Applied Science Questions
Key Takeaways
General Science (GS): 16 questions, 8 minutes—quick recall of biology, chemistry, and physics facts.
Electronics Information (EI): 16 questions, 8 minutes—Ohm's Law calculations and component identification.
Mechanical Comprehension (MC): 16 questions, 20 minutes—problem-solving with machines and physics.
Read questions carefully; many wrong answers are based on common misconceptions.
Practice with diagrams—many MC and EI questions include visual elements.
Quick Answer: The three Science & Technical subtests have different time pressures: GS and EI give you 30 seconds per question (fast recall), while MC gives you 75 seconds (problem-solving). Know the common question types and practice with visual diagrams.
Subtest Comparison
| Subtest | Questions | Time | Seconds/Question | Question Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Science (GS) | 16 | 8 min | 30 sec | Factual recall |
| Electronics Information (EI) | 16 | 8 min | 30 sec | Calculations + identification |
| Mechanical Comprehension (MC) | 16 | 20 min | 75 sec | Problem-solving + reasoning |
General Science (GS) Question Types
Life Science Questions (≈50%)
Common topics tested:
- Cell structure and function
- Human body systems
- Ecology and food chains
- Genetics and heredity
- Classification of organisms
Example question types:
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Definition | "Which organelle produces ATP?" |
| Classification | "Which is a mammal characteristic?" |
| Process | "What happens during photosynthesis?" |
| Relationship | "What is the relationship between predator and prey?" |
Physical Science Questions (≈50%)
Common topics tested:
- Atomic structure and periodic table
- States of matter
- Chemical reactions
- Force and motion
- Energy transformations
Example question types:
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Identification | "Which particle has a positive charge?" |
| Calculation | "What is the mass number of an element with 6 protons and 7 neutrons?" |
| Concept | "What happens when water freezes?" |
| Application | "Which type of reaction releases heat?" |
GS Test-Taking Tips
- Speed is critical - 30 seconds per question means quick recall
- Don't overthink - Change an answer only for a clear reason
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers - Narrow to 2 choices
- Review basic facts - Memorize key terms and definitions
- Know your prefixes - "bio-" means life, "geo-" means earth, etc.
Electronics Information (EI) Question Types
Calculation Questions (≈40%)
Most calculation questions use Ohm's Law or power formulas.
Common calculations:
| Formula | What You Might Solve For |
|---|---|
| V = IR | Voltage, current, or resistance |
| P = VI | Power consumption |
| Series: R_total = R₁ + R₂ + R₃ | Total resistance |
| Parallel: 1/R_total = 1/R₁ + 1/R₂ | Total resistance |
Example: "A circuit has 120V and draws 2A. What is the resistance?"
- Answer: R = V/I = 120/2 = 60Ω
Component Identification (≈30%)
Know these components:
| Component | Function | Symbol Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Resistor | Limits current | Zigzag line |
| Capacitor | Stores charge | Two parallel lines |
| Diode | One-way current | Triangle with bar |
| Transistor | Amplify/switch | Three leads |
| Fuse | Overcurrent protection | Small box/link |
Concept Questions (≈30%)
Common concepts:
- AC vs. DC differences
- Series vs. parallel behavior
- Conductor vs. insulator properties
- Grounding and safety
- Current flow direction
EI Test-Taking Tips
- Memorize Ohm's Law triangle - Cover the variable you need
- Know component symbols - Practice identifying schematic symbols
- Remember series vs. parallel rules - They're opposite
- AC is for outlets, DC is for batteries
- Current flows from + to - (conventional flow)
Mechanical Comprehension (MC) Question Types
Machine/Device Questions (≈40%)
Common scenarios:
| Topic | What to Analyze |
|---|---|
| Levers | Class type, MA calculation |
| Pulleys | Count supporting ropes for MA |
| Gears | Direction of rotation, speed vs. torque |
| Inclined planes | Force reduction vs. distance increase |
Example: "Which pulley system requires the least effort to lift a 100 lb weight?"
- Look for the system with the most supporting rope sections
Physics Application Questions (≈35%)
Common applications:
| Concept | Common Question Type |
|---|---|
| Force & motion | Predicting movement direction |
| Work & power | Calculating energy or rate |
| Pressure | Hydraulic systems, area relationships |
| Buoyancy | Will it float or sink? |
Visual/Diagram Questions (≈25%)
MC heavily uses diagrams. Practice analyzing:
- Lever diagrams (identify class, find MA)
- Gear arrangements (direction of rotation)
- Pulley systems (count rope sections)
- Force vectors (direction and magnitude)
MC Test-Taking Tips
- Use your time - 75 seconds is more than other subtests
- Draw diagrams - Use scratch paper to visualize
- Label everything - Mark forces, directions, measurements
- Check your units - Make sure calculations make sense
- Think about trade-offs - More force = less distance, and vice versa
Common Mistakes to Avoid
GS Mistakes
| Mistake | Example |
|---|---|
| Confusing mitosis/meiosis | Mitosis = 2 identical cells; meiosis = 4 gametes |
| Mixing up protons/electrons | Protons = positive; electrons = negative |
| Forgetting energy conservation | Energy transforms, never created or destroyed |
EI Mistakes
| Mistake | Example |
|---|---|
| Wrong Ohm's Law formula | Practice V=IR, I=V/R, R=V/I |
| Confusing series/parallel | Series adds R; parallel uses reciprocal |
| Ignoring units | Keep track of Ω, V, A, W |
MC Mistakes
| Mistake | Example |
|---|---|
| Wrong gear direction | Meshing gears go opposite; belted pulleys go same |
| Forgetting trade-offs | More MA = more distance traveled |
| Not reading diagrams carefully | Count ALL supporting ropes in pulley systems |
Practice Strategy
GS Practice
- Use flashcards for terminology
- Review diagrams of body systems
- Practice periodic table questions
EI Practice
- Solve many Ohm's Law problems
- Study circuit diagrams
- Learn component symbols
MC Practice
- Work through lever and pulley problems
- Practice gear ratio calculations
- Analyze diagrams from multiple angles
Score Impact
These subtests contribute to important line scores:
| Line Score | Subtests Used |
|---|---|
| EL (Electronics) | GS + AR + MK + EI |
| GT (General Technical) | VE + AR |
| MM (Mechanical Maintenance) | AS + MC + EI |
| ST (Skilled Technical) | GS + VE + MK + MC |
High scores in GS, EI, and MC open doors to technical military jobs in electronics, mechanics, aviation, and engineering fields.
A circuit contains a 9V battery and three resistors in series: 3Ω, 6Ω, and 9Ω. What is the current flowing through the circuit?
0.5 A
1 A
2 A
3 A
Two gears are meshed together. Gear A has 20 teeth and Gear B has 40 teeth. If Gear A rotates clockwise, which direction does Gear B rotate?
Clockwise at the same speed
Clockwise at half the speed
Counterclockwise at half the speed
Counterclockwise at double the speed
Which statement about photosynthesis is correct?
It occurs in the mitochondria and produces carbon dioxide
It converts glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water
It occurs in chloroplasts and produces glucose and oxygen
It occurs in all living cells including animal cells
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.