Mechanical Comprehension tests cause and effect. Instead of memorizing a picture, identify the forces, motion, pivot, pressure, or energy transfer and predict what must change when one part of the system changes.
01
Force, motion, and friction
Connect net force to acceleration and recognize how mass, inertia, momentum, and friction affect motion.
View key facts
- Balanced forces produce no acceleration; an unbalanced net force changes velocity.
- Friction opposes relative motion between contacting surfaces.
- Momentum increases with both mass and velocity.
02
Levers and torque
Locate the fulcrum, effort, and load, then compare their distances from the pivot.
View key facts
- Torque = force × perpendicular distance from the pivot.
- A longer effort arm can produce the same torque with less force.
- Lever class depends on which element lies between the other two.
03
Gears, belts, and pulleys
Track direction, speed, torque, and supporting rope segments.
View key facts
- Meshed gears rotate in opposite directions; gears on the same shaft rotate together.
- A larger driven gear turns slower and produces more torque than a smaller driver.
- Ideal pulley mechanical advantage equals the number of rope segments supporting the moving load.
04
Fluids and pressure
Apply pressure relationships to liquids, gases, hydraulics, buoyancy, and flow.
View key facts
- Pressure = force ÷ area.
- In a confined fluid, applied pressure is transmitted throughout the fluid.
- Fluid pressure increases with depth.
05
Energy, work, and simple machines
Recognize how machines exchange force for distance while conserving energy in an ideal system.
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- Work = force × distance in the direction of the force.
- Simple machines reduce required force by increasing the distance over which it acts.
- Lowering a center of gravity generally improves stability.