FE Other Disciplines practice questions with answers

Answer: A) 24

• ACorrect. \(f'(x) = 8x\), so the slope at x = 3 is 24.
• BIncorrect. That's 4x; the derivative is 8x.
• CIncorrect. That's f(3), not the slope.
• DIncorrect. That's the coefficient; evaluate 8x at x = 3.

Answer: A) 6

• ACorrect. The sum is 30, divided by 5 values.
• BIncorrect. Divide the sum, 30, by 5.
• CIncorrect. Recheck the sum of the values.
• DIncorrect. That's the sum; divide by the count.

Answer: A) Dissociates essentially completely in water

• ACorrect. Weak acids only partly dissociate.
• BIncorrect. Strength refers to dissociation, not concentration.
• CIncorrect. Acids have pH below 7.
• DIncorrect. It neutralizes bases.

Answer: B) Comparing the sensor's output with a traceable reference standard and correcting or recording the deviation

Calibration means comparing an instrument's readings with a known, traceable reference standard, then adjusting the instrument or documenting the deviation. Repeatability tests, filtering and instrument selection are separate tasks.

• AIncorrect. This is a repeatability (precision) test. It measures random scatter but does not compare the readings with a known true value, so it cannot reveal a bias.
• BCorrect. Calibration checks an instrument's reading against a known, certified standard. A full calibration then adjusts the reading to match the standard; otherwise the error is documented.
• CIncorrect. Filtering is a signal-conditioning step in data acquisition. It reduces noise but does not establish or correct the sensor's accuracy against a standard.
• DIncorrect. This is instrument selection. Picking a suitable range and resolution does not confirm that the readings are accurate.

Answer: A) Notify the employer, and any other authority that is appropriate, that public safety is endangered

Under NCEES Model Rules 240.15, a licensee whose judgment is overruled where public health, safety, or welfare is endangered must notify the employer or client and any other appropriate authority.

• ACorrect. The Model Rules state that if a licensee's professional judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger public health, safety, or welfare, the licensee must notify the employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate.
• BIncorrect. The confidentiality rule contains an exception for disclosures authorized or required by law or rules. The Model Rules require notification when an overruled judgment endangers the public.
• CIncorrect. A licensee's first and foremost responsibility is to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare. Who carries legal liability does not remove that duty.
• DIncorrect. Resigning quietly leaves the hazard unreported. The Model Rules require the licensee to notify the employer and appropriate authorities.

Answer: C) Pull, aim, squeeze, sweep

• AIncorrect. That isn't the method.
• BIncorrect. That isn't the method.
• CCorrect. Aim at the base of the fire.
• DIncorrect. That isn't the method.

Answer: A) $200,000

• ACorrect. A perpetuity's present worth is A divided by i.
• BIncorrect. That uses a 2% rate.
• CIncorrect. That adds one year of interest.
• DIncorrect. That uses a 20% rate.

Answer: D) 9 kN at x = 2 m

• AIncorrect. Recheck: 18/9.
• BIncorrect. Weight by force; that's the midpoint.
• CIncorrect. Add the parallel forces.
• DCorrect. x = (3 × 0 + 6 × 3)/9 = 2 m.

Answer: A) 100 J

• ACorrect. W = Fd = 20 × 5.
• BIncorrect. Multiply force by distance.
• CIncorrect. Multiply, don't add.
• DIncorrect. Recheck: 20 × 5 = 100.

Answer: D) 4.6 mm

• AIncorrect. Free bars expand.
• BIncorrect. That's off by a factor of 10.
• CIncorrect. That doubles it.
• DCorrect. \(\delta = \alpha L\Delta T\).

Answer: D) Differ with direction relative to the grain

An anisotropic material has properties that depend on direction. Wood is much stiffer and stronger along the grain than across it, and its radial and tangential properties also differ.

• AIncorrect. Moisture does affect wood, but anisotropy is about directional dependence. Wood's properties also vary strongly with direction.
• BIncorrect. This describes plastic (inelastic) behavior, not anisotropy.
• CIncorrect. Differences between species are material variability. Anisotropy means properties differ with direction inside a single piece of material.
• DCorrect. Wood's stiffness and strength differ in the longitudinal, radial, and tangential directions. Longitudinal (along-grain) values are much higher than transverse values.

Answer: B) 0.06 m³/s

• AIncorrect. Multiply, don't divide.
• BCorrect. Q = AV = 0.02 × 3.
• CIncorrect. Multiply area by velocity.
• DIncorrect. Multiply, don't add.

Answer: A) It decreases from its maximum value at shutoff

A centrifugal pump's head-capacity curve falls from its maximum at shutoff as flow rate increases. The rising curve that goes with Q² is the system curve, not the pump curve.

• ACorrect. A typical centrifugal pump develops its highest head at shutoff (zero flow). Head falls as flow increases toward runout.
• BIncorrect. This reverses the actual trend. Shutoff is where a typical centrifugal pump develops its maximum head, not its minimum.
• CIncorrect. A centrifugal pump does not deliver constant head. Head drops noticeably as flow rate increases.
• DIncorrect. This describes the system curve, where friction head loss rises roughly with Q². The pump curve slopes downward, and the operating point is where the two curves cross.

Answer: D) 1.7 Ω

• AIncorrect. Recheck the powers of ten.
• BIncorrect. Convert 1 mm² to 10⁻⁶ m².
• CIncorrect. Recheck the powers of ten.
• DCorrect. R = ρL/A = 1.7 × 10⁻⁸(100)/10⁻⁶.

Answer: A) No heat crosses the system boundary

• ACorrect. Heat transfer Q = 0 for the process.
• BIncorrect. That's isothermal.
• CIncorrect. That's isobaric.
• DIncorrect. Work can be done adiabatically.