WTMA Levers, Pulleys, and Gears 2

Question 1

A lever has a 200 lb load placed 2 feet from the fulcrum. How much effort is needed 8 feet from the fulcrum on the other side?

Accepted Answer

50 lb

Answer

Using the lever equation: Effort × 8 = 200 × 2, so Effort = 400/8 = 50 lb.

Question 2

Which class of lever has the fulcrum located between the effort and the load?

Accepted Answer

First class

Answer

A first-class lever has the fulcrum between the effort and the load, like a seesaw.

Question 3

A block-and-tackle system uses 4 rope segments supporting the load. If the load weighs 400 lb, what is the ideal effort required?

Accepted Answer

100 lb

Answer

With 4 supporting rope segments, the mechanical advantage is 4, so effort = 400 ÷ 4 = 100 lb.

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

30 RPM

Answer

Speed ratio = teeth of driver ÷ teeth of driven: 120 × (10/40) = 30 RPM.

Question 5

A wheelbarrow is an example of which lever class?

Accepted Answer

Second class

Answer

A wheelbarrow is a second-class lever: the wheel (fulcrum) is at one end, load in the middle, and effort at the handles.

WTMA - Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude Practice Test