CPS CPS Firefighter Test Mechanical Aptitude and Principles Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A firefighter needs to move a heavy hose reel using a lever. If the effort arm is 4 feet and the load arm is 1 foot, what is the mechanical advantage?

Accepted Answer

4

Answer

Mechanical advantage of a lever equals effort arm length divided by load arm length: 4 ÷ 1 = 4.

Question 2

Water flows through a 4-inch diameter pipe and enters a 2-inch diameter pipe. How does the water velocity change?

Accepted Answer

It quadruples

Answer

When pipe diameter is halved, the cross-sectional area decreases by a factor of 4, so velocity quadruples to maintain constant flow rate.

Question 3

Which type of pulley system provides a mechanical advantage greater than 1 by using multiple sheaves?

Accepted Answer

Block and tackle

Answer

A block and tackle system uses multiple pulleys to multiply force, providing a mechanical advantage proportional to the number of rope segments supporting the load.

Question 4

A firefighter climbs a ladder leaning against a building. As the ladder angle decreases (becomes more horizontal), the force at the base of the ladder:

Accepted Answer

Increases

Answer

As a ladder becomes more horizontal, the horizontal thrust at the base increases because more force is directed outward rather than downward.

Question 5

In a hydraulic system, a small piston with area 2 sq in applies 100 lbs of force. What force does a large piston with area 10 sq in exert?

Accepted Answer

500 lbs

Answer

Pascal's Law states pressure is equal throughout; pressure = 100/2 = 50 psi, so force on large piston = 50 × 10 = 500 lbs.

CPS Firefighter Test Practice Test

CPS Firefighter Test Practice Test

CPS CPS Firefighter Test Mechanical Aptitude and Principles Questions and Answers 2