Question 1: Explain the function of a gear train in a mechanical system. How does changing the gear sizes affect the output speed and torque?

Answer: A gear train transmits rotational motion and can change the speed and torque of a system. Larger gears turn more slowly but provide more torque, while smaller gears increase speed but reduce torque.

Question 2: Identify three common types of mechanical linkages used in machines and briefly describe their functions.

Answer: Types include: lever (amplifies force), linkage (transfers motion), and cam mechanism (converts rotary to linear motion).

Question 3: Describe how a pulley system can be used to make lifting heavy objects easier. Include the difference between fixed and movable pulleys.

Answer: Pulleys change the direction of force, making lifting easier. Fixed pulleys change direction only, while movable pulleys reduce the amount of force needed by distributing weight across multiple segments of rope.

Question 4: Design Brief: You need to create a mechanical device that lifts small packages onto a shelf. Sketch a simple mechanical lift system using gears, pulleys, or levers. Clearly label the main components.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a lever mechanism or a pulley system attached to a frame with labeled components such as the lever arm, fulcrum, load, and effort points.

Question 5: Draw a simple diagram of a cam and follower mechanism. Indicate the motion path of the follower as the cam rotates.

Answer: The sketch should show a cam with a profile (such as an eccentric circle) and a follower in contact with it. The follower moves up and down as the cam rotates, following the cam's shape.

Question 6: List and explain two advantages and two disadvantages of using belt drives in mechanical systems.

Answer: Advantages: 1) Quiet operation; 2) Can transmit power over a distance. Disadvantages: 1) Slippage can occur; 2) Belt wear and need for maintenance.

Question 7: Describe how a rack and pinion mechanism converts rotary motion into linear motion. Include the main components involved.

Answer: A gear (pinion) rotates, engaging teeth with a linear gear (rack). As the pinion turns, it moves the rack in a straight line, converting rotary to linear motion.

Question 8: Identify the main difference between a simple machine and a complex mechanical system. Provide an example of each.

Answer: A simple machine has only one component (e.g., a lever), while a complex system involves multiple interacting components (e.g., a bicycle gear system).

Question 9: Outline the steps you would take to analyse a mechanical system that is not functioning correctly. What key aspects would you investigate?

Answer: Check for broken or worn components, misaligned parts, lubrication issues, and whether the system's input power is adequate. Also, observe motion and listen for unusual sounds.

Question 10: Sketch a design for a manual lever-operated mechanism to lift a small weight. Include the pivot point, effort point, and load point, and label them clearly.

Answer: The sketch should depict a lever with a fulcrum (pivot), effort applied at one end, and the load at the other. Label each point accordingly, showing how effort moves the load upward.