Free UK CAA Part-66 Module 2 Physics (B1.1) Practice Questions

Sample Practice Questions

Try these 10 sample questions from the UK CAA Part-66 Module 2 Physics (B1.1) practice bank. Each includes the answer and explanation. Continue with the interactive practice above to review the full question set.

1. 1What distinguishes a chemical element from a compound?

   1. A.It cannot be reduced to a simpler substance by chemical means.Correct answer: A
   2. B.It contains two or more chemically combined elements.
   3. C.It consists of separate substances mixed physically.
   4. D.It changes its elemental identity when it melts.

   Explanation: The FAA handbook states: "An element is a substance that cannot be reduced to a simpler form by chemical means.". Chemical reduction distinguishes an element from compounds and physical mixtures; melting changes state rather than element.

   Reference: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook—General — Chapter 12, p. 12-1, Element

2. 2A tie rod is being pulled axially at both ends. Which stress is primarily produced?

   1. A.TensionCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Compression
   3. C.Torsion
   4. D.Shear

   Explanation: The handbook states: "Tension is a force that tries to pull an object apart.". Pulling apart is tension; compression crushes, torsion twists and shear cuts across.

   Reference: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook—General — Chapter 5, p. 5-12

3. 3On the Fahrenheit temperature scale, what value corresponds to 25 °C?

   1. A.45 °F
   2. B.57 °F
   3. C.77 °FCorrect answer: C
   4. D.102.6 °F

   Explanation: The handbook states: "Degrees Fahrenheit = (1.8 × Degrees Celsius) + 32". F = 1.8 × 25 + 32 = 77 °F. Omitting the offset gives 45, adding 32 without scaling gives 57, and scaling after adding 32 gives 102.6.

   Reference: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook — Chapter 5, p. 5-21

4. 4How is visible light classified in terms of the physical nature of its waves?

   1. A.A longitudinal mechanical pressure wave
   2. B.Electromagnetic radiationCorrect answer: B
   3. C.A transverse mechanical wave in material particles
   4. D.A flow of electrically charged matter

   Explanation: The source states: "The common term for electromagnetic radiation, usually referring to that portion visible to the human eye.". Light is electromagnetic radiation; it is not a mechanical pressure wave and does not require a material medium.

   Reference: NASA: light — light

5. 5In a longitudinal sound wave in air, how do air particles vibrate?

   1. A.Parallel to the direction of propagationCorrect answer: A
   2. B.Perpendicular to the direction of propagation
   3. C.In a steady flow from source to listener
   4. D.In circles around the source

   Explanation: The handbook states: "the particles of the medium vibrate back and forth longitudinally in the direction of propagation.". Particles oscillate parallel to propagation; transverse motion and net transport of the air are different phenomena.

   Reference: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook—General — Chapter 5, p. 5-30

6. 6Which description correctly defines a chemical compound in basic chemistry?

   1. A.A physical mixture of different-sized particles.
   2. B.A chemical combination of two or more elements.Correct answer: B
   3. C.A sample containing only one type of atom.
   4. D.A single subatomic particle with no charge.

   Explanation: The FAA handbook states: "A compound is a chemical combination of two or more elements.". Chemical bonding of different elements defines a compound; a mixture, element or subatomic particle does not meet that definition.

   Reference: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook—General — Chapter 12, p. 12-1, Compound

7. 7A strut supports an axial load that tends to shorten it. Which stress is dominant?

   1. A.Twisting torsional stress
   2. B.Axial compressive stressCorrect answer: B
   3. C.Transverse shearing stress
   4. D.Axial tensile stress

   Explanation: The handbook states: "Compression is a force that tries to crush an object.". Axial shortening under a crushing load is compression. Twisting, sliding across a section and pulling apart describe other stresses.

   Reference: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook—General — Chapter 5, p. 5-13

8. 8Using the handbook's rounded 273 offset, what absolute temperature corresponds to −20 °C?

   1. A.253 KCorrect answer: A
   2. B.293 K
   3. C.273 K
   4. D.20 K

   Explanation: The handbook states: "Degrees Kelvin = Degrees Celsius + 273". Using its rounded offset, K ≈ −20 + 273 = 253 K. 293 K uses +20 °C, 273 K uses 0 °C, and 20 K mistakes the Celsius magnitude for an absolute reading.

   Reference: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook — Chapter 5, p. 5-21

9. 9What is the approximate speed of light in a vacuum?

   1. A.300,000 m/s
   2. B.3,000,000 m/s
   3. C.300,000,000 m/sCorrect answer: C
   4. D.30,000,000,000 m/s

   Explanation: The source states: "it is defined as 299 792 458 m/s". 299,792,458 m/s rounds to 3 × 10⁸ m/s. The other options are errors of powers of ten.

   Reference: NASA: speed of light (in vacuum) — speed of light (in vacuum)

10. 10Which distance represents one wavelength of a sinusoidal wave?

    1. A.A crest to the nearest trough
    2. B.A crest to the next crestCorrect answer: B
    3. C.The source to any detector
    4. D.The equilibrium position to a crest

    Explanation: The handbook states: "The wavelength is the distance from the crest of one wave to the crest of the next.". Successive crests are one wavelength apart. Crest-to-trough is half a wavelength, and equilibrium-to-crest is amplitude.

    Reference: FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook—General — Chapter 5, p. 5-30