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100+ Free QCAA Engineering EA Practice Questions

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Key Facts: QCAA Engineering EA Exam

25%

Weighting of the external assessment towards final subject result

QCAA Engineering Senior Syllabus

120 min

Working time for the external written examination

QCAA Assessment Schedule

100

Free practice questions in this comprehensive question bank

OpenExamPrep

Prepare for the QCAA Engineering external examination with 100 high-quality practice questions covering statics, truss analysis, mechanics of materials, linear/rotational dynamics, gear ratios, control loops, logic gates, and fluid power.

Sample QCAA Engineering EA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your QCAA Engineering EA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Two forces of 30 N and 40 N act concurrently on a point at right angles to each other. What is the magnitude of the resultant force?
A.50 N
B.10 N
C.70 N
D.1200 N
Explanation: Because the two forces act at right angles (90°), the magnitude of their resultant force R is found using Pythagoras' theorem: R = sqrt(30^2 + 40^2) = sqrt(900 + 1600) = sqrt(2500) = 50 N.
2Which set of equations defines static equilibrium for a rigid body subjected to a coplanar (2D) force system?
A.sum(Fx) = sum(Fy), sum(M) = 0
B.sum(Fx) = 0, sum(Fy) = 0, sum(M) = 0
C.sum(Fx) = 0, sum(Fy) = 0, sum(M) = F * d
D.sum(Fx) + sum(Fy) + sum(M) = 0
Explanation: For a 2D body to remain in static equilibrium, the sum of horizontal forces must equal zero (sum(Fx) = 0), the sum of vertical forces must equal zero (sum(Fy) = 0), and the sum of moments about any point must equal zero (sum(M) = 0).
3A perpendicular force of 25 N is applied to the end of a lever arm of length 0.4 m. What is the moment generated about the pivot?
A.6.25 N·m
B.62.5 N·m
C.10 N·m
D.100 N·m
Explanation: Moment is calculated as M = F * d, where F is perpendicular to the line of action. M = 25 N * 0.4 m = 10 N·m.
4A crate of mass 10 kg rests on a frictionless plane inclined at 30° to the horizontal. Taking g = 9.8 m/s², what is the component of the gravitational force acting parallel to the incline?
A.84.9 N
B.98 N
C.196 N
D.49 N
Explanation: The component of weight parallel to an inclined plane is F_parallel = m * g * sin(theta). Here, m * g = 10 kg * 9.8 m/s² = 98 N. F_parallel = 98 * sin(30°) = 98 * 0.5 = 49 N.
5A simply supported beam AB of length 6.0 m carries a single vertical point load of 12 kN located 2.0 m from support A. What is the vertical reaction force at support B?
A.4.0 kN
B.6.0 kN
C.8.0 kN
D.12.0 kN
Explanation: Taking moments about support A: sum(M_A) = 0 => (12 kN * 2.0 m) - (R_B * 6.0 m) = 0 => 24 = 6.0 * R_B => R_B = 4.0 kN.
6In a pin-jointed plane truss, how can zero-force members be identified at an unloaded joint containing two non-collinear members?
A.The longer member is zero-force and the shorter carries load
B.Both members must be zero-force members
C.One member is in tension and the other is in compression
D.Neither member is a zero-force member
Explanation: If a joint has only two non-collinear members and no external load or support reaction is applied at that joint, resolving forces along axes aligned with each member shows that both members must carry zero force (sum(F) = 0).
7A symmetrical triangular truss consists of two equal diagonal members forming a 60° angle at the top apex joint. A vertical downward load of 10.0 kN acts on the apex. What is the internal force in each diagonal member?
A.5.00 kN tension
B.8.66 kN tension
C.5.77 kN compression
D.10.0 kN compression
Explanation: Each member makes an angle of 30° with the vertical (since 60° / 2 = 30°). Resolving vertical forces at the apex joint: 2 * F * cos(30°) = 10.0 kN => 2 * F * 0.866 = 10.0 => 1.732 * F = 10.0 => F = 5.77 kN. Because the members push up to resist the downward load, they are in compression.
8When analyzing a bridge truss using the Method of Sections, what is the maximum number of unknown member forces that can generally be determined by cutting a single imaginary section line through the truss?
A.1
B.2
C.6
D.3
Explanation: For a 2D coplanar truss, there are three independent equations of equilibrium available (sum(Fx)=0, sum(Fy)=0, sum(M)=0). Therefore, a section line should cut through no more than 3 unknown members to allow direct calculation of member forces.
9A T-beam cross-section consists of a horizontal flange (width 80 mm, height 20 mm) attached to a vertical web (width 20 mm, height 80 mm). Measuring from the flat bottom surface of the web, what is the vertical coordinate (y-bar) of the centroid?
A.65 mm
B.50 mm
C.60 mm
D.70 mm
Explanation: Divide into two rectangles: Web (area A1 = 80 mm * 20 mm = 1,600 mm², centroid y1 = 40 mm) and Flange (area A2 = 80 mm * 20 mm = 1,600 mm², centroid y2 = 80 mm + 10 mm = 90 mm). Total area A = 3,200 mm². The vertical centroid coordinate y-bar = (1,600 * 40 + 1,600 * 90) / 3,200 = 65 mm.
10A wooden block of mass 20 kg rests on a horizontal steel surface. The coefficient of static friction between wood and steel is mu_s = 0.35. Taking g = 9.8 m/s², what maximum horizontal force can be applied before the block starts to slide?
A.7.0 N
B.68.6 N
C.196 N
D.560 N
Explanation: Normal force N = m * g = 20 kg * 9.8 m/s² = 196 N. Maximum static friction force F_f = mu_s * N = 0.35 * 196 N = 68.6 N.

About the QCAA Engineering EA Exam

The QCAA Engineering external assessment is the externally set examination for Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) General Engineering. It assesses Units 3 and 4 of the syllabus: Unit 3 (Statics & Dynamics of engineering systems) and Unit 4 (Materials science, solid mechanics, and control systems). The exam evaluates student competence in solving multi-step engineering calculations, analyzing mechanical equilibrium, calculating stress and strain, evaluating material selections, and designing logic and control circuits.

Assessment

One written external examination assessing Unit 4. Combines a multiple-choice section with short-response written and quantitative calculation problems across statics, dynamics, materials, and control systems.

Time Limit

120 minutes working time plus 10 minutes perusal time.

Passing Score

No fixed pass mark. The external assessment is worth 25% of the final Engineering result, alongside 75% from three internal assessment tasks.

Exam Fee

Included in QCE school registration set by QCAA. (Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA))

QCAA Engineering EA Exam Content Outline

25%

Unit 3 Topic 1: Statics & Structural Mechanics

Equilibrium equations, 2D force components, moments, couples, pin-jointed trusses (method of joints and sections), shear force and bending moment, centroids, and static friction.

25%

Unit 3 Topic 2: Dynamics & Mechanical Systems

Kinematics of rectilinear and rotational motion, Newton's laws, impulse, momentum, work, energy, power, mechanical advantage, gear trains, belt drives, and efficiency.

25%

Unit 4 Topic 1: Materials Science & Solid Mechanics

Tensile/compressive stress and strain, Hooke's law, Young's modulus, shear stress, factor of safety, stress-strain diagrams, material properties, heat treatment, composites, fatigue, and corrosion.

25%

Unit 4 Topic 2: Control Systems & Automation

Open and closed-loop control systems, feedback sensors, actuators, logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR), Boolean algebra, microcontrollers, and fluid power systems (pneumatics & hydraulics).

How to Pass the QCAA Engineering EA Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: No fixed pass mark. The external assessment is worth 25% of the final Engineering result, alongside 75% from three internal assessment tasks.
  • Assessment: One written external examination assessing Unit 4. Combines a multiple-choice section with short-response written and quantitative calculation problems across statics, dynamics, materials, and control systems.
  • Time limit: 120 minutes working time plus 10 minutes perusal time.
  • Exam fee: Included in QCE school registration set by QCAA.

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

QCAA Engineering EA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Practice drawing accurate free-body diagrams (FBDs) before writing equilibrium equations.
2Memorize and apply fundamental engineering formulas including sigma = F/A, epsilon = delta_L / L, E = sigma / epsilon, M = F * d, and work-energy equations.
3Work through truss analysis method of joints and method of sections to identify tension vs compression members quickly.
4Review truth tables and Boolean algebra simplification rules for control system logic circuit design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What topics are assessed in the QCAA Engineering external assessment?

The exam covers Unit 3 (Statics and Dynamics) and Unit 4 (Materials Science, Solid Mechanics, and Control Systems).

How much does the external assessment contribute to the final grade?

It contributes 25% of the overall QCE Engineering subject grade, with 75% derived from three internal assessment tasks.

Are calculators allowed in the QCAA Engineering exam?

Yes, an approved scientific calculator and the official QCAA Engineering Formula Sheet are permitted.

What types of calculations appear on the exam?

Calculations include concurrent and non-concurrent force resolution, moment equilibrium, truss member forces, stress-strain-modulus relationships, gear ratios, work-energy-power, and fluid pressure/force calculations.