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
2026
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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A 16-tooth driver meshes with a 64-tooth driven gear. What is the output?
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2026
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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What does a user pay for a mechanical advantage of 10?
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Explain what a rack and pinion changes, using car steering as the example.
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Which mechanism family converts rotary motion into a timed rise and fall?
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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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2026
Which mechanism converts rotary motion into reciprocating motion?
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What is the effect of adding an idler gear between a driver and a driven gear?
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A 40 mm driver pulley drives a 160 mm driven pulley. What happens at the output?
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Four mechanisms are chained, each 90% efficient. Roughly what reaches the output?
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2026
Explain why a cordless screwdriver uses a compound gear train rather than a single gear pair.
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2026
Why is a toothed timing belt used on an engine camshaft rather than a V-belt?
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Which linkage keeps a tray horizontal as it swings up and out of a toolbox?
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A metronome arm ticks from side to side about its pivot. Which motion is this?
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Which product shows linear motion?
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2026
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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