Unit 3: A3 Product in theory
Topic 3.3: Mechanical systems Questions
Practice 20 exam-style questions for IB Design Technology Topic 3.3. Review the question stems below, then unlock the full Question Bank to access markschemes, model answers, and AI grading.
1Explain3 marks
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A student writes "the handle" as the input of a mechanical system. Explain why an input must be written as a motion rather than as a part.
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Explain why a designer chains several simple mechanisms in a food mixer rather than designing one complex part.
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A mechanism moves a 900 N load with a 150 N effort. What is its mechanical advantage?
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A mechanical kitchen timer rings a bell after a set interval. Analyse the chain of mechanisms inside it and explain what each stage contributes.
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What distinguishes a fixed pivot from a moving pivot in a linkage?
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Explain what a rack and pinion changes, using car steering as the example.
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A garden wheelbarrow is being redesigned. Analyse it as a lever and recommend two changes that would make it easier to lift, explaining each.
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Explain why a cordless screwdriver uses a compound gear train rather than a single gear pair.
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Which linkage keeps a tray horizontal as it swings up and out of a toolbox?
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A car scissor jack has a mechanical advantage of about 40. Explain what this gives the user, what it costs them, and how a designer could improve the jack's efficiency.
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Explain the difference between oscillating and reciprocating motion, using a sewing machine as the example.
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Explain why a fishing rod is a third-class lever, and why that is the right choice.
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A bench pillar drill uses a stepped cone pulley and a belt to give five spindle speeds. Analyse this choice against a five-speed gearbox.
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Explain what a bell crank does, using a bicycle brake as the example.
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Unlock Question15Describe6 marks
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Describe a manual tin opener as a mechanical system, and explain what its process changes.
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A car windscreen wiper is driven by a small electric motor. Analyse the motions present in the wiper system and explain where each conversion happens.
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Explain why a designer would give a pair of tweezers a mechanical advantage below 1.
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Explain why a belt drive is used between the motor and the drum of a washing machine.
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A cordless drill and a washing machine both reduce the speed of an electric motor. Justify the use of a gear train in the drill and a belt drive in the washing machine.
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2026
An electric hoist must lift a load, hold it in place when the operator releases the switch, and fit inside a compact housing. Explain the gear systems you would specify.
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