ASVAB Mechanical Comprehension Quiz

1. What is an example of a simple machine?

Computer

Screwdriver

Levers such as a seesaw

Microwave

A lever is considered the simplest machine because it requires the least amount of components to function.

Explanation

A lever is considered the simplest machine because it requires the least amount of components to function.

2. What is a first class lever?

A lever that only has one end that moves.

A lever that has the effort located between the fulcrum and resistance.

Where the fulcrum is located between the effort and resistance

A lever that is used in third-class lever systems.

In a first class lever, the fulcrum is located between the effort (input force) and resistance (output force), allowing for mechanical advantage.

Explanation

In a first class lever, the fulcrum is located between the effort (input force) and resistance (output force), allowing for mechanical advantage.

3. What is a second class lever?

A second class lever is characterized by the fulcrum being at one end, the effort applied at the other end, and the resistance located between the two. This arrangement allows for greater mechanical advantage compared to other types of levers.

Explanation

A second class lever is characterized by the fulcrum being at one end, the effort applied at the other end, and the resistance located between the two. This arrangement allows for greater mechanical advantage compared to other types of levers.

4. What is a third class lever?

Where the fulcrum is at one end with the effort at the other end and resistance in the middle.

Where the fulcrum is at one end and the effort and resistance are both at the other end.

A third class lever is characterized by having the fulcrum at one end, the effort at some point in between, and the resistance to be overcome at the other end.

Explanation

A third class lever is characterized by having the fulcrum at one end, the effort at some point in between, and the resistance to be overcome at the other end.

5. First and Second class levers can provide a positive or negative mechanical advantage?

Variable

Positive

Negative

None

First and Second-class levers always provide a positive mechanical advantage because the effort force applied is greater than the load force, making the work easier.

Explanation

First and Second-class levers always provide a positive mechanical advantage because the effort force applied is greater than the load force, making the work easier.

6. What is the formula for Mechanical Advantage (M.A)?

M.A = R/E Mechanical Advantage = Resistance / Effort

M.A = R * E

M.A = R - E

M.A = R + E

The formula for Mechanical Advantage (M.A) is M.A = R/E or Mechanical Advantage = Resistance / Effort. The incorrect answers provided are not the correct formula for Mechanical Advantage.

Explanation

The formula for Mechanical Advantage (M.A) is M.A = R/E or Mechanical Advantage = Resistance / Effort. The incorrect answers provided are not the correct formula for Mechanical Advantage.

7. What is a Micrometer?

A device for amplifying very small signals

An instrument for measuring accurately dimensions or separations.

A type of microphone used for recording sound

A unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter

A micrometer is a precise measuring instrument, not to be confused with a microphone for sound recording, a unit of length, or a signal amplifier.

Explanation

A micrometer is a precise measuring instrument, not to be confused with a microphone for sound recording, a unit of length, or a signal amplifier.

8. What are Helical Spur Gears?

Gears that are cut slantwise across the working face of the gear.

Gears that have teeth running perpendicular to the working face of the gear.

Gears that are shaped like a spiral for increased rotational speed.

Gears that have scalloped edges for better grip.

Helical Spur Gears are gears that have their teeth cut at an angle across the working face of the gear, providing smoother and more efficient operation compared to spur gears.

Explanation

Helical Spur Gears are gears that have their teeth cut at an angle across the working face of the gear, providing smoother and more efficient operation compared to spur gears.

9. What are Beveled Gears?

Gears that are adjustable in size and shape based on the application.

Gears that are straight and connect shafts in a straight line.

Gears that are angled and connect shafts lying at any given angle

Gears that are circular in shape and are used for linear motion.

Beveled gears are specifically designed to connect shafts at any given angle, unlike straight gears or circular gears that serve different purposes. They are not adjustable in size and shape based on the application.

Explanation

Beveled gears are specifically designed to connect shafts at any given angle, unlike straight gears or circular gears that serve different purposes. They are not adjustable in size and shape based on the application.

10. What is the mathematical formula for work?

Work = Force - Distance, so.... Foot-pounds = pounds - feet

Work = Force x Feet so..... Foot-pounds = pounds x feet

Work = Force + Distance, so.... Foot-pounds = pounds + feet

Work = Force / Distance, so.... Foot-pounds = pounds / feet

The formula for work is Work = Force x Distance, which means work is calculated by multiplying force applied by the distance over which the force is applied. This relationship can be represented in units like foot-pounds where pounds is the unit of force and feet is the unit of distance.

Explanation

The formula for work is Work = Force x Distance, which means work is calculated by multiplying force applied by the distance over which the force is applied. This relationship can be represented in units like foot-pounds where pounds is the unit of force and feet is the unit of distance.

11. What is Friction?

The force that pulls objects towards the center of the earth

The process of converting liquid into gas

The resistance that one surface offers in order to move another

A type of clothing material

Friction is the resistance force that occurs when two surfaces move against each other. It is not related to clothing materials, gravity, or phase changes like evaporation.

Explanation

Friction is the resistance force that occurs when two surfaces move against each other. It is not related to clothing materials, gravity, or phase changes like evaporation.

12. What is Power?

The rate of doing work so.... Power = Work / Time

The ability to control others

The speed at which something moves

The amount of energy consumed

Power is defined as the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, not the total energy consumed. It is not related to control over others or the speed of movement.

Explanation

Power is defined as the rate at which work is done or energy is transferred, not the total energy consumed. It is not related to control over others or the speed of movement.

13. What is commonly used to measure pressure?

Thermometer

Ruler

Bourbon Gage (commonly measured in PSI)

Compass

Pressure is typically measured using a Bourdon Gauge, which is calibrated in units such as PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). Other tools such as a thermometer (measures temperature), ruler (measures length), and compass (indicates direction) are not used for measuring pressure.

Explanation

Pressure is typically measured using a Bourdon Gauge, which is calibrated in units such as PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). Other tools such as a thermometer (measures temperature), ruler (measures length), and compass (indicates direction) are not used for measuring pressure.