Complete Solution Manual — Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems, 8th Edition
500 Exam-Style Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales (Chapters 1–10)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Chapter | Topic | Questions |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| 1 | An Overview and Brief History of Feedback Control | 50 |
| 2 | Dynamic Models | 50 |
| 3 | Dynamic Response | 50 |
| 4 | A First Analysis of Feedback | 50 |
| 5 | The Root-Locus Design Method | 50 |
| 6 | The Frequency-Response Design Method | 50 |
| 7 | State-Space Design | 50 |
| 8 | Digital Control | 50 |
| 9 | Nonlinear Systems | 50 |
| 10 | Control System Design: Principles and Case Studies | 50 |
| | Total | 500 |
---
EXAM OVERVIEW
Textbook: Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems, 8th Edition (Franklin, Powell & Emami-
Naeini, Pearson 2018)
ISBN: 9781292274522 (Global Edition)
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, 4 options (A–D)
Total Practice Questions: 500
,Recommended Time: 3 hours (2 minutes per question)
Passing Score: 70% (350/500 correct)
Core Domains: System modeling, transfer functions, block diagrams, time-domain and
frequency-domain analysis, stability analysis, PID control, root locus, Bode plots, Nyquist
criteria, state-space design, digital control, nonlinear systems, and controller design.
Reference: Franklin, G.F., Powell, J.D., & Emami-Naeini, A. (2018). Feedback Control of
Dynamic Systems (8th ed.). Pearson.
---
CHAPTER 1: AN OVERVIEW AND BRIEF HISTORY OF FEEDBACK CONTROL — 50 Questions
Q1. What is the primary objective of an automatic feedback control system?
A. To amplify input signals for higher power output
B. To maintain a prescribed relationship between the output and reference input
C. To convert digital signals to analog signals
D. To eliminate all forms of system disturbances
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Feedback control systems aim to maintain a specific relationship between the
system output and the reference input by comparing them and using the difference (error)
to adjust the output, even in the presence of disturbances.
Why Wrong: A — Amplification is a hardware concern, not the control objective. C — Signal
conversion is a secondary function. D — Disturbances can be reduced but not eliminated
entirely.
---
,Q2. Which component in a feedback control system is responsible for directly causing the
process output to change?
A. Sensor
B. Controller
C. Actuator
D. Input filter
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The actuator is a physical device whose output (force, torque, heat, etc.) directly
influences the process or plant to change its output variable. Examples include motors,
heaters, and valves.
Why Wrong: A — The sensor measures the output. B — The controller computes the control
signal. D — The input filter processes the reference signal.
---
Q3. In Watt's flyball governor, what physical principle is primarily used for sensing engine
speed?
A. Thermal expansion of metals
B. Centrifugal force acting on rotating masses
C. Electromagnetic induction
D. Piezoelectric effect
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Watt's flyball governor uses centrifugal force acting on rotating masses to sense
engine speed. As speed increases, the balls move outward, adjusting the steam valve.
, Why Wrong: A — Thermal expansion is used in thermostats, not flyball governors. C —
Electromagnetic induction is used in generators. D — Piezoelectric effect is used in sensors,
not this historical device.
---
Q4. Which of the following best defines a dynamic system?
A. A system with constant output
B. A system whose output depends only on current input
C. A system whose output depends on past and present inputs
D. A system without inputs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dynamic systems exhibit memory, meaning past inputs affect the current output.
This is described by differential equations.
Why Wrong: A — Constant output describes a static system. B — This describes a
memoryless system. D — All systems have inputs or disturbances.
---
Q5. A system designed to follow a changing reference signal is called a:
A. Regulator
B. Tracking control system
C. Open-loop system
D. Feedforward system
Correct Answer: B
500 Exam-Style Questions with Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales (Chapters 1–10)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Chapter | Topic | Questions |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| 1 | An Overview and Brief History of Feedback Control | 50 |
| 2 | Dynamic Models | 50 |
| 3 | Dynamic Response | 50 |
| 4 | A First Analysis of Feedback | 50 |
| 5 | The Root-Locus Design Method | 50 |
| 6 | The Frequency-Response Design Method | 50 |
| 7 | State-Space Design | 50 |
| 8 | Digital Control | 50 |
| 9 | Nonlinear Systems | 50 |
| 10 | Control System Design: Principles and Case Studies | 50 |
| | Total | 500 |
---
EXAM OVERVIEW
Textbook: Feedback Control of Dynamic Systems, 8th Edition (Franklin, Powell & Emami-
Naeini, Pearson 2018)
ISBN: 9781292274522 (Global Edition)
Exam Format: Multiple-choice, 4 options (A–D)
Total Practice Questions: 500
,Recommended Time: 3 hours (2 minutes per question)
Passing Score: 70% (350/500 correct)
Core Domains: System modeling, transfer functions, block diagrams, time-domain and
frequency-domain analysis, stability analysis, PID control, root locus, Bode plots, Nyquist
criteria, state-space design, digital control, nonlinear systems, and controller design.
Reference: Franklin, G.F., Powell, J.D., & Emami-Naeini, A. (2018). Feedback Control of
Dynamic Systems (8th ed.). Pearson.
---
CHAPTER 1: AN OVERVIEW AND BRIEF HISTORY OF FEEDBACK CONTROL — 50 Questions
Q1. What is the primary objective of an automatic feedback control system?
A. To amplify input signals for higher power output
B. To maintain a prescribed relationship between the output and reference input
C. To convert digital signals to analog signals
D. To eliminate all forms of system disturbances
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Feedback control systems aim to maintain a specific relationship between the
system output and the reference input by comparing them and using the difference (error)
to adjust the output, even in the presence of disturbances.
Why Wrong: A — Amplification is a hardware concern, not the control objective. C — Signal
conversion is a secondary function. D — Disturbances can be reduced but not eliminated
entirely.
---
,Q2. Which component in a feedback control system is responsible for directly causing the
process output to change?
A. Sensor
B. Controller
C. Actuator
D. Input filter
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The actuator is a physical device whose output (force, torque, heat, etc.) directly
influences the process or plant to change its output variable. Examples include motors,
heaters, and valves.
Why Wrong: A — The sensor measures the output. B — The controller computes the control
signal. D — The input filter processes the reference signal.
---
Q3. In Watt's flyball governor, what physical principle is primarily used for sensing engine
speed?
A. Thermal expansion of metals
B. Centrifugal force acting on rotating masses
C. Electromagnetic induction
D. Piezoelectric effect
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Watt's flyball governor uses centrifugal force acting on rotating masses to sense
engine speed. As speed increases, the balls move outward, adjusting the steam valve.
, Why Wrong: A — Thermal expansion is used in thermostats, not flyball governors. C —
Electromagnetic induction is used in generators. D — Piezoelectric effect is used in sensors,
not this historical device.
---
Q4. Which of the following best defines a dynamic system?
A. A system with constant output
B. A system whose output depends only on current input
C. A system whose output depends on past and present inputs
D. A system without inputs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Dynamic systems exhibit memory, meaning past inputs affect the current output.
This is described by differential equations.
Why Wrong: A — Constant output describes a static system. B — This describes a
memoryless system. D — All systems have inputs or disturbances.
---
Q5. A system designed to follow a changing reference signal is called a:
A. Regulator
B. Tracking control system
C. Open-loop system
D. Feedforward system
Correct Answer: B
