WTMA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield WTMA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the electrical resistance of a perfect conductor? → Zero ohms
2. Why are chain drives preferred over belt drives in applications subject to heavy shock loads? → Chains have positive tooth engagement and do not rely on friction
3. A gear pump operates by: → Meshing gear teeth to trap and move fluid from inlet to outlet
4. What happens to the brightness of bulbs in a series circuit as more bulbs are added? → Each bulb gets dimmer
5. Which of the following simple machines is used to lift heavy objects vertically? → Pulley
6. If the driving pulley is larger in diameter than the driven pulley, the driven shaft will: → Rotate faster than the driving shaft
7. When two meshing gears rotate, which statement is always true? → They rotate in opposite directions
8. Which of the following is an example of a second-class lever? → Wheelbarrow
9. Which of the following actions would increase the kinetic friction between a moving sled and the snowy ground? → Adding more weight to the sled.
10. If a driving pulley's rotational speed doubles while all pulley diameters remain unchanged, the driven pulley's speed will: → Double as well
11. Which of the following materials is the best thermal conductor, meaning it allows heat to pass through it most easily? → Copper
12. A block is sliding down a frictionless ramp. Which of the following forces is responsible for its acceleration down the ramp? → The component of gravity parallel to the ramp's surface.
13. A weightlifter holds a 100 kg barbell stationary above his head for 10 seconds. How much work is done on the barbell by the weightlifter during this time? → 0 Joules
14. What is the primary advantage of a V-belt over a flat belt for power transmission? → Higher friction grip and reduced slipping
15. A bolt has a tensile strength rating. What does this rating indicate? → The maximum pulling force before failure
16. Which unit is commonly used to measure electrical power? → Watt
17. If a 12-volt battery is connected to a 4-ohm resistor, how much current flows? → 3 amperes
18. A mechanic needs to transmit power between two shafts that are slightly misaligned. Which drive system best tolerates this condition? → Flat belt drive
19. Which material is the BEST conductor of electricity? → Copper
20. If hydraulic system pressure is measured at 2,000 psi and a cylinder has a 5 sq in piston area, what is the maximum force it can exert? → 10,000 lbs
21. What does 'SAE' mean when referring to wrenches and sockets? → Society of Automotive Engineers (inch-based sizing)
22. Gear A has 10 teeth and meshes with Gear B, which has 40 teeth. If Gear A rotates at 120 RPM, how fast does Gear B rotate? → 30 RPM
23. Three 9-ohm resistors are connected in parallel. What is the total resistance? → 3 ohms
24. An idler pulley in a belt drive system is primarily used to: → Maintain proper belt tension and prevent sagging
25. Which vehicle configuration has the highest center of gravity? → A loaded dump truck with the bed fully raised
26. A hydraulic system uses oil with a specific gravity of 0.9. Compared to water, the oil weighs: → 10% less per unit volume
27. A blacksmith's iron tongs feel hot after gripping a heated piece of metal. This is an example of: → Conduction through direct contact
28. Which of the following best describes static friction compared to kinetic friction on the same surfaces? → Static friction is greater than kinetic friction
29. A person sitting near a campfire feels warmth on their face. This is primarily an example of which type of heat transfer? → Radiation
30. A winch drum (axle) has a radius of 3 inches and its handle (wheel) has a radius of 18 inches. What is the mechanical advantage? → 6