100+ Free MCA Second Engineer Applied Heat Practice Questions

Prepare for the MCA Second Engineer — Applied Heat (SQA Written Examination, STCW III/2) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MCA Second Engineer Applied Heat Exam

3 hours

Official Written Exam Duration

Published SQA Applied Heat examination papers (e.g. 040-32 sittings)

≥50%

Academic Pass Mark

MSN 1857 (Second Engineer / Management SQA academic subjects)

Attempt 6 questions

Typical Paper Instruction

Published SQA Applied Heat papers (equal marks per question)

~£140–£145

Typical SQA Academic Paper Fee

Approved-centre SQA fee schedules 2025/26 (confirm before booking)

MCA / SQA

Administrator

MSN 1857 and GOV.UK Second Engineer written syllabuses

MCQ study adaptation

This Free Practice Bank

OpenExamPrep study aid (not official paper)

Free 100-question English MCQ study bank for MCA Second Engineer Applied Heat (STCW III/2 academic module). Official exam: 3-hour SQA written paper, attempt six questions, ≥50% pass (MSN 1857). Fee: confirm SQA/centre rates (often ~£140–£145 academic). Heavy calculations across thermodynamics, steam, engines, compressors, refrigeration, combustion and blowdown. Not an official paper simulation.

Sample MCA Second Engineer Applied Heat Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your MCA Second Engineer Applied Heat exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Standard atmospheric pressure used in MCA Applied Heat is 1.01325 bar. What is this pressure expressed in N/m² (Pa)?

A.1.01325 × 10³ N/m²

B.1.01325 × 10⁴ N/m²

C.1.01325 × 10⁵ N/m²

D.1.01325 × 10⁶ N/m²

Explanation: 1 bar = 10⁵ N/m², so 1.01325 bar = 1.01325 × 10⁵ N/m². The Second Engineer Applied Heat syllabus states standard atmospheric pressure as 1.01325 bar = 1.01325 × 10⁵ N/m².

2A boiler gauge reads 15.5 bar (gauge). Taking atmospheric pressure as 1.0 bar, what is the absolute pressure in the boiler?

A.14.5 bar absolute

B.15.5 bar absolute

C.16.5 bar absolute

D.17.5 bar absolute

Explanation: Absolute pressure = gauge pressure + atmospheric pressure = 15.5 + 1.0 = 16.5 bar absolute. Thermodynamic tables and gas-law calculations always use absolute pressure.

3A mercury manometer shows a vacuum of 250 mm Hg below atmospheric pressure. Taking atmospheric pressure as 760 mm Hg and 760 mm Hg = 1.013 bar, what is the absolute pressure in the vessel?

A.0.333 bar abs

B.0.680 bar abs

C.0.760 bar abs

D.1.346 bar abs

Explanation: Absolute mercury height = 760 − 250 = 510 mm Hg. Absolute pressure = 510/760 × 1.013 ≈ 0.680 bar abs. Vacuum readings must be converted to absolute pressure before any thermodynamic calculation.

4Convert 180°C to the absolute temperature scale (kelvin) for use in gas-law calculations.

A.180 K

B.273 K

C.353 K

D.453 K

Explanation: T(K) = t(°C) + 273 = 180 + 273 = 453 K. Absolute temperature is required for Boyle/Charles combined gas law and for pV = mRT.

5Heat energy required to raise the temperature of 12 kg of water from 20°C to 80°C is (c for water = 4.2 kJ/kg·K):

A.1008 kJ

B.2016 kJ

C.3024 kJ

D.4032 kJ

Explanation: Q = m c ΔT = 12 × 4.2 × (80 − 20) = 12 × 4.2 × 60 = 3024 kJ. This is pure sensible heat with no phase change.

6A 5 kg copper block at 150°C is immersed in 10 kg of water at 25°C. Taking c_copper = 0.39 kJ/kg·K and c_water = 4.2 kJ/kg·K, and assuming no heat loss, the equilibrium temperature is closest to:

A.30.5°C

B.35.5°C

C.40.5°C

D.50.0°C

Explanation: Heat lost by copper = heat gained by water: 5×0.39×(150−T) = 10×4.2×(T−25). 1.95(150−T) = 42(T−25). 292.5 − 1.95T = 42T − 1050. 1342.5 = 43.95T. T ≈ 30.5°C.

7Latent heat of fusion of ice is 335 kJ/kg. How much heat is needed to convert 2.5 kg of ice at 0°C completely into water at 0°C?

A.134 kJ

B.335 kJ

C.670 kJ

D.837.5 kJ

Explanation: Q = m × h_fusion = 2.5 × 335 = 837.5 kJ. Phase change at constant temperature absorbs latent heat with no temperature rise until the solid is fully melted.

8A steel rod is 2.000 m long at 15°C. The linear expansivity α = 12 × 10⁻⁶ /K. What is its length at 115°C?

A.2.00024 m

B.2.00240 m

C.2.02400 m

D.2.24000 m

Explanation: ΔL = L α ΔT = 2.000 × 12×10⁻⁶ × (115−15) = 2 × 12×10⁻⁶ × 100 = 0.00240 m. Final length = 2.000 + 0.00240 = 2.00240 m.

9If the coefficient of linear expansion of a metal is 18 × 10⁻⁶ /K, the coefficient of volumetric (cubical) expansion is approximately:

A.18 × 10⁻⁶ /K

B.36 × 10⁻⁶ /K

C.54 × 10⁻⁶ /K

D.72 × 10⁻⁶ /K

Explanation: For isotropic solids, γ_vol ≈ 3α. So 3 × 18 × 10⁻⁶ = 54 × 10⁻⁶ /K. Superficial (area) expansion is about 2α.

10Three liquids of masses 2 kg, 3 kg and 5 kg at temperatures 40°C, 60°C and 20°C respectively, each with c = 2.0 kJ/kg·K, are mixed. Equilibrium temperature is:

A.34°C

B.36°C

C.40°C

D.42°C

Explanation: For equal specific heats, T = (Σ m t)/(Σ m) = (2×40 + 3×60 + 5×20)/(2+3+5) = (80+180+100)/10 = 36°C.

About the MCA Second Engineer Applied Heat Exam

The MCA Second Engineer Applied Heat examination is the SQA academic written module that tests thermodynamic understanding required for STCW III/2 Second Engineer / Management Engineer certification. The official GOV.UK syllabus covers pressure and temperature, heat transfer, the first law, gas laws and processes, ideal IC engine cycles and performance, air compressors, steam as a working fluid, nozzles and steam turbines, vapour-compression refrigeration, combustion, and boiler feed density/blowdown. The real assessment is a 3-hour written calculation paper with a 50% pass mark (MSN 1857), not multiple choice. This free bank is an English-language MCQ study adaptation of that syllabus for calculation fluency.

Assessment

IDENTITY NOTE (verified 2026-08-08): there is no longer a separate Second Engineer and Chief Engineer academic examination. From 1 January 2017 the two were combined into a single Management Level (STCW III/2) paper per subject (MSN 1857 (M+F)), and Qualifications Scotland — which replaced the SQA on 1 February 2026 — timetables only the 040 Management Engineer series for 2025/26 and 2026/27. This page covers Management Level paper 040-32 Applied Heat, which is sat once and counts towards both the Second Engineer and the Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency. Official: 3-hour written Applied Heat examination administered by SQA on behalf of the MCA (paper code series historically 042-22 / Management 040-32). Candidates work multi-part calculation questions using thermodynamic property tables (e.g. Mayhew & Rogers). Non-programmable calculators are typically permitted. This practice set converts assessable syllabus knowledge into four-option MCQs for study fluency.

Time Limit

3 hours (official written paper)

Passing Score

At least 50% in the Applied Heat academic examination (MSN 1857 requires at least 50% in each SQA Second Engineer / Management academic subject)

Exam Fee

SQA academic Applied Heat fee commonly about £140–£145 plus centre administration fees (varies by college and retake policy). Confirm current fees with your MCA-approved training centre. (Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) / Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA))

MCA Second Engineer Applied Heat Exam Content Outline

10%

Pressure, Temperature and Energy

Force-per-area pressure, atmosphere/gauge/vacuum, Celsius/kelvin, STP/NTP concepts, specific heat, sensible/latent heat, mixture temperatures and linear/volumetric expansion

Heat Transfer

Conduction rate through single and composite plane walls, natural vs forced convection, surface conductance coefficient, and radiation examples such as furnace heat to waterwalls

First Law and Systems

Internal energy and Joule’s law, closed vs open systems, Q = W + ΔU, steady-flow enthalpy form, power as energy rate, and h = u + pv

12%

Gas Laws and Processes

Boyle/Charles, pV = mRT, isothermal/adiabatic/polytropic laws, work as p–V area, ΔU = m cv ΔT, and R = cp − cv with γ = cp/cv

14%

Ideal Cycles and I.C. Engines

Otto and Diesel air-standard ideas, mep, indicated and brake power, mechanical/thermal efficiency, specific fuel consumption and heat energy balance

Air Compressors

Clearance and re-expansion, free air delivery, volumetric efficiency, isothermal efficiency concept and shaft power from mechanical efficiency

14%

Working Fluids and Steam

Wet/dry/superheated steam, dryness fraction, steam-table enthalpies/volumes, throttling calorimeter, hyperbolic vapour processes, boiler efficiency and equivalent evaporation

Nozzles and Steam Turbines

Nozzle KE from enthalpy drop, impulse vs 50% reaction (Parsons), blade velocity coefficient, velocity of whirl work and axial blade force

Refrigeration

Vapour-compression circuit and p–h states, refrigerating effect, COP, plant capacity, isenthalpic expansion and condenser subcooling benefits

10%

Combustion and Boiler Feed Density

Combustion equations, ~23% O₂ / 77% N₂ air by mass, stoichiometric and excess air, HCV vs LCV, ppm solids and continuous blowdown mass/heat loss

How to Pass the MCA Second Engineer Applied Heat Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: At least 50% in the Applied Heat academic examination (MSN 1857 requires at least 50% in each SQA Second Engineer / Management academic subject)
Assessment: IDENTITY NOTE (verified 2026-08-08): there is no longer a separate Second Engineer and Chief Engineer academic examination. From 1 January 2017 the two were combined into a single Management Level (STCW III/2) paper per subject (MSN 1857 (M+F)), and Qualifications Scotland — which replaced the SQA on 1 February 2026 — timetables only the 040 Management Engineer series for 2025/26 and 2026/27. This page covers Management Level paper 040-32 Applied Heat, which is sat once and counts towards both the Second Engineer and the Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency. Official: 3-hour written Applied Heat examination administered by SQA on behalf of the MCA (paper code series historically 042-22 / Management 040-32). Candidates work multi-part calculation questions using thermodynamic property tables (e.g. Mayhew & Rogers). Non-programmable calculators are typically permitted. This practice set converts assessable syllabus knowledge into four-option MCQs for study fluency.
Time limit: 3 hours (official written paper)
Exam fee: SQA academic Applied Heat fee commonly about £140–£145 plus centre administration fees (varies by college and retake policy). Confirm current fees with your MCA-approved training centre.

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

MCA Second Engineer Applied Heat Study Tips from Top Performers

1Drill absolute vs gauge/vacuum pressure and always convert temperatures to kelvin before gas-law work

2Memorise R = cp − cv and γ = cp/cv for air (≈ 0.287 kJ/kg·K and 1.4) and when to use cv vs cp

3Practise steam-table interpolations: h = hf + x hfg, u = uf + x ufg, v ≈ x vg, and throttling h1 = h2

4For engines, separate IP (from imep and power strokes) from BP (from torque); η_mech = BP/IP

5Convert fuel rates carefully for thermal efficiency and bsfc (kg/s vs kg/h vs kW)

6Compressor capacity: distinguish swept volume, free air delivery and volumetric efficiency with clearance re-expansion

7Refrigeration: COP = refrigerating effect / compressor work; expansion valve is isenthalpic

8Combustion: O₂ from equations, then air ≈ O₂/0.23; excess air = (actual − stoich)/stoich

9Blowdown solids balance: mf cf = mbd cb with mf = msteam + mbd

10Work timed multi-part written questions under exam conditions — the real paper is calculation-heavy, not multiple choice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MCA Second Engineer Applied Heat exam?

It is the SQA academic written examination in Applied Heat for Merchant Navy Second Engineer / Management Engineer STCW III/2 pathways. The official GOV.UK syllabus covers thermodynamics, heat transfer, steam, IC engines, compressors, refrigeration, combustion and boiler feed density calculations.

What is the official pass mark?

MSN 1857 requires a pass mark of at least 50% in each SQA Second Engineer / Management academic examination, including Applied Heat.

How long is the written paper?

Published SQA Applied Heat papers are 3-hour written examinations (for example sittings scheduled 1315–1615 hrs). Centres supply thermodynamic property tables.

Is the real exam multiple choice?

No. The official assessment is a worked written calculation paper (attempt six questions on published papers). These free practice items are an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of the same syllabus — not an official SQA paper simulation.

What topics does the syllabus cover?

Pressure, temperature and energy; heat transfer; first-law systems; gas laws and processes; ideal cycles and IC engine performance; air compressors; steam/working fluids; nozzles and steam turbines; vapour-compression refrigeration; combustion; and boiler feed densities/blowdown (GOV.UK Second Engineer Applied Heat syllabus).

How much does the exam cost?

SQA academic Applied Heat fees are commonly about £140–£145, with additional approved-centre administration charges that vary. Confirm current SQA and centre fees before booking.

Who administers the exam?

Written papers are administered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) at approved examination centres.

What tables or equipment are used?

Centres supply thermodynamic and transport property tables (commonly Mayhew & Rogers). Non-programmable calculators are typically allowed; all working must be shown on the official paper.