The aerobic microbial oxidation of ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate

Nitrification is a two-step aerobic process: Nitrosomonas converts ammonia to nitrite, then Nitrobacter converts nitrite to nitrate, requiring substantial oxygen and alkalinity.

Question 3: According to the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), Level of Service (LOS) for a basic freeway segment is primarily defined by:

Average travel speed only
Volume-to-capacity (v/c) ratio
Density in passenger cars per mile per lane (pc/mi/ln) (Correct answer)
Number of lane changes per mile

Correct answer: Density in passenger cars per mile per lane (pc/mi/ln)

The HCM defines LOS for basic freeway segments by density (pc/mi/ln), with LOS A through F corresponding to progressively higher densities and deteriorating operating conditions.

Question 4: In the NCEES PE Environmental exam, which soil characteristic is most important for evaluating the suitability of a site for a septic drain field?

Soil compressive strength
Hydraulic conductivity and percolation rate (Correct answer)
Soil organic carbon content
Soil pH and buffering capacity

Correct answer: Hydraulic conductivity and percolation rate

Hydraulic conductivity (percolation rate) determines whether the soil can accept and treat septic effluent; soils must be permeable enough to accept effluent but fine enough to provide treatment.

Question 5: Per ACI 318, the minimum clear concrete cover required for deformed reinforcing bars #5 and smaller in a cast-in-place slab not exposed to weather is:

2 inches (51 mm)
3/4 inch (19 mm) (Correct answer)
1/2 inch (13 mm)
1-1/2 inches (38 mm)

Correct answer: 3/4 inch (19 mm)

ACI 318-19 Table 20.6.1.3.1 specifies a minimum clear cover of 3/4 inch for #5 bars and smaller in cast-in-place slabs and walls not exposed to weather or in contact with the ground.

Question 6: In NCEES PE Environmental engineering, a hazardous waste is classified under RCRA if it exhibits which characteristic?

Biological oxygen demand greater than 200 mg/L
Only radioactivity
pH between 6 and 8
Ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity (ICRT) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity (ICRT)

RCRA defines characteristic hazardous wastes by four properties: ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity (TCLP test).

Question 7: What are plastics made from?

Glass
Metals
Hydrocarbons (Correct answer)
Ceramics

Correct answer: Hydrocarbons

Explanation: Plastics are primarily made from hydrocarbons, which are organic compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These hydrocarbons are derived from fossil fuels such as petroleum and natural gas. The hydrocarbons are polymerized to form long chains of molecules known as polymers, which constitute the basis of plastics. Metals, ceramics, and glass are not used to make plastics, although they have their own distinct applications in manufacturing and engineering.

Question 8: For the NCEES PE Mechanical exam, which type of bearing is best suited for handling both radial and axial (thrust) loads simultaneously?

Needle roller bearing
Thrust washer
Deep-groove ball bearing (Correct answer)
Cylindrical roller bearing

Correct answer: Deep-groove ball bearing

Deep-groove ball bearings can carry both radial and moderate thrust loads simultaneously due to their geometry, making them the most versatile and widely used bearing type.

Question 9: In NCEES PE Geotechnical practice, the purpose of a geosynthetic geogrid in pavement design is to:

Reinforce and stabilize the base course by providing lateral confinement (Correct answer)
Separate fine-grained subgrade from coarse aggregate
Waterproof the subgrade layer
Drain subsurface water from the roadway base

Correct answer: Reinforce and stabilize the base course by providing lateral confinement

Geogrids provide lateral confinement and reinforcement to aggregate base layers, increasing load distribution and reducing rutting.

Question 10: For the NCEES PE Electrical exam, which protection device operates based on time-current characteristics to interrupt overcurrents?

Capacitor bank
Overcurrent relay (inverse time) (Correct answer)
Surge arrester
Voltage regulator

Correct answer: Overcurrent relay (inverse time)

Inverse-time overcurrent relays trip faster as current magnitude increases, providing coordination with downstream devices and protecting against sustained overloads and faults.

Question 11: Which of the following types of engineers work to create roads, bridges, and tunnels?

Chemical Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Civil Engineers (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Civil Engineers

Explanation: Civil engineers are responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, tunnels, dams, and buildings. Their work ensures that these structures are safe, efficient, and sustainable. Electrical engineers focus on electrical systems, mechanical engineers on machinery and mechanical systems, and chemical engineers on processes involving chemical reactions, making civil engineering the correct discipline for projects involving roads, bridges, and tunnels.

Question 12: For the NCEES PE Chemical exam, what is the 'effectiveness factor' (η) in heterogeneous catalysis?

The ratio of catalyst life to expected design life
The fraction of catalyst surface that is accessible to reactants versus poisoned sites
The conversion achieved in a single pass through the reactor
The ratio of actual reaction rate with diffusion limitations to the rate at surface conditions (no diffusion resistance) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The ratio of actual reaction rate with diffusion limitations to the rate at surface conditions (no diffusion resistance)

The effectiveness factor η = (actual rate with intraparticle diffusion) / (rate at external surface conditions), typically < 1, quantifying how much internal diffusion resistance reduces catalyst utilization.

Question 13: The term for electrons in the outer orbit is

valences (Correct answer)
shells
waves
nuclei

Correct answer: valences

Valence electrons are the electrons located in the outermost electron shell of an atom. These electrons are critically important because they determine an atom's chemical properties and its ability to form chemical bonds with other atoms. The number of valence electrons dictates an element's reactivity and how it will interact in chemical reactions.

Question 14: For the NCEES PE Structural exam, what does 'live load reduction' allow engineers to do?

Use lower safety factors for residential buildings
Reduce seismic forces in low-hazard zones
Ignore wind loads on interior columns
Reduce design live loads for large tributary areas based on probability (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Reduce design live loads for large tributary areas based on probability

Live load reduction permits lower design live loads on members with large tributary areas, since it is statistically unlikely that the full code live load acts simultaneously over a large area.

Question 15: On the NCEES PE Mechanical exam, the first law of thermodynamics for a closed system states that:

Heat added equals work done minus change in internal energy
Change in internal energy equals heat added minus work done by the system (Correct answer)
Entropy always increases
Work done equals heat added times efficiency

Correct answer: Change in internal energy equals heat added minus work done by the system

The first law states ΔU = Q – W: the change in internal energy equals heat added to the system minus work done by the system.

Question 16: In a project CPM schedule, 'total float' for an activity is defined as:

The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project completion date (Correct answer)
The number of parallel paths that can absorb a delay in this activity
Duration uncertainty expressed as one standard deviation
Extra budget reserved for schedule contingency in the activity

Correct answer: The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project completion date

Total float = Latest Start − Earliest Start (or equivalently, Latest Finish − Earliest Finish), representing how much an activity can slip before it impacts the project end date.

Question 17: When is it acceptable for a certified engineer to sign and seal blueprints or legal papers that they did not create?

Under no circumstances
If someone qualified for the project's scope of work prepared the blueprints or documentation.
If the registered engineer is an authority on the subject and someone who worked under their supervision developed the designs or documentation. (Correct answer)
When the plan-maker and the engineer have an understanding about the situation.

Correct answer: If the registered engineer is an authority on the subject and someone who worked under their supervision developed the designs or documentation.

Professional engineering ethics and regulations generally permit a registered engineer to sign and seal documents they did not personally create only under specific conditions. The most critical condition is that the engineer must have direct supervisory control over the work's development and be an authority on the subject, allowing them to thoroughly review, approve, and take full professional responsibility for the designs or documentation. This ensures accountability and adherence to professional standards.

Question 18: In the NCEES PE Mechanical exam, what does the 'coefficient of performance (COP)' of a refrigeration cycle represent?

The ratio of useful refrigeration effect to work input (Correct answer)
The ratio of condenser heat to evaporator heat
The ratio of heat rejected to work input
The thermal efficiency of the compressor

Correct answer: The ratio of useful refrigeration effect to work input

COP of a refrigerator equals the heat absorbed at the evaporator (QL) divided by the net work input (Win), measuring how effectively work is converted to cooling.

Question 19: According to the NCEES PE Electrical exam, the National Electrical Code (NEC) is primarily concerned with:

Telecommunication network standards
Power plant generator ratings
Safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment (Correct answer)
Utility transmission line design

Correct answer: Safe installation of electrical wiring and equipment

The NEC (NFPA 70) establishes minimum safety standards for the installation of electrical wiring and equipment.

Question 20: In the NCEES PE Structural exam, which section property is most critical for predicting deflection in a beam?

Section modulus S
Plastic section modulus Z
Moment of inertia I (Correct answer)
Radius of gyration r

Correct answer: Moment of inertia I

Deflection is inversely proportional to EI; the moment of inertia I directly governs bending stiffness.

Question 21: Stopping Sight Distance (SSD) on a highway is composed of which two distance components?

Perception-reaction distance and braking distance (Correct answer)
Vertical curve length and horizontal clearance
Reaction distance and curve length
Passing distance and maneuver distance

Correct answer: Perception-reaction distance and braking distance

SSD equals the distance traveled during the driver's perception-reaction time (typically 2.5 s per AASHTO) plus the distance required to brake to a complete stop.

Question 22: In the NCEES PE Electrical exam, what does the 'grounding electrode system' required by NEC Article 250 accomplish?

Increases the efficiency of three-phase motors
Reduces harmonic distortion in distribution systems
Provides standby power during utility outages
Provides a low-impedance path for fault current to return to the source, enabling overcurrent device operation (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Provides a low-impedance path for fault current to return to the source, enabling overcurrent device operation

The grounding electrode system stabilizes voltage during normal operation and provides a fault-return path that enables overcurrent devices to operate and clear ground faults safely.

Question 23: On the NCEES PE Structural exam, what is the 'neutral axis' in a reinforced concrete beam under positive bending?

The axis of maximum shear
The axis where bending stress is zero, separating compression and tension zones (Correct answer)
The centroid of the steel reinforcement
The axis along which maximum tension occurs

Correct answer: The axis where bending stress is zero, separating compression and tension zones

The neutral axis is the theoretical line in the cross-section where bending stress equals zero, with concrete in compression above it and tension steel below it.

Question 24: On the NCEES PE Electrical exam, what does the 'power factor' of an AC circuit represent?

The ratio of voltage to current magnitude
The ratio of reactive power to apparent power
The ratio of real power to apparent power (cos θ) (Correct answer)
The efficiency of the electrical generator

Correct answer: The ratio of real power to apparent power (cos θ)

Power factor (PF = cos θ = P/S) is the ratio of real (useful) power consumed to the apparent (total) power supplied, ranging from 0 to 1.

Question 25: In the NCEES PE Mechanical exam, which factor is NOT considered in the modified Goodman fatigue criterion?

Mean stress
Creep rate at temperature (Correct answer)
Ultimate tensile strength
Stress amplitude

Correct answer: Creep rate at temperature

The Goodman diagram relates mean stress and stress amplitude to ultimate strength and endurance limit; creep rate is a separate high-temperature consideration not included in the Goodman criterion.

Question 26: On the NCEES PE Electrical exam, what is the purpose of 'protective relaying' in a power system?

To measure energy consumption for billing
To regulate voltage within ±5% of nominal
To detect abnormal conditions and rapidly isolate faulted equipment to limit damage (Correct answer)
To provide reactive power compensation

Correct answer: To detect abnormal conditions and rapidly isolate faulted equipment to limit damage

Protective relays detect faults (overcurrent, undervoltage, differential currents) and send trip signals to circuit breakers to quickly isolate the faulted section and protect equipment.

Question 27: For the NCEES PE Mechanical exam, which fluid property governs the Bernoulli equation's applicability?

The fluid must be turbulent
The fluid must be non-Newtonian
The fluid must be compressible
The fluid must be inviscid (frictionless) and incompressible along a streamline (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The fluid must be inviscid (frictionless) and incompressible along a streamline

Bernoulli's equation applies to steady, inviscid, incompressible flow along a streamline, where energy losses due to viscosity and density changes are negligible.

Question 28: A two-terminal variable resistor is what a potentiometer is.

True
False (Correct answer)

Correct answer: False

A potentiometer is fundamentally a three-terminal variable resistor. It consists of a resistive track with two fixed end terminals and a third terminal connected to a movable sliding contact (wiper). While it can be configured as a two-terminal variable resistor (rheostat) by using only one end terminal and the wiper, its inherent design and full functionality involve all three terminals.

Question 29: In the NCEES PE Environmental exam, which US regulation sets National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs)?

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
Comprehensive Environmental Response Act (CERCLA)
Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) (Correct answer)
Clean Water Act (CWA)

Correct answer: Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) authorizes EPA to establish National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, including maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for public water systems.

Question 30: A prismatic compass's graded circle's zero is situated at

South end (Correct answer)
West end
North end
East end

Correct answer: South end

In a prismatic compass, the graduated circle is attached to the magnetic needle and rotates with it. For direct reading of bearings, the zero mark (0°) on this circle is conventionally situated at the South end. This allows the observer to directly read the bearing from North as the needle aligns itself with the magnetic meridian, and the South end of the needle (with 0°) is sighted along the line of observation.

Question 31: Grid lines are perpendicular to

Geographical equator
Line representing the central true meridian of the grid (Correct answer)
None of these
Magnetic meridian of the central point of the grid

Correct answer: Line representing the central true meridian of the grid

In a grid coordinate system, grid lines are established to create a rectangular framework for surveying and mapping. The Y-axis of this grid is typically aligned with a designated central true meridian. Consequently, the X-axis (or the east-west grid lines) are constructed to be precisely perpendicular to this central true meridian, forming the orthogonal grid system.

Question 32: In NCEES PE Environmental engineering, the Solids Retention Time (SRT) — also called sludge age or mean cell residence time (MCRT) — is defined as:

The ratio of effluent suspended solids concentration to influent suspended solids concentration
The aeration tank volume divided by the influent volumetric flow rate
The time for dissolved oxygen to drop from saturation to 2 mg/L under process loading
The total mass of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) in the system divided by the mass of solids wasted per day (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The total mass of mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) in the system divided by the mass of solids wasted per day

SRT = (V × X) / (Q_w × X_w + Q_e × X_e), representing the average time a microorganism remains in the system. SRT controls biomass selection: nitrifiers require SRT > ~10 days at 20°C, while shorter SRTs favor heterotrophic BOD removal only.

Question 33: For the NCEES PE Chemical exam, what is the 'residence time distribution (RTD)' concept used for in reactor design?

To characterize mixing behavior and deviation from ideal reactor models in real reactors (Correct answer)
To measure heat removal from exothermic reactors
To determine the startup time for a batch reactor
To calculate the recycle ratio in distillation columns

Correct answer: To characterize mixing behavior and deviation from ideal reactor models in real reactors

RTD analysis (using tracer experiments) characterizes how long different fluid elements spend in a reactor, revealing mixing patterns and deviations from ideal CSTR or PFR behavior.

Question 34: In NCEES PE Mechanical exam fluid mechanics, the continuity equation for steady incompressible flow states:

Pressure is constant throughout the flow
Density changes are proportional to pressure
A₁V₁ = A₂V₂ (volumetric flow rate is constant) (Correct answer)
Velocity increases with pipe diameter

Correct answer: A₁V₁ = A₂V₂ (volumetric flow rate is constant)

For steady incompressible flow, conservation of mass gives A₁V₁ = A₂V₂ — the flow rate Q is conserved.

Question 35: On the NCEES PE Mechanical exam, what is 'NPSH available (NPSHa)' in pump system design?

The static suction head above the pump centerline
The absolute pressure head available at the pump inlet above vapor pressure, preventing cavitation (Correct answer)
The net power output of the pump shaft
The head that the pump adds to the fluid

Correct answer: The absolute pressure head available at the pump inlet above vapor pressure, preventing cavitation

NPSHa is the total absolute head available at the pump suction above the fluid's vapor pressure; it must exceed NPSHr to prevent cavitation.

Question 36: For the NCEES PE Environmental exam, the bioconcentration factor (BCF) for a contaminant in fish describes:

The degradation rate of pollutants in sediment
The ratio of contaminant concentration in the organism to that in water (Correct answer)
The volatilization rate from water to air
The lethal dose concentration for aquatic organisms

Correct answer: The ratio of contaminant concentration in the organism to that in water

BCF = Corganism/Cwater: a high BCF indicates a pollutant accumulates in organisms relative to its concentration in water.

Question 37: In the NCEES PE Chemical exam, what is the 'Fanning friction factor' used to calculate in pipe flow?

The heat transfer enhancement in turbulent flow
The pump efficiency at off-design conditions
The pressure drop due to friction in a pipe per unit length (Correct answer)
The drag force on particles settling in a fluid

Correct answer: The pressure drop due to friction in a pipe per unit length

The Fanning friction factor f (or Darcy-Weisbach friction factor) is used in the Darcy-Weisbach equation to calculate frictional pressure drop in pipe flow: ΔP = f(L/D)(ρV²/2).

Question 38: On the NCEES PE Geotechnical exam, the direct shear test is used to determine which soil strength parameters?

Compression index Cc and swell index Cs
Hydraulic conductivity K and void ratio e
Preconsolidation pressure and OCR
Cohesion c and friction angle φ (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Cohesion c and friction angle φ

The direct shear test measures peak and residual shear strength, providing cohesion c and friction angle φ for the Mohr-Coulomb criterion.

Question 39: Under RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act), the four characteristics that can cause a solid waste to be classified as hazardous are:

Ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity (Correct answer)
Volatility, radioactivity, carcinogenicity, and flammability
Persistence, bioaccumulation potential, acute lethal dose, and pH extremes
Oxidizing potential, vapor pressure, solubility, and flash point below 100°F

Correct answer: Ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity

RCRA Subpart C (40 CFR Part 261) defines four hazardous waste characteristics using the acronym ICRT: Ignitability (flash point <60°C), Corrosivity (pH ≤2 or ≥12.5), Reactivity (unstable/explosive), and Toxicity (TCLP leachate exceeds regulatory limits for listed metals/organics).

Question 40: On the NCEES PE Electrical exam, the Laplace transform is primarily used in circuit analysis to:

Replace phasor analysis for sinusoidal steady state
Analyze only DC circuits
Compute power factor corrections
Convert time-domain differential equations into algebraic equations in the s-domain (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Convert time-domain differential equations into algebraic equations in the s-domain

The Laplace transform converts circuit differential equations into s-domain algebraic equations, simplifying transient analysis.

Question 41: Another good way to describe engineering is simply saying that engineering is:

Problem-solving (Correct answer)
Drawing blueprints
Building structures
Conducting experiments

Correct answer: Problem-solving

Explanation: Engineering is fundamentally about problem-solving. Engineers use principles of mathematics, science, and technology to develop solutions to technical problems. While building structures, conducting experiments, and drawing blueprints are activities that engineers may engage in, the core of engineering practice is the application of creative problem-solving skills to address challenges and improve systems and processes across various fields.

Question 42: For the NCEES PE Environmental exam, what is the function of a 'landfill liner system' under RCRA Subtitle D regulations?

To stabilize the landfill slope against failure
To prevent leachate migration from the landfill into groundwater through low-permeability barriers (Correct answer)
To collect and combust landfill gas for energy
To accelerate decomposition of organic waste

Correct answer: To prevent leachate migration from the landfill into groundwater through low-permeability barriers

RCRA Subtitle D requires composite liner systems (geomembrane + compacted clay) and leachate collection systems to prevent contaminated leachate from reaching groundwater.

Question 43: A Lambert projection uses which of the following?

Cone (Correct answer)
Plane
Ellipse
Cylinder

Correct answer: Cone

Explanation: The Lambert projection is a type of map projection named after Johann Heinrich Lambert, which is used primarily for mapping large regions that are in the middle latitudes. A conic projection is a map projection that projects the Earth's surface onto a cone. While some conic projections exist, the Lambert projection is not specifically based on a cone.

Question 44: For the NCEES PE Environmental exam, what is 'air stripping' used to treat in water and wastewater?

Nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from agricultural runoff
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by transferring them from water to air (Correct answer)
Heavy metals such as lead and cadmium
Turbidity from stormwater runoff

Correct answer: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by transferring them from water to air

Air stripping passes contaminated water through a packed tower countercurrent to air, transferring volatile contaminants (TCE, benzene, radon) from the aqueous phase to the gas phase.

Question 45: The AASHTO flexible pavement design method uses which primary design parameter to characterize pavement structural capacity?

Structural number (SN) based on equivalent single axle loads (ESALs) (Correct answer)
California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of the base course
Resilient modulus (Mr) of the subgrade only
Pavement condition index (PCI)

Correct answer: Structural number (SN) based on equivalent single axle loads (ESALs)

The AASHTO method characterizes flexible pavement capacity using the structural number (SN), which accounts for layer materials and thicknesses, and is designed for the cumulative traffic load expressed as ESALs.

Question 46: On the NCEES PE Mechanical exam, what does 'fatigue limit' (endurance limit) represent for a steel component?

The yield strength under dynamic loading
The stress at 50% of ultimate strength
The stress amplitude below which a material can theoretically withstand infinite load cycles without failure (Correct answer)
The maximum single-cycle load before fracture

Correct answer: The stress amplitude below which a material can theoretically withstand infinite load cycles without failure

The endurance limit (Se) is the stress amplitude below which a ferrous material can endure an essentially unlimited number of loading cycles without fatigue failure.

Question 47: On the NCEES PE Electrical exam, what is 'harmonic distortion' in a power system and why is it a concern?

Non-fundamental frequency currents generated by nonlinear loads that cause overheating, interference, and metering errors (Correct answer)
Normal variation in 60 Hz frequency; concern for synchronous motor speed
Voltage imbalance between phases; concern for motor insulation
Electromagnetic interference from lightning surges

Correct answer: Non-fundamental frequency currents generated by nonlinear loads that cause overheating, interference, and metering errors

Harmonics are multiples of the 60 Hz fundamental generated by nonlinear loads (VFDs, UPS systems); they cause extra heating in neutrals, transformers, and motors, and can cause metering and communication errors.

Question 48: Water hammer in a pressurized pipe system is primarily caused by:

Rapid changes in flow velocity such as sudden valve closure (Correct answer)
Long-term pipe corrosion gradually reducing the pipe cross-section
Dissolved air slowly coming out of solution over time
Sustained high static pressure exceeding the pipe design rating

Correct answer: Rapid changes in flow velocity such as sudden valve closure

Water hammer is a pressure transient caused by rapid deceleration of flow (e.g., sudden valve closure), converting kinetic energy to pressure energy and generating pressure waves that propagate through the system.

Question 49: For the NCEES PE Geotechnical exam, Terzaghi's bearing capacity equation for a strip footing is:

qu = cNc × Fcs × Fqs × Fγs
qu = Su × Nc (for undrained clay only)
qu = N60 × B/30
qu = cNc + qNq + 0.5γBNγ (Correct answer)

Correct answer: qu = cNc + qNq + 0.5γBNγ

Terzaghi's bearing capacity for a strip footing: qu = cNc + qNq + 0.5γBNγ, using bearing capacity factors Nc, Nq, and Nγ.

Question 50: In the NCEES PE Electrical exam, what is the purpose of a 'per-unit system' in power systems analysis?

To convert three-phase to single-phase equivalents
To eliminate reactive power from calculations
To measure power in SI units only
To normalize quantities to a common base, simplifying calculations across transformers and voltage levels (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To normalize quantities to a common base, simplifying calculations across transformers and voltage levels

The per-unit system normalizes voltages, currents, powers, and impedances to a chosen base, eliminating transformer turns ratios and simplifying multi-voltage-level system analysis.

Question 51: In NCEES PE Structural exam context, what is the significance of the 'plastic moment' Mp in steel beam design?

The moment at which shear controls
The moment at which elastic behavior begins
The maximum moment capacity when the full cross-section yields (Correct answer)
The moment due to plastic deformation from impact loads

Correct answer: The maximum moment capacity when the full cross-section yields

The plastic moment Mp represents the theoretical maximum bending capacity achieved when the entire cross-section has yielded, forming a plastic hinge.

Question 52: For the NCEES PE Electrical exam, the power factor of an AC circuit is defined as:

Ratio of apparent power to real power
Ratio of real power to apparent power (cos θ) (Correct answer)
Ratio of reactive power to apparent power
The phase angle between voltage and current

Correct answer: Ratio of real power to apparent power (cos θ)

Power factor = P/S = cos θ, where P is real power (W) and S is apparent power (VA).

Question 53: For the NCEES PE Environmental exam, what is the primary purpose of chlorination in drinking water treatment in the US?

To soften hard water by precipitating calcium
To remove heavy metals such as lead and arsenic
To inactivate pathogenic microorganisms and provide residual disinfection in the distribution system (Correct answer)
To remove taste and odor compounds

Correct answer: To inactivate pathogenic microorganisms and provide residual disinfection in the distribution system

Chlorination disinfects drinking water by inactivating pathogens and maintaining a disinfectant residual throughout the distribution system as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Question 54: Injection molding is used predominantly in:

Metal Casting
Welding Processes
Forging Operations
Thermoplastic Processes (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Thermoplastic Processes

Explanation: Injection molding is a manufacturing process primarily used for thermoplastics. Thermoplastics are a type of polymer that becomes pliable or moldable above a specific temperature and solidifies upon cooling. In injection molding, the thermoplastic material is heated to its melting point and injected under pressure into a mold cavity, where it cools and solidifies to form the desired shape. This process is widely used for producing plastic parts and components in various industries due to its efficiency, repeatability, and ability to create complex shapes with high precision.

Question 55: Using a chain line, you may create a 45° angle with

Prismatic square
Open cross staff
French cross staff (Correct answer)
Optical square

Correct answer: French cross staff

A French cross staff is a specialized surveying instrument used to set out specific angles in the field, particularly multiples of 45 degrees. Its design, often octagonal with sighting slits, allows surveyors to accurately establish angles such as 45°, 90°, and 135° directly. This makes it suitable for creating a 45° angle with a chain line, unlike other cross staffs that typically only set out 90° angles.

Question 56: In NCEES PE Geotechnical engineering, the primary difference between a sheet pile wall and a gravity retaining wall is that:

Gravity walls cannot be used below the water table
Sheet piles rely on passive resistance and structural bending rather than gravity weight for stability (Correct answer)
Sheet piles cannot retain cohesive soils
Sheet piles are only used for permanent structures

Correct answer: Sheet piles rely on passive resistance and structural bending rather than gravity weight for stability

Sheet piles resist lateral loads through passive earth pressure below the dredge line and structural bending stiffness, not self-weight.

Question 57: The horizontal distances measured by tacheometer are adjusted for

Temperature correction
Slope correction
All the above (Correct answer)
Refraction and curvature correction

Correct answer: All the above

Tacheometric measurements involve calculating horizontal distances and elevations from observed staff readings and vertical angles. To ensure accuracy, these measurements require several adjustments. These include corrections for the Earth's curvature and atmospheric refraction, which affect the line of sight, and slope correction to convert inclined distances to true horizontal distances. While less common, temperature can also influence instrument components and atmospheric conditions, making 'All the above' the most comprehensive answer for precise work.

Question 58: Using the arc definition, what is the degree of curve for a horizontal curve with a radius of 1,500 ft?

1.91°
2.86°
3.82° (Correct answer)
5.73°

Correct answer: 3.82°

Using the arc definition: D = 5729.58 / R = 5729.58 / 1500 ≈ 3.82°.

Question 59: For the NCEES PE Mechanical exam, what does 'specific speed' (Ns) characterize in pump selection?

The operating speed at maximum efficiency
The maximum allowable impeller tip speed
The minimum NPSH required
The shape/type of pump impeller best suited for given flow rate and head conditions (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The shape/type of pump impeller best suited for given flow rate and head conditions

Specific speed is a dimensionless parameter that classifies pump impeller geometry (radial, mixed-flow, axial) based on the design flow rate and head, guiding pump type selection.

Question 60: For the NCEES PE Geotechnical exam, the end-bearing capacity of a driven pile in clay is estimated using:

α-method (adhesion factor) applied to pile tip area
Meyerhof bearing capacity factors for deep foundations
Qp = 9Su × Ap, where Su is undrained shear strength (Correct answer)
SPT N-value times 8 kip/ft²

Correct answer: Qp = 9Su × Ap, where Su is undrained shear strength

End bearing in clay: Qp = 9Su × Ap, using the bearing capacity factor Nc = 9 for deep foundations in undrained clay.

Question 61: For the NCEES PE Structural exam, what is the purpose of the 'strength reduction factor φ' in ACI 318 design?

To amplify loads for conservative design
To convert service loads to factored loads
To reduce wind loads in sheltered areas
To account for uncertainty in material strengths and construction tolerances (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To account for uncertainty in material strengths and construction tolerances

The φ factor reduces nominal strength to design strength, accounting for variability in material properties, dimensions, and construction quality.

Question 62: In the NCEES PE Mechanical exam, what is 'thermal resistance' in heat transfer analysis?

The resistance of a material to thermal shock
The ratio of conduction to convection heat transfer
An analogy to electrical resistance representing the opposition to heat flow (Correct answer)
The maximum temperature a material can sustain

Correct answer: An analogy to electrical resistance representing the opposition to heat flow

Thermal resistance (R = L/kA for conduction, 1/hA for convection) allows complex heat transfer problems to be solved using electrical circuit analogies.

Question 63: A 1/8 W resistor, a 1/4 W resistor, and a 1/2 W resistor make up a specific series circuit. 1200 people are resisting in all. If each resistor in the circuit is working at its maximum power dissipation, total current flow is

19 mA
27 mA (Correct answer)
2.7 mA
190 mA

Correct answer: 27 mA

In a series circuit, the current is uniform through all components. To find the total current when each resistor operates at its maximum power dissipation, we use the formula P = I²R. The total resistance is 1200 Ω, and the sum of the maximum power dissipations is 1/8 W + 1/4 W + 1/2 W = 7/8 W. Since P_total = I² * R_total, we have (7/8) W = I² * 1200 Ω. Solving for I, I = sqrt((7/8) / 1200) ≈ 0.0270 A, which is approximately 27 mA.

Question 64: On the NCEES PE Environmental exam, the activated sludge process in wastewater treatment achieves BOD removal primarily through:

Aerobic biological oxidation by suspended microorganisms (Correct answer)
Anaerobic digestion in open lagoons
UV disinfection of organic molecules
Chemical coagulation and sedimentation

Correct answer: Aerobic biological oxidation by suspended microorganisms

Activated sludge uses aerobic microorganisms in suspension to oxidize dissolved and colloidal organic matter, reducing BOD.

Question 65: In the NCEES PE Environmental exam, which metric is used to design disinfection systems using the CT concept?

The product of disinfectant concentration (C) and contact time (T) required for a specified log inactivation of pathogens (Correct answer)
Chlorine dose in mg/L
The ratio of chlorine demand to dose
The pH and temperature correction factor

Correct answer: The product of disinfectant concentration (C) and contact time (T) required for a specified log inactivation of pathogens

CT (concentration × time) is the fundamental design metric for chemical disinfection; regulators specify CT values (in mg/L·min) required to achieve target log-inactivation of Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and viruses.

Question 66: On the NCEES PE Electrical exam, what is the 'skin effect' in AC conductors?

The insulation breakdown at high voltages
The tendency for AC current to concentrate near the conductor surface, increasing effective resistance (Correct answer)
Corrosion of the conductor surface over time
The magnetic saturation of steel conduit

Correct answer: The tendency for AC current to concentrate near the conductor surface, increasing effective resistance

At high frequencies, electromagnetic effects force AC current to flow near the conductor surface, reducing the effective cross-sectional area and increasing resistance above its DC value.

Question 67: On the NCEES PE Environmental exam, Darcy's Law for groundwater flow states that flow rate Q equals:

Q = nAv (porosity times area times velocity)
Q = ghi/n (gravity times head times gradient divided by porosity)
Q = T × S (transmissivity times storage coefficient)
Q = KiA (hydraulic conductivity times hydraulic gradient times area) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Q = KiA (hydraulic conductivity times hydraulic gradient times area)

Darcy's Law: Q = KiA, where K is hydraulic conductivity, i is the hydraulic gradient, and A is cross-sectional area.

Question 68: On the NCEES PE Environmental exam, which process is used in a conventional drinking water treatment plant to remove suspended particles after coagulation and flocculation?

Sedimentation (clarification) (Correct answer)
Ion exchange
Ultraviolet disinfection
Reverse osmosis

Correct answer: Sedimentation (clarification)

After coagulation and flocculation form larger floc particles, sedimentation (settling in clarifiers) removes the floc by gravity before filtration.

Question 69: On the NCEES PE Structural exam, the effective length factor K for a column that is fixed at the base and pinned at the top (sway prevented) is closest to:

0.5
0.7 (Correct answer)
2.0
1.0

Correct answer: 0.7

A column fixed at the base and pinned at the top with sway prevented has an effective length factor K ≈ 0.7.

Question 70: In NCEES PE Structural practice, shear lag in a bolted tension member is accounted for by applying which reduction factor?

Buckling coefficient Ks
Phi factor φ
Safety factor Ω
Reduction factor U (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Reduction factor U

The shear lag factor U reduces the net effective area of a tension member when not all elements are connected.

Question 71: In NCEES PE Environmental practice, the solid waste landfill liner system's primary function is to:

Compact waste to increase density
Prevent leachate migration into groundwater (Correct answer)
Support heavy equipment during operations
Capture landfill gas for energy recovery

Correct answer: Prevent leachate migration into groundwater

Liner systems (clay + geomembrane) prevent leachate from contaminating underlying soil and groundwater.

Question 72: Composite materials have revolutionized which industry?

Automotive Industry
Aerospace Industry (Correct answer)
Textile Industry
Construction Industry

Correct answer: Aerospace Industry

Explanation: Composite materials, known for their high strength-to-weight ratio, have significantly impacted the aerospace industry. They are used extensively in the construction of aircraft, spacecraft, and related components due to their lightweight nature and exceptional strength, which enhance fuel efficiency and performance. While composites are also used in the automotive, construction, and textile industries, their revolutionary impact is most notable in aerospace applications.

Question 73: In traffic engineering, the Peak Hour Factor (PHF) is calculated as:

Total daily volume divided by the peak hour volume
Peak hour volume divided by four times the peak 15-minute volume (Correct answer)
Peak hour volume divided by the average hourly volume
Peak 15-minute volume multiplied by four

Correct answer: Peak hour volume divided by four times the peak 15-minute volume

PHF = (Peak Hour Volume) / (4 × Peak 15-Minute Volume), measuring the uniformity of traffic flow within the peak hour; a PHF of 1.0 indicates perfectly uniform flow.

Question 74: For the NCEES PE Environmental exam, the Clean Air Act (CAA) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) regulate:

Toxic air pollutants from hazardous waste sites
Six criteria pollutants including PM2.5, ozone, CO, NOx, SO₂, and lead (Correct answer)
Greenhouse gas emissions from power plants only
International transboundary air pollution agreements

Correct answer: Six criteria pollutants including PM2.5, ozone, CO, NOx, SO₂, and lead

NAAQS establish primary and secondary standards for six criteria pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, ozone, CO, NO₂, SO₂, and lead.

Question 75: For the NCEES PE Electrical exam, which motor type has speed directly proportional to supply frequency and number of poles?

Universal motor
Wound-rotor induction motor at no load
DC shunt motor
Synchronous motor (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Synchronous motor

Synchronous motors run exactly at synchronous speed (Ns = 120f/P), directly proportional to supply frequency and inversely proportional to the number of poles.

Question 76: 13.63 mA is detected when a 12 V battery is connected in series with four resistors of equal value. Each resistor's value is

88
220 (Correct answer)
22
880

Correct answer: 220

In a series circuit, the total resistance is the sum of all individual resistances. According to Ohm's Law (V = I * R), the total resistance (R_total) can be calculated as V_total / I_total. Given a 12 V battery and a total current of 13.63 mA (0.01363 A), R_total = 12 V / 0.01363 A ≈ 880.4 Ω. Since there are four equal resistors in series, each resistor's value is R_total / 4 = 880.4 Ω / 4 ≈ 220.1 Ω, which rounds to 220 Ω.

Question 77: Superelevation runoff on a horizontal curve is defined as the length of roadway required to transition the outside lane cross slope from:

Adverse cross-slope to flat (0%)
Full superelevation back to normal crown
Flat (0%) to full superelevation (Correct answer)
Normal crown to full superelevation

Correct answer: Flat (0%) to full superelevation

Superelevation runoff is the distance needed to rotate the outside lane from 0% (flat) to the full design superelevation rate; tangent runout is the separate length that removes the adverse normal crown.

Question 78: In the NCEES PE Environmental exam, what does the 'NPDES permit' system regulate under the Clean Water Act?

National Primary Drinking water standards for public supplies
Non-point source agricultural runoff practices
Underground injection of hazardous waste
Point source discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Point source discharges of pollutants into waters of the United States

The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requires permits for all point source discharges to surface waters, setting effluent limits based on technology and water quality standards.

Question 79: For the NCEES PE Environmental exam, what is the purpose of 'secondary treatment' in a municipal wastewater treatment plant?

Physical removal of settleable solids by sedimentation
Nutrient removal to meet strict nitrogen and phosphorus limits
Biological oxidation of dissolved and colloidal organic matter to meet effluent BOD/TSS standards (Correct answer)
Advanced disinfection using UV or ozone

Correct answer: Biological oxidation of dissolved and colloidal organic matter to meet effluent BOD/TSS standards

Secondary treatment uses biological processes (activated sludge, trickling filter, etc.) to remove dissolved BOD and suspended solids that primary clarification cannot remove.

Question 80: For the NCEES PE Electrical exam, which NEC article governs the installation of electrical wiring in commercial and industrial facilities?

Article 230 (Services)
Article 300 (Wiring Methods and Materials) (Correct answer)
Article 700 (Emergency Systems)
Article 100 (Definitions)

Correct answer: Article 300 (Wiring Methods and Materials)

NEC Article 300 establishes general requirements for wiring methods and materials, covering conductor installation, raceway fill, and physical protection for commercial/industrial wiring.

Question 81: In NCEES PE Environmental engineering, the primary purpose of chlorination in drinking water treatment is to:

Precipitate iron and manganese
Reduce turbidity to below 1 NTU
Disinfect pathogens and provide a residual for distribution system protection (Correct answer)
Remove hardness from water

Correct answer: Disinfect pathogens and provide a residual for distribution system protection

Chlorination kills pathogens and maintains a disinfection residual throughout the distribution system to prevent recontamination.

Question 82: On the NCEES PE Structural exam, which failure mode governs the design of a short, stocky concrete column?

Euler buckling
Material crushing/yielding (Correct answer)
Lateral torsional buckling
Web crippling

Correct answer: Material crushing/yielding

Short columns fail by material crushing (concrete compression or steel yielding) rather than elastic buckling, which governs slender columns.

Question 83: On the NCEES PE Mechanical exam, the thermal resistance of a cylindrical pipe wall for radial conduction is:

R = 1/(hA)
R = L/(kA)
R = r/(kπL²)
R = ln(r₂/r₁)/(2πkL) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: R = ln(r₂/r₁)/(2πkL)

For a hollow cylinder, thermal resistance R = ln(r₂/r₁)/(2πkL), accounting for the changing area with radius.

Question 84: In NCEES PE Structural exam problems, which ACI 318 equation governs the nominal shear strength provided by concrete in a beam?

Vc = fy × Av × s / d
Vc = 0.85f'c × Ag
Vc = 2√f'c × bw × d (simplified) (Correct answer)
Vc = 1.2f'c × bw × h

Correct answer: Vc = 2√f'c × bw × d (simplified)

The simplified ACI 318 equation for concrete shear contribution is Vc = 2√f'c × bw × d (in US customary units), where bw is web width and d is effective depth.

Question 85: According to NCEES PE Structural exam standards, which load combination from ASCE 7 governs strength design for a building subjected to dead, live, and wind loads?

1.4D
1.2D + 1.0W + 1.0L (Correct answer)
0.9D + 1.0W
1.2D + 1.6L

Correct answer: 1.2D + 1.0W + 1.0L

ASCE 7 load combination 1.2D + 1.0W + 1.0L (or +0.5S) governs when wind load is a primary variable action alongside dead and live loads.

Question 86: Which dimensionless number is used to characterize the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces in fluid flow, as assessed on the NCEES PE Mechanical exam?

Reynolds number (Correct answer)
Prandtl number
Nusselt number
Mach number

Correct answer: Reynolds number

The Reynolds number Re = ρVD/μ represents the ratio of inertial to viscous forces and determines laminar vs. turbulent flow.

Question 87: Specific energy E in an open channel is defined as energy per unit weight measured relative to:

The centerline elevation of the flow cross-section
Mean sea level as a fixed external datum
The local water surface elevation
The channel bottom (bed) as the local datum (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The channel bottom (bed) as the local datum

Specific energy E = y + V²/2g uses the channel bottom as its datum, combining flow depth and velocity head without including the external elevation head z.

Question 88: A Lambert conic secant projection uses which of the following?

Parallel lines of latitude
Parallel lines of longitudes
One cone that slices the earth at two parallels (Correct answer)
Two cones

Correct answer: One cone that slices the earth at two parallels

Explanation: A Lambert conic secant projection is a specific type of conic projection used in cartography. The Lambert conic secant projection uses a cone that intersects the Earth's surface at two standard parallels (or secant lines). These secant lines are chosen so that the cone touches the Earth's surface at two points along those parallels, minimizing distortion within the region bounded by those parallels.

Question 89: In NCEES PE Electrical problems, the full-load efficiency of a transformer is calculated as:

η = Output VA / Input VA
η = (Output power)/(Input power − Losses)
η = Copper losses / Core losses
η = Output power / (Output power + Total losses) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: η = Output power / (Output power + Total losses)

Transformer efficiency η = Pout/(Pout + Total losses) = Pout/(Pout + P_core + P_copper).

Question 90: On the NCEES PE Electrical exam, voltage regulation of a transformer is defined as:

(VFL − VNL)/VNL × 100%
VFL/VNL × 100%
(VNL − VFL)/VFL × 100% (Correct answer)
VNL × VFL/Vrated

Correct answer: (VNL − VFL)/VFL × 100%

Voltage regulation = (VNL − VFL)/VFL × 100%, comparing no-load to full-load secondary voltage.

Question 91: In NCEES PE Structural exam problems, what does 'composite beam action' achieve in steel-concrete floor systems?

Reduces the span of the slab
Allows the concrete slab and steel beam to act together, increasing flexural stiffness and strength (Correct answer)
Isolates vibrations between floors
Provides a fire-rated assembly

Correct answer: Allows the concrete slab and steel beam to act together, increasing flexural stiffness and strength

Composite action, achieved through shear studs, forces the concrete slab and steel beam to act as a single unit, dramatically increasing effective section modulus and reducing deflections.

Question 92: In NCEES PE Geotechnical practice, an overconsolidated (OC) clay has an overconsolidation ratio (OCR) that is:

Equal to 1.0
Equal to the liquid limit value
Less than 1.0
Greater than 1.0 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Greater than 1.0

OCR = σ'p/σ'v0; OCR > 1 means the soil was previously loaded to a stress higher than the current overburden, making it overconsolidated.

Question 93: In NCEES PE Geotechnical practice, the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) provides which index value?

Pressuremeter modulus Em
Cone resistance qc in MPa
N-value: blow count per 12 inches of penetration (Correct answer)
Undrained shear strength Su directly

Correct answer: N-value: blow count per 12 inches of penetration

The SPT measures N-value (blow count per foot), used to estimate relative density, friction angle, and bearing capacity.

Question 94: For the NCEES PE Structural exam, the modulus of elasticity for structural steel per AISC is:

25,000 ksi
57,000 ksi
33,000 ksi
29,000 ksi (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 29,000 ksi

AISC specifies E = 29,000 ksi (approximately 200 GPa) for structural steel.

Question 95: What is the name for the stress to strain ratio that is lower than the proportional limit?

Poisson’s ratio
Modulus of rigidity
Young’s modulus (Correct answer)
Hooke’s constant

Correct answer: Young’s modulus

Young's modulus, also known as the modulus of elasticity, is a material property that quantifies its stiffness. It is defined as the ratio of stress (force per unit area) to strain (proportional deformation) within the elastic region, specifically below the material's proportional limit. This value indicates how much a material will deform elastically under a given load.

Question 96: In NCEES PE Mechanical problems, the drag force on an object moving through a fluid is expressed as:

FD = μAV/L
FD = kAΔT
FD = ρgV
FD = ½ρV²ACD (Correct answer)

Correct answer: FD = ½ρV²ACD

Drag force FD = ½ρV²ACD, where CD is the drag coefficient, A is reference area, and ρ is fluid density.

Question 97: According to ACI 318 as tested on the NCEES PE exam, the minimum flexural steel ratio ρ_min for rectangular beams is approximately:

0.005
0.85β₁
200/fy (Correct answer)
0.75ρ_balanced

Correct answer: 200/fy

ACI 318 requires ρ_min = max(3√f'c/fy, 200/fy) to prevent brittle failure in lightly reinforced beams.

Question 98: In the NCEES PE Electrical exam, what does 'short-circuit MVA' (fault MVA) represent?

The magnitude of power available during a three-phase fault at a bus (Correct answer)
The motor starting apparent power
The transformer inrush current in MVA
The rated power of circuit breakers in MVA

Correct answer: The magnitude of power available during a three-phase fault at a bus

Short-circuit MVA at a bus represents the severity of a three-phase fault, calculated as the product of the prefault voltage and the available fault current, used for equipment ratings.

Question 99: In NCEES PE Mechanical practice, a shaft transmitting power P at angular velocity ω experiences a torque T equal to:

T = P²/ω
T = Pω
T = ω/P
T = P/ω (Correct answer)

Correct answer: T = P/ω

Power is the product of torque and angular velocity: P = Tω, so T = P/ω.

Question 100: For the NCEES PE Structural exam, what does the term 'effective length factor K' represent in column design?

The factor of safety against yielding
The ratio of actual column length to cross-section radius
The ratio of live load to dead load
A modifier that accounts for end conditions affecting buckling length (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A modifier that accounts for end conditions affecting buckling length

The effective length factor K adjusts the actual column length to an equivalent pin-ended length based on end restraint conditions for Euler buckling calculations.

Question 101: In NCEES Mechanical Engineering, which type of stress occurs in a thin-walled pressure vessel in the circumferential (hoop) direction?

Shear stress
Compressive bending stress
Bearing stress
Hoop (circumferential) tensile stress = pr/t (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Hoop (circumferential) tensile stress = pr/t

Hoop stress in a thin-walled cylinder σ_h = pr/t governs wall thickness design for internal pressure vessels.

Question 102: On the NCEES PE Electrical exam, a symmetrical three-phase fault analysis uses which method to find fault currents?

Norton equivalent with short-circuit admittance
Thevenin equivalent circuit at the fault point (Correct answer)
Direct superposition of line voltages
Per-phase load flow analysis

Correct answer: Thevenin equivalent circuit at the fault point

Symmetrical three-phase faults are analyzed using the Thevenin equivalent impedance at the fault bus to compute fault current.

Question 103: In NCEES PE Mechanical design, which factor most directly determines the selection of a rolling element bearing for a given application?

Dynamic load rating C and required service life L10 (Correct answer)
Lubrication viscosity index alone
Bearing outer diameter only
Material color

Correct answer: Dynamic load rating C and required service life L10

Bearing selection is based on the dynamic load rating C and the L10 life (hours/cycles at 90% reliability) for the design load.

Question 104: In the NCEES PE Mechanical exam, which law states that the total pressure of a gas mixture equals the sum of partial pressures of its components?

Dalton's law of partial pressures (Correct answer)
Fick's law of diffusion
Fourier's law
Newton's law of cooling

Correct answer: Dalton's law of partial pressures

Dalton's law states that for an ideal gas mixture, the total pressure equals the sum of the pressures each component gas would exert if it alone occupied the volume.

Question 105: In NCEES PE Structural exam problems, a composite steel-concrete beam achieves its strength through:

High-strength bolts connecting the slab directly to the web
Shear connectors (studs) that transfer horizontal shear between beam and slab (Correct answer)
Chemical bonding between concrete and steel flange
Friction at the steel-concrete interface only

Correct answer: Shear connectors (studs) that transfer horizontal shear between beam and slab

Shear studs welded to the top flange transfer horizontal shear, allowing the concrete slab and steel beam to act compositely.

Question 106: For the NCEES PE Structural exam, what is the primary purpose of confining reinforcement (hoops/spirals) in a concrete column?

To increase ductility and concrete confinement under compression (Correct answer)
To transfer shear forces to footings
To resist longitudinal tension
To prevent corrosion of main bars

Correct answer: To increase ductility and concrete confinement under compression

Transverse confinement reinforcement increases concrete ductility and compressive strength by restraining lateral expansion of the core concrete under axial load.

Question 107: For the NCEES PE Chemical exam, what does 'adiabatic flame temperature' represent in combustion engineering?

The autoignition temperature listed in safety data sheets
The maximum theoretical temperature achieved when fuel burns completely with no heat loss to surroundings (Correct answer)
The temperature of the exhaust gas after heat recovery
The minimum temperature for ignition of the fuel-air mixture

Correct answer: The maximum theoretical temperature achieved when fuel burns completely with no heat loss to surroundings

Adiabatic flame temperature is the theoretical upper limit of combustion temperature calculated from energy balance assuming all heat of combustion heats the products with zero heat loss.

Question 108: On the NCEES PE Geotechnical exam, the preconsolidation pressure (σ'p) obtained from a consolidation test indicates:

The pore pressure at failure in a triaxial test
The undrained shear strength at a given depth
The maximum past effective stress the soil has experienced (Correct answer)
The current overburden effective stress

Correct answer: The maximum past effective stress the soil has experienced

Preconsolidation pressure is the maximum effective stress the soil has sustained in the past; stresses below σ'p yield little settlement.

Question 109: The same thing as 18,000 watts is

18 mW
18 µW (Correct answer)
18 MW
18 kW

Correct answer: 18 µW

The prefix 'kilo' (k) denotes 10^3, so 18,000 watts is equivalent to 18 kilowatts (18 kW). The prefix 'micro' (µ) denotes 10^-6. Therefore, 18 µW (microwatts) is 18 x 10^-6 watts, which is a significantly smaller value than 18,000 watts. Based on standard metric prefixes, 18,000 watts is correctly expressed as 18 kW, not 18 µW.

Question 110: On the NCEES PE Mechanical exam, what is the significance of the 'isentropic efficiency' of a turbine?

It is the ratio of heat input to mechanical work
It is the ratio of inlet to outlet pressure
It measures heat loss through the turbine casing
It is the ratio of actual work output to ideal isentropic work output (Correct answer)

Correct answer: It is the ratio of actual work output to ideal isentropic work output

Isentropic (turbine) efficiency compares actual work extracted to the theoretical maximum work obtainable in a reversible adiabatic (isentropic) process.

NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam

The FE exam is the first step toward professional licensure for engineers, assessing fundamental engineering knowledge.

110

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340 min

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

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ncees.org — Test delivery, eligibility, fees · verified Oct 2026
ncees.org — Test delivery, fees, exam format · verified Oct 2026
ncees.org — Test delivery, eligibility, fees · verified Oct 2026
ncees.org — Test delivery, eligibility, fees · verified Oct 2026