100+ Free MCA Second Engineer Applied Mechanics Practice Questions

Prepare for the MCA Second Engineer — Applied Mechanics (SQA Written Academic Examination) exam with instant access — no signup required.

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MCA Management Level (III/2) Naval Architecture (040-34) — Second/Chief Engineer

Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: MCA Second Engineer Applied Mechanics Exam

≥50%

Pass Mark (each academic paper)

MSN 1857 Second Engineer academic examinations

3 hours

Typical Academic Written Duration

SQA HNC/HND Marine Engineering guidance on MCA academic papers

~£145

Typical SQA Academic Paper Fee

Solent University SQA management engine diet schedule 2025/26 (confirm current fee)

8 syllabus sections

Official GOV.UK Topic Map

Applied Mechanics Written Examination Syllabus

STCW III/2

Second Engineer Unlimited Pathway

MSN 1857

MCQ study adaptation

This Free Practice Bank

OpenExamPrep study aid (not official paper)

Free 100-question English MCQ study bank for the MCA/SQA Second Engineer Applied Mechanics academic paper (STCW III/2, MSN 1857). Official exam: multi-hour written calculations, ≥50% pass, academic fee typically ~£145 plus centre admin. Covers statics, friction, kinematics, dynamics, machines, strength of materials, hydrostatics and hydrodynamics. Not an official paper simulation.

Sample MCA Second Engineer Applied Mechanics Practice Questions

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

1Two coplanar forces of 120 N and 90 N act at right angles to each other at a point. What is the magnitude of their resultant?

A.90 N

B.105 N

C.210 N

D.150 N

Explanation: By Pythagoras, R = √(120² + 90²) = √(14400 + 8100) = √22500 = 150 N. For two forces at right angles the resultant is the hypotenuse of the force triangle.

2Three concurrent coplanar forces are in equilibrium. Two of them are 40 N due east and 30 N due north. What must the third force (the equilibrant) be?

A.70 N west

B.50 N at arctan(3/4) north of east

C.10 N south

D.50 N at arctan(3/4) south of west

Explanation: The resultant of 40 N east and 30 N north is R = √(40²+30²) = 50 N at arctan(3/4) north of east. The equilibrant is equal and opposite: 50 N at arctan(3/4) south of west.

3A force of 250 N acts perpendicular to a lever arm of 0.80 m. What is the moment of the force about the fulcrum?

A.0.0032 N·m

B.200 N·m

C.250 N·m

D.312.5 N·m

Explanation: Moment = force × perpendicular distance = 250 × 0.80 = 200 N·m. When the force is perpendicular to the arm, no further resolution is required.

4A simply supported beam AB is 6.0 m long and carries a concentrated load of 12 kN at 2.0 m from A. Neglecting self-weight, what are the support reactions at A and B?

A.RA = 4.0 kN, RB = 8.0 kN

B.RA = 6.0 kN, RB = 6.0 kN

C.RA = 8.0 kN, RB = 4.0 kN

D.RA = 12.0 kN, RB = 0

Explanation: Take moments about A: RB × 6 = 12 × 2 ⇒ RB = 4 kN. Vertical equilibrium: RA + RB = 12 ⇒ RA = 8 kN. The reaction nearer the load is larger.

5A force of 80 N acts at 30° to the horizontal. What are its horizontal and vertical components (to 1 decimal place)?

A.Hx = 80.0 N, Vy = 30.0 N

B.Hx = 69.3 N, Vy = 40.0 N

C.Hx = 40.0 N, Vy = 69.3 N

D.Hx = 69.3 N, Vy = 69.3 N

Explanation: Hx = 80 cos 30° = 80 × (√3/2) ≈ 69.3 N. Vy = 80 sin 30° = 40.0 N. Cosine multiplies the adjacent (horizontal) component when the angle is measured from the horizontal.

6A 100 N load is suspended symmetrically by two strings, each making 30° with the vertical. What is the tension in each string (nearest newton)?

A.58 N

B.50 N

C.100 N

D.200 N

Explanation: Vertical equilibrium: 2 T cos 30° = 100 ⇒ T = 100/√3 ≈ 57.7 N ≈ 58 N. The horizontal components cancel by symmetry.

7An isosceles pin-jointed triangular frame has base 4.0 m and apex height 3.0 m above the base. A vertical load of 15 kN acts at the apex. What is the compressive force in each rafter (nearest 0.1 kN)?

A.9.0 kN

B.7.5 kN

C.15.0 kN

D.12.5 kN

Explanation: Rafter length L = √(2²+3²) = √13 m. Vertical equilibrium: 2 F (3/L) = 15 ⇒ F = 15√13 / 6 ≈ 9.01 kN (compression — struts).

8An L-section has a bottom flange 80 mm wide × 20 mm thick and a vertical stem 20 mm thick × 80 mm high standing on the flange (overall height 100 mm). Taking the outer bottom-left corner as origin, how far above the base is the centroid?

A.40 mm

B.35 mm

C.25 mm

D.50 mm

Explanation: A_flange = 80 × 20 = 1600 mm² at ȳ = 10 mm. A_stem = 20 × 80 = 1600 mm² at ȳ = 60 mm. ȳ = (1600×10 + 1600×60)/3200 = 35 mm above the base.

9A solid cylinder of radius 100 mm and height 300 mm stands on its flat base. A solid hemisphere of the same radius is fixed on the top flat face of the cylinder (curved part uppermost). Taking uniform density, how far is the centre of gravity of the combined solid above the base (nearest mm)? Use 3r/8 for the hemisphere CG from its flat face.

A.225 mm

B.150 mm

C.300 mm

D.184 mm

Explanation: Volumes: V_cyl = πr²h = 0.003π m³; V_hem = (2/3)πr³ ≈ 0.000667π m³. ȳ_cyl = 150 mm; ȳ_hem = 300 + 3r/8 = 337.5 mm. ȳ = (V_cyl·150 + V_hem·337.5)/(V_cyl+V_hem) ≈ 184 mm.

10The centroid of a semicircular lamina of radius 70 mm measured from the diameter is given by 4R/(3π). What is that distance (nearest mm)?

A.35 mm

B.23 mm

C.30 mm

D.70 mm

Explanation: ȳ = 4R/(3π) = 280/(3π) ≈ 29.7 mm ≈ 30 mm from the diameter toward the curved edge. This standard result is supplied in the syllabus for semicircles.

About the MCA Second Engineer Applied Mechanics Exam

The MCA Second Engineer Applied Mechanics examination is the SQA academic written paper that tests the statics, friction, kinematics, dynamics, machines, strength of materials, hydrostatics and hydrodynamics knowledge required for the Second Engineer Unlimited STCW III/2 Certificate of Competency pathway under MSN 1857. The official assessment is a calculation-heavy written paper (not multiple choice) with a minimum pass mark of 50%. The GOV.UK syllabus covers force systems and frameworks, friction on planes, linear/angular motion and projectiles, Newton’s laws and energy/power, lifting machines and gears, stress/strain/torsion/beams/thin cylinders, buoyancy and hydrostatic force, and orifice flow. This free bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of that written syllabus — not an official SQA paper.

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 040-31 Applied Mechanics, which is sat once and counts towards both the Second Engineer and the Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency. Official: SQA written academic examination in Applied Mechanics for the Second Engineer III/2 pathway (MSN 1857). Typical academic diet structure is a multi-hour calculation paper; SQA HNC/HND Marine Engineering guidance describes separate three-hour examinations for mathematics, applied mechanics, applied heat, engineering drawing, electrotechnology and naval architecture. This practice set converts that assessable knowledge into four-option MCQs for study fluency.

Time Limit

3 hours (official SQA/MCA Second Engineer academic written paper)

Passing Score

At least 50% in each SQA Second Engineer academic examination, including Applied Mechanics (MSN 1857)

Exam Fee

SQA academic paper fee is typically around £145 at management/Second Engineer level (e.g. Solent University 2025/26 SQA management engine diet schedule lists £145 academic); centres may charge additional admin fees — confirm current SQA and centre fee before booking (Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) / Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA))

MCA Second Engineer Applied Mechanics Exam Content Outline

14%

Statics

Vector addition of forces, resultants and equilibrants, moments and equilibrium of coplanar systems, pin-jointed frames, struts and ties, centres of gravity and centroids including negative areas

10%

Friction

Dry friction laws, friction angle, static and dynamic friction, bodies on horizontal and inclined planes under normal or inclined pulls, angle of repose

12%

Kinematics

Linear and angular equations of motion, velocity–time graphs, projectiles without air resistance, relative velocity and closest approach

16%

Dynamics

F = ma, momentum, tractive effort/resistance with friction, PE/KE and power, spring work diagrams, torque and rotary power, centripetal force, balancing of rotating masses, conical pendulum

12%

Machines

Mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency, VR of common lifting machines, gear speed/torque ratios, law of a machine, flat belt tensions and power

20%

Strength of Materials

Direct/shear stress and strain, E, tensile test, factor of safety, thermal stress, thin-cylinder hoop and longitudinal stress, rotating-rim hoop stress, SF and BM, bending equation, torsion equation, coupling bolt shear

10%

Hydrostatics

Archimedes buoyancy, pressure p = ρgh, manometers, resultant hydrostatic force and centre of pressure on vertical immersed rectangles and triangles

Hydrodynamics

Continuity of volume and mass flow, parallel pipes, orifice coefficients Cd, Cv, Cc and jet range under constant head

How to Pass the MCA Second Engineer Applied Mechanics Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: At least 50% in each SQA Second Engineer academic examination, including Applied Mechanics (MSN 1857)
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 040-31 Applied Mechanics, which is sat once and counts towards both the Second Engineer and the Chief Engineer Certificate of Competency. Official: SQA written academic examination in Applied Mechanics for the Second Engineer III/2 pathway (MSN 1857). Typical academic diet structure is a multi-hour calculation paper; SQA HNC/HND Marine Engineering guidance describes separate three-hour examinations for mathematics, applied mechanics, applied heat, engineering drawing, electrotechnology and naval architecture. This practice set converts that assessable knowledge into four-option MCQs for study fluency.
Time limit: 3 hours (official SQA/MCA Second Engineer academic written paper)
Exam fee: SQA academic paper fee is typically around £145 at management/Second Engineer level (e.g. Solent University 2025/26 SQA management engine diet schedule lists £145 academic); centres may charge additional admin fees — confirm current SQA and centre fee before booking

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 Mechanics Study Tips from Top Performers

1Practise force resolution and moments every session — concurrent systems, resultants, and non-concurrent equilibrium appear constantly on written papers

2Memorise the four linear equations of motion and their angular equivalents; convert between linear and angular quantities with s = rθ, v = rω, a = rα

3For friction on inclines, always resolve weight into N = W cos θ and parallel W sin θ before applying F = μN

4Drill MA = Load/Effort, VR = distance-moved-by-effort / distance-moved-by-load, and η = MA/VR until automatic for every machine type

5Write stress–strain–E triangles and torsion/bending equations (T/J = τ/r = Gθ/L and M/I = σ/y = E/R) on scrap paper at the start of every practice set

6For thin cylinders, remember hoop stress = pd/(2t) and longitudinal stress = pd/(4t) under standard thin-wall assumptions

7Sketch SF and BM diagrams for every beam problem before calculating numbers — signs and points of contraflexure cost easy marks

8Work timed multi-part calculation questions under exam conditions — the real paper is written and calculation-heavy, not multiple choice

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MCA Second Engineer Applied Mechanics exam?

It is the SQA academic written examination in Applied Mechanics required on the MCA Second Engineer Unlimited STCW III/2 pathway under MSN 1857. The official GOV.UK syllabus covers statics, friction, kinematics, dynamics, machines, strength of materials, hydrostatics and hydrodynamics.

What is the official pass mark?

MSN 1857 requires a pass mark of at least 50% in all SQA Second Engineer academic examinations at this level, including Applied Mechanics.

How long is the written paper?

SQA/MCA Second Engineer academic subjects are examined as separate multi-hour written papers. SQA HNC/HND Marine Engineering documentation describes candidates who have not completed an approved HNC as sitting separate three-hour examinations in mathematics, applied mechanics, applied heat, engineering drawing, electrotechnology and naval architecture. Confirm the sitting duration for your diet with the approved centre.

Is the real exam multiple choice?

No. The official assessment is a calculation-heavy written paper. These free practice items are an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of the same syllabus topics — not an official SQA paper simulation.

What topics does the syllabus cover?

Statics (forces, moments, frameworks, CG/centroids); friction on horizontal and inclined planes; linear/angular kinematics, projectiles and relative velocity; dynamics (Newton’s laws, energy/power, torque, centripetal effects, balancing, conical pendulum); machines (MA/VR/efficiency, gears, belts); strength of materials (stress/strain, thermal stress, thin cylinders, rotating rims, beams, torsion); hydrostatics (Archimedes, pressure, immersed surfaces); and hydrodynamics (continuity and orifice flow).

How much does the exam cost?

SQA academic paper fees are set for each diet; management/Second Engineer academic papers have been listed around £145 (for example on Solent’s 2025/26 SQA management engine schedule), with additional college admin fees for external or repeat candidates. Confirm the current SQA and centre fee before booking.

Who administers the exam?

Written papers are SQA examinations for the MCA Second Engineer certification pathway under MSN 1857, taken at MCA-approved centres on published diets.

Is this bank an official SQA paper?

No. OpenExamPrep provides free English MCQ study questions mapped to the official Applied Mechanics syllabus. They are a study aid for calculation fluency, not an official SQA or MCA examination simulation.