Practice B3.3 Mechanical systems application and selection (HL only) with authentic IB Design Technology (First Exam 2027) exam questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank mirrors Paper 1, 2, 3 structure, covering key topics like materials and processes, product design, and sustainability. Get instant solutions, detailed explanations, and build exam confidence with questions in the style of IB examiners.
Paper
Level
Question 1
HLPaper 1
What happens when a small gear drives a large gear?
Question 2
HLPaper 1
What does the mechanical advantage of a system describe?
Question 3
HLPaper 2
A product development team is designing a simple mechanical device that uses gears, levers, and cams to perform basic tasks with minimal power input. To evaluate different mechanical system components, the team examines standard configurations that affect motion, force, and efficiency. Figures 1 to 3 show common mechanical systems used in such devices.
1.[3]
Figure 1 shows a simple gear train with three meshed spur gears mounted on parallel shafts.
i.) Explain the role of the idler gear in Figure 1.
2.[1]
Figure 2 shows a class 1 lever with labeled positions for the fulcrum, effort, and load.
i.) Using Figure 2, state which position (effort, load, or fulcrum) must be changed to reduce the effort needed to lift the load.
3.[4]
ii.) Describe how a first-class lever (Figure 2) provides mechanical advantage, and give one real-life example of its use.
4.[2]
Figure 3 shows a cam and follower system where a rotating cam drives a vertical follower up and down.
Identify two ways a cam and follower system (Figure 3) can be modified to change the motion of the follower.
5.[6]
Using Figures 1 and 3, compare how gear systems and cam systems affect motion in mechanical designs.
Question 4
HLPaper 1
In which class of lever is the fulcrum located between the effort and the load?
Question 5
HLPaper 1
What is the purpose of this cam-follower mechanism?
Question 6
HLPaper 2
1.[4]
Identify four key variables involved in calculating speed in a gear system.
Question 7
HLPaper 1
What is the likely effect of increasing the pulley diameter in this system?
Question 8
HLPaper 1
What mechanical function does the lever serve here?
Question 9
HLPaper 1
Which of the following is NOT a purpose of cams and followers?
Question 10
HLPaper 1
Which component is used to convert rotary motion to reciprocating motion?