Systems and components for GCSE Engineering
GCSE Engineering, Systems. Usually met in years 9 to 11.
Learn the parts of mechanical, electrical and pneumatic systems and what each one does.
What you practise
- Inputs, processes and outputs
- Gears, cams, linkages and kinds of motion
- Sensors, transistors, relays and microcontrollers
Starts with simple components and builds to closed-loop control. Practice moves up a level when a round goes well and down when it does not.
Sample questions
Each sample comes with the method and the reason every wrong option is wrong. Real practice rounds are ten questions at your level.
Sample question, level 2 of 5
Which term means: swinging backwards and forwards in an arc, like a pendulum?
- Belt drive
- Oscillating motion
- Stepper motor
- Linkage
- Ammeter
Show the answer and method
Answer: B, Oscillating motion
The method: Oscillating motion means swinging backwards and forwards in an arc, like a pendulum.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A, Belt drive: Belt drive means a belt running between two pulleys to pass on rotary motion.
- C, Stepper motor: Stepper motor means a motor that turns in small, precise steps.
- D, Linkage: Linkage means a set of rigid parts joined together to change the direction or size of a movement.
- E, Ammeter: Ammeter means a meter that measures electric current.
Sample question, level 4 of 5
What does ‘capacitor’ mean?
- A chain running over toothed wheels, as on a bicycle
- A component that stores electric charge for a short time
- A set of parts that work together, often described as input, process and output
- A machine that squeezes air into a smaller space to raise its pressure
- A thin strand of metal that carries electricity
Show the answer and method
Answer: B, A component that stores electric charge for a short time
The method: Capacitor means a component that stores electric charge for a short time.
Why the other options are wrong:
- A, A chain running over toothed wheels, as on a bicycle: That describes chain and sprocket.
- C, A set of parts that work together, often described as input, process and output: That describes system.
- D, A machine that squeezes air into a smaller space to raise its pressure: That describes compressor.
- E, A thin strand of metal that carries electricity: That describes wire.
See where this fits: every GCSE option topic and Key Stage 3.
Related topics: Electrical calculations, Mechanical calculations.
