NEW 2025-2026 ASVAB MECHANICAL
COMPREHENSION TEST
What is the mechanical advantage? - ANSWER The ratio of energy input to
energy output, usually where the input exceeds the output.
What is the mechanical advantage ratio for a basic pulley? - Answer: 3:1
Consider moving an object using a lever and a fulcrum. What is the relationship
between the distance from the fulcrum and the speed at which the object
moves? - ANSWER Objects move quicker when they are closer to the fulcrum.
What is an example of a wedge - Answer: Scissors.
Which of the following best shows the lever principle? - ANSWER The force
required to lift the load decreases as the distance over which it is applied
increases.
Consider two gears on different shafts that mesh. The input gear has 30 teeth
and rotates at 100 RPM. If the output gear has 40 teeth, how quickly is the
output gear turning? Answer: 250 rpm.
Consider two gears on different shafts that mesh. The input gear has 100 teeth
and rotates at 50 RPM. If the output gear has 20 teeth, how fast does it turn? -
ANSWER: 200 RPM
Consider the pulley system shown above. How much force is necessary to raise
100 pounds? - ANSWER: 33 pounds.
Tension of 40 kg is applied to two springs in parallel. This increases the springs
by 8 inches. If the same force is given to springs in series, how far will they
expand? - ANSWER Two inches.
COMPREHENSION TEST
What is the mechanical advantage? - ANSWER The ratio of energy input to
energy output, usually where the input exceeds the output.
What is the mechanical advantage ratio for a basic pulley? - Answer: 3:1
Consider moving an object using a lever and a fulcrum. What is the relationship
between the distance from the fulcrum and the speed at which the object
moves? - ANSWER Objects move quicker when they are closer to the fulcrum.
What is an example of a wedge - Answer: Scissors.
Which of the following best shows the lever principle? - ANSWER The force
required to lift the load decreases as the distance over which it is applied
increases.
Consider two gears on different shafts that mesh. The input gear has 30 teeth
and rotates at 100 RPM. If the output gear has 40 teeth, how quickly is the
output gear turning? Answer: 250 rpm.
Consider two gears on different shafts that mesh. The input gear has 100 teeth
and rotates at 50 RPM. If the output gear has 20 teeth, how fast does it turn? -
ANSWER: 200 RPM
Consider the pulley system shown above. How much force is necessary to raise
100 pounds? - ANSWER: 33 pounds.
Tension of 40 kg is applied to two springs in parallel. This increases the springs
by 8 inches. If the same force is given to springs in series, how far will they
expand? - ANSWER Two inches.
