Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test _Stert Practicing 8 ssracttns 1) vera tests (sues Gur Mechanical Comprehension Test Aptitude Tests / Test Types Undated 2 May 2021, ‘iron by the Wika Team tured aeindependent selected by Wikiob, When you mske 3 purchase tough nk on thi page, we may earn 3 MECHANICAL COMPREHENSION PRACTICE TEST START PRACTICINGPracticing Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test In this article skip to section Qo PrcteeNectrkal Tet © What to Expect on a Mechanical Aptitude Test @ Mechanical Reasoning Question Types © Levers © Pulleys: © con © Springs © Electricity © Tools Things You May Need to Know on rica Test 2 OF, is og le Question oF is Test 1 om | Reasoning Tests: Tips and Techniques oF is Test 2 © Final Thoughts e000 Mechanical reasoning tests measure your knowledge of aiecharical and physical concepts. They do not measure your underlying mechanical aptitude in the same way that abstract reasoning questions measure your underlying intellectual ability. For example, you could sit an abstract reasoning test without having seen one before and still get a reasonable score, The same is not true of mechanical reasoning, where your score will depend significantly on your knowledge of + Levers + Pulleys + Gears + Springs: + Simple Electrical Circuits + Tools + Arithmetic You may have come across many of these topics in elementary science and the questions wil seem fairly straightforward. if elementary science classes seem like a long time ago, then you'll need to refresh your memory. This article also covers fault diagnosis questions which are used to select personnel for technical roles where they need to be able to find and repair faults in electronic control systems. Mechai al Comprehension TestMechanical Comprehension Practice Test rt Practicing ® lin fault diagnosis tests appear rather abstract and require pure logic to solve. This is because when a fault electronically controlled system, there is often no physical clue as to the cause. In the absence of such a clue, fomle, an obviously burned-out component, the only way to diagnose the problem is by a process of logical elimination Practice Mechanical Test 1 To help you get an idea of what a mechanical reasoning test involves, here is a practice test to get you started. Mechanical Reasoning Test 1 ‘Anewer a5 many questions as you can in 1S minute. You re advised to use a calculator. snequres How much weight is required to balance the lever? * "pan tm an O 159 font O 109 Credit: Psychometric SuccessPracticing Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test @vhat to Expect on a Mechanical Aptitude Test Mechanical reasoning questions vary widely in difficulty from test to test If you are taking a mechanical reasoning test as part of the selection process for the emergency services or the military, then the questions will tend to concentrate on principles rather than on making calculations. For example, you may be shown three diagrams of a lever and asked which one is the most efficient, Hf, however, you ate taking a test for a craft or technical job, you may be expected to calculate the actual force required to ‘move a particular lever. In this case, knowing the principle is not enough; you need to know the formula. You may also be asked SfINBNMM estions about tools and how they are used, If you af“) ga test as part ofthe selection fora craft or apprenticeship job, you should also expect some basic arithme tions, These questions approximate the type of reasoning and maths that are needed to estimate materia. etc. in One fin fae: many ofthe questions in mechanical reasoning tests are industry-speciic. For example, tests used by the fre [NN will tend to frame questions in terms of firefighting, whereas tests used to select for an aircraft ‘maintenance job would tend to frame the questions in aviation industry terms. It doesn't matter ifthe questions you practice on aren't specific to the industry you are applying fer It is the substance of the question that is important — the scenario is incidental. Mechanical Reasoning Question Types Mechanical easoning ests are designed to assess your knowledge of physical and mechanical principles. Questions are in the form of a question and a diagram, and you will need to determine which mactnical principle i being illustrate. No specialist knowledge is required to answer these questions, only an understanding of basic mechanical and physical principles. Mechanical reasoning tests are used to select for a wide range of jobs including the military, police force and fire service, ‘as well as various engineering occupations, These tests are usually of 20-30 minutes duration and contain 20-30 questions that concentrate on the following + Lovers + Pulleys + Gears * Springs + Gravity + Electricity + Magnetism + Linear Force + Centrifugal ForcePracticing Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test + Expansion Qevers A lever consists of a bar that pivots ata fixed point known as the fulerum. In the example shown, the fulcrum is at the centre ofthe lever. This lever provides no mechanical advantage and the force needed to lft the weight is equal to the weight itsett. Mechanical Comprehension Test However, if you want to lita weight that is heavier than the force applied you can move the fulcrum claser to the weight to belted This affects the force required in the following way: wxdl=fxa2 Where: + w= weight + di = distance from fulerum to weight + f= force needed + d2= distance from the fulerum to the point where force is applied In this example, the fulcrum has been moved towards the weight, so that the weight is one metre from the fulcrum. This, ‘means that the force can now be applied two metres from the fulcrum,5kg Im 2m <> >< a—_"_—_\£\|§|_*S_ Mechanical Comprehension Test IF you neee'ud to calculate the force needed to lift the weight then you can rearrange the formula: woxdl = fx 42 ean be rearranged to f= (wx d1)/d2 f= (10 x 1)/2 (L0/2is the same as 5/1, the force required is 5 ka} Example Question How much force is required to lift the weight? oft 12 ft Mazhanial Comprahension Tet 4) 40 Ibs 8) 50 ibs 60 bs D} 70 tbs ‘Answer: C ~ 60 Ibs is needed to lift the weight. It can be calculated like thisf= (wx atyie2 f= (80x 9)/12 £5 (720)112 f= 60 bs. ® Tn practice, levers are used to reduce the force needed to move an abject ~in other words, to make the task easier. owever. in mechanical aptitude questions, you may see questions where the fulerum has been placed closer to the force than the weight. This will mean that a force greater than the weight will be required to lift it You may see more complex questions invelving levers. For example, there may be more than one weight In this case, you need to work out the force required to lft each weight independently and then add them together to get the total force required Pulleys The pulley: used in this type of question consist of a grooved wheel and a block that holds it, A rope runs in the groove ‘around the wheel and one end will be attached to either: + Aweight + A fixed object lice the celing + Another pulley For these questions, you can ignore the effect of friction Single Pulley Which weight requires the least force to move?A B AA 5B ©) Both require the same force Angwer: B- Weight B requires a force equal 5 ka, whereas A requires a force equal to 10 ka, Single pulley questions are relatively straightforward. I the pulley is fixed then the force required is equal to the weight. Ifthe pulley moves with the weight then the force is equal to half of the weight. ‘Another way of thinking about this is to divi force needed to lif it the number of sections of rope supporting it, to obtain the In A, there is only one section of rope supporting the weight, so 10/1 = 10 kg required to lit the weight. In B, there are two sections of rope supporting the weight, so 10/2 = 5 kg required to lift it. Double Pulleys ‘There are two possile ways that two pulleys can be used. Either one pulley can be attached to the weight or neither of them can be. Which weight requires the least force to move?Answer: A~ Weight A requires 2 force equal to 5 kg, whereas weight B requires a force equal to 10 kg. Remember t divide the weight by the number of sections of rope supporting it, to get the force needed to lift the weight. Using More Than Two Pulleys How much force is required to move the weight? Mechanical Comprehension TestPracticing Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test young 2) 60 kg “Answer: C - The weight is 300 kg and there are six sections of rope supporting it. Divide 300 by 6 to get 50 kg. In all cases, ust divide the weight by the number of sections of rope supporting it to get the force needed to lft the weight. Gears A gearis a toothed wheel or cylinder that meshes with another toothed component te transmit mation or to change speed or direction. Gears are attached to a rotating shaft turned by an external force, which is not usualy illustrated in these types of questo sears may be connected by touching each other directly or using a chain or bel. If gears are connected by achain| hen they move in the same direction, ~ Oo Gears Connected by Belt | echaniat Comprehension Test Gears MeshedMechanical Comprehension Practice Test StertPracicng Springs A spring is a piece of wire or metal that can be extended or compressed by an external force, but which then returns to its original length when that force is no longer applied. | WA MM No Force Applied ) --fS> Tension Applied ) Pia Compression Applied ) » te i AV | No Force Applied ) Spring Under Tension & Compression Mechanical Comprehension Test There are many different types of spring including + Spiral coi * Leaf springs + Torsion springs Springs are used in many applications including clocks, vehicle suspensions, etc In the type of questions that you willbe asked in mechanical atituce tests, you can assume that springs behave in a linear way. That i, doubling the force applied will stretch or compress the spring twice as much. ‘Springs in Series & ParallelExemple Question A force of 5 kg compresses the springs in series by 10 em. What will be the total distance that the springs in parallel are compressed?Aj106 aj254 Sen) 754 ‘Answer: C- The total force will be divided equally between the two springs in parallel Since the force is divided in half, the distance moved will aso be halved. The springs in series were compressed by 10, cm, therefore the springs in parallel will be compressed by 5 cm. Electricity Questions on electricity usually take the form of simple circuit diagrams,Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test _Stert Practicing source ® Switch ‘ath Load Mechanical Comprehension Test ‘These diagrams are usualy restricted to showing the power source, switches, loads (typically bulbs) and the path of the wiring, To answer these questions, you need a basic understanding of how electricity Fows around a circuit. Example Questions How many switches need to be closed to light up one bulb?How many bulbs will light up when the switch is closed?Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test Practicing Mechanica Comprehension Test ait 82 o3 D4 It bulb 1 is removed, how many bulbs will light up when the switch is closed?Practicing Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test ® Mechanical Comprehension Test Ai a2 o3 Do Answers: B Two switches need to be closed to complete a circuit ~All four bulbs will ight up B- Only bulbs 3 and 4 will ight up Tools It you are taking a test as part ofthe selection for a craft or apprenticeship job, then you may be asked some questions about tools and how they are used, ‘These questions are typically straightforward and if you have spent significant time fixing or making things, they won't present any problems. However, many people under 30 years of age don't have much practical experience of fixing things or of watching ‘someone else do so. If you feel that this applies to you, then you will need to make some effort to improve your knowledge of everyday tools. You can do this by getting hold of a catalogue for a tool hire company and simply reading through itMechanical Comprehension Practice Test _Stert Practicing @ther Things You May Need to Know ‘Some ofthe questions you come across may require knowledge of basie mathematics, such as: + Fractions + Decimals © Ratios + Percentages + Averages These haigtheratica skills are an important aspect of mechanical ability. Making simple calculations based on the informe} wided and your knowledge of mechanical principles is part of these tests. Some cfd s may also require you to know some simple formulas, For exemple: ‘The are apes ike rectangles, circles and triangles: Rectangle: Circle: Triangle: wi ~T <1 r 1 1 Area=Iw Mechanical Comprehension Test Some simple geometry ke Pythagoras Theorem:acticing Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test You will also need to be familiar with imperial units including inches, feet and yards. For example, you need to know that there are nine square feet in a square yard, something which surprises many people brought up using only metric units. A good understanding of forces and energy ate also essential, such as: + Kineticfpotential eneray + Work and power + Acceleration + Gravity + Pressure * Friction Practice Mechanical Test 2Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test _ Start Practicing y ISL iisenianvar neaout ‘Answer as many quetans as you can in 1S minutes. You ae advised to use a calelto. © rows How much weight is required to balance the lever? "pan Credit: ic Success Fault Diagnosis Fault Diagnosis tests are used to select technical personnel who need to be able to find and repair faults in electronic ‘and mechanical systems. ‘As modern equipment of all types becomes more dependent on electronic control systems (and, arguably, more complex), the ability to approach problems logically to find the cause ofthe fault is increasingly important, This type of tests used extensively to select technical and maintenance personnel, as well as to select for artifcer (technical) roles within the armed forces. For example, an aircraft technician, This type of test usually forms part of atest battery in which verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning also feature. No specialised knowledge is required to answer fauk diagnosis questions (unlike mecharical reascring) ‘Only when you are happy that you understand how these questions work should you attempt the practice tests. Remember thatthe object isto work systematically through the questions and avoid mistakes, Example Question ‘There are two components to this question 1L Aartid which describes the function ofa series of switches 2. A flowchart showing: input - switches - outputPracticing Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test Function Code Inverts 18 2 (on=off, off=on) A- indicates Fault Inverts 1& 3 (on=off, off=on) B - indicates Fault Inverts 2 & 4 (on=off, off=on) C- indicates Fault Inverts 3 & 4 (on=off, off=on) D- indicates Fault Nl=on = Off E - indicates No Faults Output Output Output IfWorking if Working if Working Mechanical Comprehension Test This atid shows four switches and their effect on four numbered inputs, which may be either ‘on’ or ‘off The first switch (diamond symbol) inverts inputs one and two. That's, ifthe input ison, its turned off and if itis off tis tuned on. The other switches actin a similar way as detailed in the arid, Ifa switch is not working then it does not affect the input which passes through unchanged. In this example flowchart, all ofthe inputs {numbered 1, 2, 3, 4) are on. When these inputs pass through the first switch 1 & 3 are inverted (ie. switched off} These masified inputs (1 = off,2 = on, 3 = off, = on) then pass through the second switch ‘The second switch inverts inputs 3 & 4 which gives (1 = off, 2= on, 3= on, 4 = off) These mogified inputs (1 = off, 2= on, 3 = on, 4= off) then pass through the third switch, ‘The third switch should invert inputs 2 & 4, giving (1 = off,2 = off, 3= on, 4 = on) owever, the third switch is not working so the output from switch two is not changed,Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test @ault Diagnosis Test 1 Start Practicing Fault Diagnosis Test 1 [Anewer a5 many questions as you can in 10 minutes, smeauies Wien siiton is showing a fault? = vers 142 (ono, ofeory_| A= nates Fatt inverts 16 3 (onst, offen) | B= ecates Fault inverts 2 + (one fa) vere 3 «(one fe) N}-on BJ-or Credit: Psychometric Success Mechanical Reasoning Tests: Tips and Techniques The most important thing is practice. Since mechanical aptitude tests are tests of your applied knowledge, itis really Important to ensure that you have learned and practised the types of problems likely to be included, A suggested lst of topics to revise includes (but isnot limited to} + Levers + Gears + Pulleys * Springs + Screws + Acceleration + Gravity + Clamps + Shas + PressureMechanical Comprehension Practice Test rt Practicing + Voues + Conveyor ks ®« kina nd potenti eneroy + Balancing seaas + Simple lessees + Applied maths + Mognetem + Mirrors and reflection Take the time to understand in your own mind what problems are solved by these machnical techniques, how they ‘work and how they are applied in the real world. Learn fMRB lr practcal experience. Preparing fr mecharical ezsaring tests does not have to be entirely theoretical you enifll.ng with your hands, practise taking things apart to understand how they work vy Fx thing things. Try ideas out practislly and see what you ear from doing so. Find opportunities to work with tools aff pment, read technical user manuals, anything that famiarses you with the macharical mindset and builds NE wledse. fi) Practising example aptitude questions is also important. Make sure that you work through some practice tests (we recommend JobTestPrep's mechanical tests) to ensure you understand how to solve the questions. ractice With JobTestPrep | In your mechanical reascning test, work quickly but carefully and double-check that you have understood the question ‘and that your calculation is correct. Only correct answers will count towards your score. Fault Diagnosis Test 2Mechanical Comprehension Practice Test Faun viayrwors iol e ‘Anewer os many questions a you etn in 10 minutes © crowns Which suitoh is showing a fault? * Start Practicing switch Function code @ linewinre » A tnascates Fault Levers 13 (onc oeony B- indecater Faut BE | inverts 2 & 4 (onzoff, of » C~ tnaeates Fautt Inverts 38 4 (eneof,off2on) D- tnaeates Fautt IN)-o B-or TE indicates wo Faute Credit: ic Success Final Thoughts m If that was useful, you may also lke to try our free aptitude tests, which have been designed to simulate the questions typically used in online assessments. Although they do not contain any questions from the real tests, they are based upon them and designed to provide practice to help you through, fake a Mechanical Remember, mechanical reascrirg tests are not just about natural aptitude: they are testing your knowledge of meckanical concepts, tools and calculations. With thorough preparation and practice, you will Be on your way to How strong is your CV/ sume? 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