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Defence Aptitude Assessment

Mechanical Comprehension

19 questions, 13 minutes. It starts with the basics, then levers, forces, energy, pressure and pulleys.

1. A force is a push or a pull, measured in newtons. Weight is the pull of gravity. Friction and air resistance oppose motion.
2. A lever balances when weight × distance is the same on both sides of the fulcrum. A longer distance needs a smaller weight.
3. Pressure is force divided by area. Water pressure increases with depth. A smaller area gives a greater pressure for the same force. Sucking on a straw lowers the pressure inside it, and the air outside pushes the drink up.
4. Count the ropes holding the load. That number multiplies the pull. A single fixed pulley only changes the direction, so the pull equals the load.

A to E chooses an answer. Enter moves on. You can move back. A blank scores as incorrect.

Unofficial practice. Not affiliated with the Royal Navy or the Royal Air Force.