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. 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
2. Which of the following simple machines is used to lift heavy objects vertically? → Pulley
3. If the driving pulley is larger in diameter than the driven pulley, the driven shaft will: → Rotate faster than the driving shaft
4. Which of the following is an example of a second-class lever? → Wheelbarrow
5. Which of the following actions would increase the kinetic friction between a moving sled and the snowy ground? → Adding more weight to the sled.
6. If a driving pulley's rotational speed doubles while all pulley diameters remain unchanged, the driven pulley's speed will: → Double as well
7. Which of the following materials is the best thermal conductor, meaning it allows heat to pass through it most easily? → Copper
8. 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.
9. 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
10. What is the primary advantage of a V-belt over a flat belt for power transmission? → Higher friction grip and reduced slipping
11. A mechanic needs to transmit power between two shafts that are slightly misaligned. Which drive system best tolerates this condition? → Flat belt drive
12. An idler pulley in a belt drive system is primarily used to: → Maintain proper belt tension and prevent sagging
13. A person sitting near a campfire feels warmth on their face. This is primarily an example of which type of heat transfer? → Radiation
14. What is the SI unit of force? → Newton
15. To create a hole in concrete or masonry for installing an anchor, the most effective tool to use is a: → Hammer drill
16. A tightrope walker often carries a long pole. How does this pole help them maintain balance? → It effectively lowers the walker's combined center of gravity.
17. Which of the following materials is the best electrical insulator? → Rubber
18. An electric motor's ability to do work over a period of time is rated in a specific unit. Which of the following is the standard unit of power? → Watt
19. Which of the following is NOT a simple machine? → Light bulb
20. Which type of lever is used by the hydraulic crane in the illustration? → Third class lever
21. A force of 1200 N is used to hold a 300 N load. What is the lever's length in meters if the force is acting at a location 25 cm from the fulcrum? → 1
22. A person is trying to push a heavy crate across a floor but it does not move. Which type of friction is preventing the crate from moving? → Static friction
23. A pendulum swings back and forth. Ignoring air resistance, at which point in its swing does the pendulum bob have the maximum kinetic energy? → At the lowest point of its swing.
24. In the context of fluid dynamics, which of the following describes a smooth, orderly flow where fluid particles move in parallel layers without mixing? → Laminar flow
25. Which of the following actions would MOST improve the stability of a tall, empty filing cabinet? → Placing heavy items in the bottom drawer.
26. When a liquid doubles in density and an object submerged in it half as deep, the liquid's pressure will also half. → Doesn’t change
27. A step pulley (cone pulley) arrangement allows the operator to: → Change the speed ratio by moving the belt to different diameter steps
28. What type of energy is stored in a stretched rubber band? → Potential energy
29. Which of the following is a measure of electrical resistance? → Watt
30. Which of the following is a conductor of electricity? → Copper