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Technical
Medium
MC
Mechanical Comprehension
Levers, gears, pulleys and forces
The DAA's mechanical comprehension section. You apply everyday physics to simple machines — levers, gears, pulleys, springs and forces — and predict what happens. It's about understanding principles, not memorising formulae, and it weighs most for technical and engineering roles.
Duration
~12 min
Length
Timed set
Difficulty
Medium
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Every section explained, how it's scored, and a study plan — all on one page.
What to expect
- Diagrams of simple machines — a see-saw, gear train, pulley system or beam.
- Questions on which way something turns, which side is heavier, or how much force is needed.
- Multiple-choice answers, timed.
What it measures
- Understanding levers, gears, pulleys and springs
- Forces, loads and balance
- Predicting motion and mechanical advantage
- Applying physics principles to a picture
Instructions
- 1For balance, compare force × distance on each side of the pivot.
- 2Meshed gears turn opposite ways; a bigger gear turns slower.
- 3More pulleys supporting the load means less force but more rope pulled.
Tips
- A longer lever arm gives more turning effect for the same force.
- Count the rope sections supporting a load — that's your mechanical advantage.
- Trust the principle over your gut — the 'obvious' answer is often the trap.
Format: Simple machines & forces · multiple choice · timed · ~12 minutes